God's Pharmacy
I noticed several people share the info entitled "God's Pharmacy" and reference the amazing connections between the looks of certain fruits and veggies to our natural health. While I have no doubt that God designed us to benefit from the food He created for us, I wanted to fact check the claims. This post provides references, thoughts, and observations about God's pharmacy.
Introduction
Photocredit: FreeImages.com/Victor Machado |
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Facts & Claims
Photocredit: FreeImages.com/Pat Herman |
Avocado, Eggplant, and Pears
Claim
"Eggplant, Avocadoes[sic] and Pears target the health and function of the womb and cervix of the female - they look just like these organs. Today's research shows that when a woman eats 1 avocado a week, it balances hormones, sheds unwanted birth weight and prevents cervical cancers. And how profound is this? ... It takes exactly 9 months to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit. There are over 14,000 photolytic chemical constituents of nutrition in each one of these foods (modern science has only studied and named about 141 of them)"Facts
Guatemalan Avocados take 15 to 18 months from blossom to fruit, which is almost double the human gestation process. West Indian Avocados, however, take 8 months from blossom to fruit. If the original author was including the time from bud to bloom in the equation, perhaps this is a nine month process. Mexican Avocados also take 8 month from blossom to fruit.[18] It is very possible that it takes a month from bud to blossom, which combined with the eight months from blossom to fruit to total approximately nine months, just as the human gestation. Shaped like a womb, with a seed inside that resembles a baby in the womb, Avocados have been thought to be good for fertility since the ancient times. Contrarily the name avocado actually come from the Aztec word for testicle. Avocados are high in folic acid, which is a necessary supplement for women who are trying to conceive. They provide 60% more potassium than bananas, vitamins B, C, and E, as well as monounsaturated fats.[19][24] This helps with balancing hormones which also aids in fertility. One site suggests eating an avocado three times a week to help with fertility.[19] Pears are also high in folic acid.[20] Australia's better health page lists benefits of the Avocado, including vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B6, vitamin K, and Manganese. It does not list fertility or reproductive health benefits, though it lists eggplant as a good source of fiber, energy, antioxidants, and Vitamin B6[21] Livestrong lists vitamin C, folic acid, and zinc as necessary for reproductive health.[22] Health Guidance also lists folic acid and zinc, with vitamin B replacing vitamin C, as necessary for reproductive health.[23] The California Avocado Commission confirms avocados as beneficial for a healthy pregnancy.[27]Top
Photocredit: FreeImages.com/Barbara Saul (carrots) and Fredrik S (eye) |
Carrots
Claim
"A sliced Carrot looks like the human eye The pupil, iris and radiating lines look just like the human eye...and YES science now shows that carrots greatly enhance blood flow to and function of the eyes."Facts
Rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A, carrots provide nutrients that are utilized by our eyes and help with general eye health.[1][3] Scientific American suggests that under the right conditions carrots actually can improve eyesight. They estimate that vitamin A deficiency causes blindness in approximately 250,000 to 500,000 children each year. The process of converting beta carotene to vitamin A only works if enough vitamin A is not already present in the body, so carrots are more beneficial for those in developing countries where beta carotene is the sole source of vitamin A in the population.[2]Top
Photocredit: FreeImages.com/Snack Admiral(celery) and Henrik Pelsen(rhubarb) |
Celery, Bok Choy, and Rhubarb
Claim
"Celery, Bok Choy, Rhubarb and more look just like bones. These foods specifically target bone strength. Bones are 23% sodium and these foods are 23% sodium. If you don't have enough sodium in your diet the body pulls it from the bones, making them weak. These foods replenish the skeletal needs of the body"Facts
Bok Choy provides better bone health through both calcium and vitamin K1. A single cup of Bok Choy can provide you with 26% of your vitamin K1 needs. In addition, the Harvard School of Public Health states that Bok Choy is a better source of calcium than dairy products. Other minerals from Bok Choy that improve bone health include phosphorous and magnesium.[12] Rhubarb aids your health in many ways, including the stimulation of bone growth. Like Bok Choy, Rhubarb is rich in vitamin K and calcium.[13] Celery can provide you with 33% of your daily dose of vitamin K and has also been found to be beneficial to bone health.[15][16] No mention of of sodium has been found and this portion of the claim is likely untrue or possibly a typo; all three foods and bones are relatively high in calcium. NOTE: Celery can be harmful for pregnant women[17]Top
Photocredit: FreeImages.com/Linda Pannekoek |
Figs
Claim
