5 foods that look like the body parts they support

Maybe it’s a strange coincidence, but some foods actually look like the part of your body that they help.

For example, walnuts, which look like a tiny brain, are good for your brain health.

“There are some foods that look a lot like the organ they support,” said Kelsey Slaughter, MS, RD, a dietitian with Endeavor Health. “There are also foods that seem healthier than they are, often because of claims made by ‘health’ influencers online or marketing tactics used in the food industry that can be misleading."
 

It’s important to analyze the ingredients in food to make a final determination on whether it’s good for you.

Check out this list of healthy foods that mimic our body parts:

1. Walnuts – Brain: The wrinkles and folds of a walnut resemble the human brain. Walnuts are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for brain health.
2. Celery – Bones: Celery stalks look like bones, and they are a good source of silicon and vitamin K, which contributes to bone strength.
3. Tomatoes – Heart: A tomato has multiple chambers and is red, much like the heart. Tomatoes are a good source of lycopene, which is linked to heart health.
4. Ginger – Stomach: Ginger resembles the stomach and can aid in digestion. It contains gingerol, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that have been shown to help relieve nausea and other digestive issues.
5. Sweet potatoes – Pancreas: The pancreas is part of our digestive system and produces enzymes that break down food. Sweet potatoes make the pancreas’ job easier by releasing sugars gradually into our blood stream.

Beware of “health halo” foods

Some foods appear healthier due to packaging, buzz words, and marketing tactics. It is important to read the food label and look for sodium, saturated fat, and added sugar. Educate yourself on foods that might seem healthy but aren’t all they’re cracked up to be.

Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is often marketed as a source of healthy fat that provides a multitude of health benefits. However, coconut oil is very high in saturated fat, which is linked to negative heart health. The American Heart Association recommends eating no more than 13 grams of saturated fat per day for a 2,000 calorie diet.

Pink Himalayan salt: Pink Himalayan salt has gained popularity over the years due to claims of it being a “healthy” alternative to iodized salt. However, pink Himalayan salt still contains sodium, which, consumed in excess, can have negative health effects.

Gluten Free: Gluten is a naturally occurring protein found in grains including wheat, barley and rye that helps foods maintain their structure. Gluten-free foods are necessary for individuals with Celiac Disease, an autoimmune disorder that is triggered by ingesting gluten. But the absence of gluten does not make any product inherently healthier. Some products may still be high in sodium, added sugar, and saturated fat.

Flavored yogurt: While yogurt contains healthful nutrients such as calcium, protein, and other vitamins, some variations of flavored yogurt can be very high in added sugar. Be sure to read the nutrition label and choose yogurt with less than 8 grams of total sugar per serving.