I was talking to someone years ago and they mentioned that walnuts help with brain function and then made the obvious observation of how walnuts actually look like the brain. This, along with a recent post that I saw, made me think about the question "what other fruits/vegetables look like the body parts that they benefit?". (honestly though, I always thought...if something benefits one thing it benefits the whole system, but it's a fun thing to think about anyway). While not every visual match has deep nutritional evidence behind it, many of these pairings actually make biological sense...here are some examples! :) 🥕 Carrots > Eyes Slice a carrot crosswise and you’ll see a pattern that looks like an iris and pupil! Cool. :) Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, a form of vitamin A that helps maintain good vision and protects the surface of the eye.They also support night vision by helping the retina function properly. (this took me on a little detour about bunnies and figuring out if they have good eyesights.haha) 🧠 Walnuts > Brain Walnuts look like a brain with two hemispheres.They’re packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which support brain structure, cognitive function, and help reduce inflammation. Some studies show that eating walnuts can help with memory and mood regulation ❤️ Tomatoes >Heart Cut open a tomato and you’ll see chambers that resemble the heart’s ventricles.Tomatoes contain lycopene, an antioxidant linked to reduced risk of heart disease. Cooking tomatoesincreases lycopene absorption! * Avocados > Womb and Cervix The shape of an avocado mirrors the uterus, and it takes about 9 months to grow from blossom to ripe fruit (fun fact I did NOT know). Kinda symbolic i suppose. Avocados contain folate, a nutrient essential for reproductive health and fetal development.They also provide healthy fats that balance hormones and reduce inflammation. 👂 Mushrooms >Ears When sliced, mushrooms resemble the shape of an ear (I'll never look at a mushroom the same way again, haha...why is this kinda funny?) They’re a great source of vitamin D, which supports bone health (including the tiny bones in the ear--I feel like this is a stretch but that's fine ) and contributes to auditory function.

Confession: I have a hard time seeing myself in the future (getting older) while at the same time, even though I think about mortality on the daily, I have a hard time actually picturing myself dying. I look at people that are older and wonder "I wonder if I'll make it to that age"--the sense of time is just something that seems elusive...real, but not. BUT, here I am, living and getting older (I'm grateful!)...and this got me thinking about living in a way that truly embodies wellbeing... which got me thinking further about Blue Zones and how the individuals in these areas seem to REALLY be living--they're not just physically healthy, but they seem to really be living in a wholesome way. So..I wanted to know more and learn how I can embrace the aging process in a more wholesome way. And I want to hear from you...how are you approaching this whole living thing? Here are some things that I learned about these Blue Zones: 💫Blue Zones are regions where people consistently live to be 100+ while maintaining good health, strong minds, and deep connections. What Blue Zones have in common: 🥗 Eat mostly plants (like 90%): Meals are rich in beans, veggies, nuts, and whole grains. Meat is more of a side dish than the star of the show. They get their protein, but they get it through mostly plants! 🚶 Move naturally : Daily life includes walking, gardening, and doing things by hand. Functional movements. 💞 Stay connected: Strong social bonds, family ties, and a sense of belonging are central to their health--this has become increasingly important to me as I've aged.. 🧘 Find purpose and peace: Each person has a reason to get up in the morning. They practice slowing down, whether through prayer, community, or mindfulness. 🍷 Enjoy life in moderation: Many share meals, laughter, and even a small glass of wine with friends. Balance is key! (side note: although people have said that a glass of wine improves heart health--it's a depressant so it 'relaxes' the body in some ways--it is still a toxin for the brain, even in small doses--so I wonder if there are other factors at play here)