"Figs are full of seeds and hang in twos when growing. Figs increase the mobility of male sperm and increase the amount of sperm as well as overcome male sterility."Facts
While figs do grow in pairs, they also can develop individually. Though figs do not always grow in pairs, when organs that normal come in pairs are unhealthy or cancerous, one may be removed. It is possible the sporadic single fig is a reminder of what can happen. I am more apt to believe that like the carrot, this connection between resemblance and health benefit occurs when the fruit is sliced. Figs are rich in calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and iron.[30] As I researched the benefits of the addition of the nutrients provided by figs I came across the several health benefits. Once such benefit is the possible reduction of postmenopausal breast cancer due to it high fiber content.[31] Just as a sliced fig will reveal tons of seeds, which the original author links to sperm, a sliced fig also resembles a mammary gland. Figs are also said to be good for weight loss, lowering insulin in diabetics, and eye health.[31] Figs have also been found to improve sexual dysfunction.[32][33] Overall, it seems that the "major" benefit of figs is weight loss, though the numerous minerals they provide enable a myriad of other health benefits.[34][35]Top
Photocredit: FreeImages.com/Shroomgirl |
Grapes
Claim
"Grapes hang in a cluster that has the shape of the heart. Each grape looks like a blood cell and all of the research today shows that grapes are also profound heart and blood vitalizing food."Facts
I've always thought of grape clusters as triangular, some of the comments I've seen as I research this list show that some people thought it was laughable to associate the shape of the cluster with the heart (they were essentially just bashing the list all together). While I never made that connection before reading this list, I can see how a cluster of grapes may resemble the shape of a human heart.Grapes have polyphenols in them, and these specific polyphenols have been proven to reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering blood pressure, preventing blood clots, improving the function of blood vessels, and more. In addition to aiding blood vessels and the heart, grapes are a great source for vitamin B6, thiamin, potassium, and vitamin C. Grapes also contain antioxidants which help prevent (or slow the progression of) cancer.[36][37] Grapes have also been shown to aid with eye health, cure migraines, aid with constipation, lower blood cholesterol levels, and delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease.[39] Grapes also reduce your risk of stroke.[40] Grapes have many benefits and are in fact good for your heart.
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Photocredit: FreeImages.com/tonypowell |
Kidney Beans
Claim
"Kidney beans actually heal and help maintain kidney function. And yes they look like the human kidney."Facts
If your kidneys are healthy, kidney beans play a role in kidney health, but if your kidneys are damaged, you need to limit your kidney bean intake. Kidney beans are high in fiber, and low in fat, sodium, sugar, and cholesterol. This makes them good for stabilizing blood sugar, enhancing cardiovascular health, and reduce blood pressure. These traits indirectly aid in kidney health. In addition, kidney beans are rich in potassium and magnesium which reduces the risk of developing kidney stones.[10] Kidney beans are listed as #4 on Global Health's 7 Best Foods for Kidneys.[11]Top
Photocredit: FreeImages.com/Dragan Sasic |
Olives
Claim
"Olives assist the health and function of ovaries."Facts
Livestrong reminds us that the American Institute for Cancer Research has not found a conclusive link between a specific food and ovarian cancer, however obesity is a main factor for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). They suggest foods that are low in energy density and have a low glycemic index.[41] SF Gate's Healthy Eating suggests foods that are rich in vitamin A and selenium to aid in ovarian health.[42] Neither site mentions olives specifically, so I did some more digging on what nutrients olives provide, and what benefits are generally attributed to olives. Olives have monounsaturated fats which are though to help encourage weight loss in the body; maintaining a healthy weigh reduces the risk for PCOS, so indirectly, olives would be good for PCOS prevention. Olives also act as a natural ibuprofen and can reduce pain.[43] Upon seeing my OB/GYN about severe cramps, the recommendation was to take 1000mg of ibuprofen, perhaps an increase of olives in my diet would reduce the severity of cramps! The main antioxidant in olives is vitamin E, but small amounts of selenium are present as well.[44] Health 24 suggests that olives enhance fertility and protect against anemia (which is common amongst women due to excessive blood loss).[45]Olives do not seem to be directly linked to ovarian health, as few sites specifically mention this. However, there are many indirect links that suggest olives could be especially good for women with relationship to their reproductive system: the ibuprofen-like benefits, prevention of anemia, enhancement of fertility, and weight reduction to discourage PCOS.
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Photocredit: FreeImages.com/Davide Guglielmo |
Oranges
Claim
"Oranges, grapefruits, and other citrus fruits look just like the mammary glands of the female and actually assist the health of the breasts and the movement of lymph in and out of the breasts."Facts
Oranges are known for their high vitamin C content; this boosts the immune system. Citrus fruits have been found to aid the lymphatic system as well. Fruits in the citrus family provide hydration, antioxidants, and enzymes which cleanse and protect the lymphatic system.[54][55][56][57][59]Top
Photocredit: FreeImages.com/Carlos Sillero |
Onions
Claim
"Onions look like the body cells. Today’s research shows onions help clear waste materials from all of the body cells."Facts
Onions have been found to help prevent cancer, as well as, to improve the quality of sleep and moods.[51] Onions also contain fiber and folic acid, a B vitamin that help the body create new cells. Raw onions have more nutrients than cooked onions but both are healthy.[52] I don't see anything suggesting that onions "clear waste materials" but apparently they do help with the regeneration of cells. There are many other health benefits for onions, including cancer prevention.[53]Top
Photocredit: FreeImages.com/Troy Stoi |
Sweet Potatoes
Claim
"Sweet potato looks like the pancreas and balances the glycaemic[sic] index of diabetes."Facts
While I don't particularly like sweet potatoes, my family is insanely fond of sweet potato pies, as well as, sweet potato fries. I don't know of any pancreatic problems in my family, but I can think of a few people with diabetes. Now, that being said, my grandmother went from taking the shot to the pill to nothing at all and was definitely an avid eater of sweet potatoes. As for the other people in my family who have diabetes, I have never seen them eat sweet potatoes, which is not to say that they don't. Let's look at the facts, shall we?Sweet potatoes raise blood sugar levels at a slower rate than fruits which contain fructose and glucose. It is thus recommended as healthy even for diabetic patients[47] Sweet potatoes have a glycemic index rating of medium, but have been found to potentially improve blood sugar regulation! This property holds even in those with Type II Diabetes. One reason for this benefit is the high level of dietary fiber provided by sweet potatoes; dietary fiber stabilize the digestion process. Sweet potatoes also increase the adiponectin levels in the blood for people with Type II Diabetes. Adiponectin is generally low in people who have difficulty with their insulin metabolism.[48] Studies have shown that there are health benefits for people with either type of Diabetes.[49] Sweet Potatoes are also listed as one of the food that are vital to the pancreas by Livestrong.[50]
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Photocredit: FreeImages.com/Matthew Trow |
Tomatoes
Claim
"A Tomato has four chambers and is red. The heart is red and has four chambers. All of the research shows tomatoes are indeed pure heart and blood food."Facts
Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, vitamin A and C, beta-carotene, and folic acid, but most importantly, tomatoes contain lycopene. The average person receives 2/3 of their lycopene from tomatoes. High dosages of lycopene have been proved to reduce risk of stroke, improve the survival of patients with heart failure, lower blood pressure for those approaching high-blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and decrease levels of oxidized LDL (bad cholesterol).[4] Daily Mail, on the other hand, suggests that while tomatoes definitely decrease the risk of heart disease, they may not reduce the risk of stroke.[5] A study published by The Official Journal of the American Academy of Neurology concludes that high dosages of lycopene (which tomatoes are rich in) reduces the risk of stroke in men.[6]Top
Photocredit: FreeImages.com/Jean Scheijen (walnut) and Rodrigo Galindo (brain) |
Walnuts
Claim
"A Walnut looks like a little brain, a left and right hemisphere, upper cerebrums and lower cerebellums. Even the wrinkles or folds are on the nut just like the neo-cortex. We now know that walnuts help develop over 3 dozen neuron-transmitters for brain function."Facts
A study from UCLA suggests that walnuts are good for cognitive health in adults. In mice, it was previously discovered that walnuts could prevent or slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Less than a handful a day are suggested for this benefit.[7][9] Walnuts are rich in omega-3 which are necessary for cognitive function. Omega-3 deficiency symptoms are fatigue, poor memory, dry skin, heart problems, mood swings or depression, and poor circulation.[8]Top
Summary
Table of Findings
Fruit or Vegetable | Claim | Claim Proven? |
Avocado, Eggplant, and Pears | Eggplant, Avocados and Pears are good for the womb and cervix of the female. It takes exactly 9 months to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit." | They are good for fertility, however it take 8 months from blossom to fruit; possibly 9 months from from bud to fruit. |
Carrots | Looks like the eye and is good for the eye | |
Celery | Celery, Bok Choy, Rhubarb look like bones and target bone strength. Bones are 23% sodium and these foods are 23% sodium" | These foods are good for bone strength, but there is no confirmation that bones are 23% sodium or that the foods are 23% sodium. Celery is *not* good for pregnant women |
Figs | "Full of seeds and hang in twos when growing, Figs help to overcome male sterility." | Figs do not *always* grow in two; otherwise |
Grapes | Grapes look like the heart (clustered) or blood cells (individually) and are also profound heart and blood vitalizing food. | |
Kidney Beans | "Kidney beans actually heal and help maintain kidney function." | Only if your kidneys are already healthy |
Olives | "Olives assist the health and function of ovaries." | Indirectly |
Onions | "Onions look like the body cells. Today’s research shows onions help clear waste materials from all of the body cells." | |
Oranges | "Oranges, grapefruits, and other citrus fruits look just like the mammary glands of the female and actually assist the health of the breasts and the movement of lymph in and out of the breasts." | |
Sweet Potatoes | "Sweet potato looks like the pancreas and balances the glycaemic index of diabetes." | |
Tomatoes | Four chambers like the heart and is good for heart health | |
Walnuts | Looks like a brain and is good for the brain | |
Bananas | Looks like a smile and acts as an antidepressant by producing serotonin | From Journal[58] |
Grapes (alternate) | Looks like alveoli in the lungs and protects against lung cancer | From Journal[58] |
Mushrooms | Looks like an ear, and provides vitamin D which strengthens the bones that transmit sound from your ear to your brain | From Journal[58] |
Broccoli | Looks like cancer cells and reduces the risk of cancer | From Journal[58] |
References
- Winkler, Sarah. "Are carrots really good for your eyesight?". How Stuff Works: Health. 2015
- Maron, Dina Fine. "Fact or Fiction?: Carrots Improve Your Vision". Scientific American. June 2014
- Myths About Your Eyes and Vision". Web MD. 2015
- Bunch, T. Jared. "A Tomato a Day Keeps the Heart Doctor Away". Web MD. December 2014
- Hagan, Pat, "Eating tomatoes cuts heart disease risk by a quarter... but doesn't protect against strokes". Daily Mail. February 2013
- Karppi, J., et al. "Serum lycopene decreases the risk of stroke in men". The Official Journal of the American Academy of Neurology. October 2012 vol. 79 no. 15 1540-1547
- Castillo, Stephanie. "Fight Memory Loss By Eating Walnuts: Less Than A Handful A Day Maintains Cognitive Function". Medical Daily. January 2015
- Ehrlich, Steven D. "Omega-3 fatty acids". University of Maryland Medical Center. August 2015
- Emling, Shelley. "A Few Walnuts A Day May Help Boost Memory, Study Finds". Huffington Post. January 2015
- Williams, Jon. "Are Kidney Beans Healthy for Kidneys?". LiveStrong. February 2015
- Group, Edward. "7 Best Foods to Support Kidney Function". Global Healing Center. April 2014
- Mercola, Joseph. "What is Bok Choy Good For?". Dr. Mercola. June 2014
- "Health Benefits of Rhubarb". Organic Facts. 2015
- Ipatenco, Sara. "The Health Benefits of Rhubarb". LiveStrong. December 2013
- Goldschmidt, Vivian. "Celery: The Often-Ignored Alkalizing Powerhouse Your Bones Need". Save Our Bones. 2015
- George Mateljan Foundation. "What's New and Beneficial About Celery". The World's Healthiest Foods. 2015
- Selke, Lori A. "Adverse Effects of Celery". LiveStrong. August 2015
- Rodriguez, Amy. "How Long for an Avocado to Mature From Bloom to Harvest?". SF Gate. 2015
- Chua, Maria Shellyn. "Avocado: The Aztec’s Fertility Fruit". Getting Pregnant Help. March 2014
- Veganara. "Fruit of the Womb". The Flaming Vegan. 2015
- "Eggplant". Better Health Channel. 2015
- Corleone, Jill. "Vitamins for the Reproductive System". Livestrong. January 2015
- Nuble, Charlene J. "Vitamins and Minerals for a Healthy Reproductive System". Health Guidance. 2015
- "All About Avocados". WebMD.com. 2015
- "Nutrition". California Avocado. 2015
- "What's New and Beneficial About Avocados". World's Healthiest Foods. 2015
- "Avocado Nutrition for Moms and Kids". California Avocado. 2015
- "Eggplant". The World's Healthiest Foods. 2015
- "Pears". The World's Healthiest Foods. 2015
- "Fig". Encyclopædia Britannica. 2015
- "Figs". The World's Healthiest Foods. 2015
- "Health Benefits of Figs or Anjeer". Organic Facts. 2015
- "15 Figs Health Benefits & Nutrition Facts". Health Fame. 2015
- Rudrappa, Umesh. "Fig Fruit Nutrition Facts". Nutrition and You. 2015
- Lewin, Jo. "The health benefits of… figs". BBC Good Foods. 2015
- "Health Benefits of Grapes". Sairy Council of California. 2015
- Ware, Megan "Grapes: Health Benefits, Nutritional Information". Medical News Today. September 2015
- "Grapes". The World's Healthiest Foods. 2015
- "Health Benefits of Grapes". Organic Facts. 2015
- "Grapes". Nutrition and You. 2015
- Bruso, Jessica. "Food for Healthy Ovaries". Livestrong. May 2015
- Tremblay, Sylvie. "Food for Healthy Ovaries". SF Gate. 2015
- Summerly, John. "10 Reasons You Should Be Eating Olives". Healthy Impact News. December 2015
- "Olives". The World's Healthiest Foods. 2015
- "20 health benefits of olives". Health 24. October 2015
- "Olives nutrition facts". Nutrition and You. 2015
- "Sweet potato nutrition facts". Nutrition and You. 2015
- "Sweet Potatoes". The World's Healthiest Foods. 2015
- Ware, Megan. "Sweet Potatoes: Health Benefits, Nutritional Information". Medical News Today. October 2015
- Hill, Stephanie Crumley"Foods That Will Heal the Pancreas". Livestrong. April 2015
- Ware, Megan. "Onions: Health Benefits, Nutritional Information". Medical News Today. 2015
- Szalay, Jessie. "Onions: Health Benefits, Health Risks & Nutrition Facts". Live Science. October 2014
- "Onions". The World's Healthiest Foods. 2015
- Pulsipher, Charlie. "10 Foods to Boost the Lymphatic System for Improved Health". Sun Warrior News. March 2014
- Hingle, Lynette. "How to Detox the Lymphatic System". Live Strong. August 2013
- "Oranges". The World's Healthiest Foods. 2015
- "Orange fruit nutrition facts". Nutrition and You. 2015
- Ramesh, Bhavani T., et al. "Fruits and Vegetables that Resembles to Body Organs and have Significant Role on them". American Journal of Phytomedicine and Clinical Therapeutics. 2015
- Miller, Jess. "13 Health Benefits of Oranges, According to Science (+7 Delicious Recipes)". Jen Reviews; visited 2017
Published on Thursday, December 24, 2015
Christian Walk, Faith and Belief, Food & Health, Foodstuff, In God I Trust
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Christian Walk, Faith and Belief, Food & Health, Foodstuff, In God I Trust
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