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

God's Pharmacy is the name of a compilation of amazing facts that show God's awesomeness through the natural foods He has provided us. I first saw this information on RemnantOfGod.org and found it quite intriguing. There were no sources cited, and the origin of the information was listed as unknown, so I decided to do some research to see if the information was in fact true. After researching the list, I managed to find what I believe is the original source in the American Journal of Phytomedicine and Clinical Therapeutics^[58]. The list entitled God's pharmacy found online usually includes avocados (along with pears and eggplants), carrots, celery (along with rhubarb and bok choy), figs, grapes, kidney beans, olives, onions, oranges, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and walnuts. The journal list adds almonds, bananas, broccoli, ginger, oysters, mushrooms, and red wine, along with an alternative description for grapes. I will follow up on their additions in the future.
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]}
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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

1. Winkler, Sarah. "Are carrots really good for your eyesight?". How Stuff Works: Health. 2015
2. Maron, Dina Fine. "Fact or Fiction?: Carrots Improve Your Vision". Scientific American. June 2014
3. Myths About Your Eyes and Vision". Web MD. 2015
4. Bunch, T. Jared. "A Tomato a Day Keeps the Heart Doctor Away". Web MD. December 2014
5. Hagan, Pat, "Eating tomatoes cuts heart disease risk by a quarter... but doesn't protect against strokes". Daily Mail. February 2013
6. 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
7. Castillo, Stephanie. "Fight Memory Loss By Eating Walnuts: Less Than A Handful A Day Maintains Cognitive Function". Medical Daily. January 2015
8. Ehrlich, Steven D. "Omega-3 fatty acids". University of Maryland Medical Center. August 2015
9. Emling, Shelley. "A Few Walnuts A Day May Help Boost Memory, Study Finds". Huffington Post. January 2015
10. Williams, Jon. "Are Kidney Beans Healthy for Kidneys?". LiveStrong. February 2015
11. Group, Edward. "7 Best Foods to Support Kidney Function". Global Healing Center. April 2014
12. Mercola, Joseph. "What is Bok Choy Good For?". Dr. Mercola. June 2014
13. "Health Benefits of Rhubarb". Organic Facts. 2015
14. Ipatenco, Sara. "The Health Benefits of Rhubarb". LiveStrong. December 2013
15. Goldschmidt, Vivian. "Celery: The Often-Ignored Alkalizing Powerhouse Your Bones Need". Save Our Bones. 2015
16. George Mateljan Foundation. "What's New and Beneficial About Celery". The World's Healthiest Foods. 2015
17. Selke, Lori A. "Adverse Effects of Celery". LiveStrong. August 2015
18. Rodriguez, Amy. "How Long for an Avocado to Mature From Bloom to Harvest?". SF Gate. 2015
19. Chua, Maria Shellyn. "Avocado: The Aztec’s Fertility Fruit". Getting Pregnant Help. March 2014
20. Veganara. "Fruit of the Womb". The Flaming Vegan. 2015
21. "Eggplant". Better Health Channel. 2015
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25. "Nutrition". California Avocado. 2015
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33. "15 Figs Health Benefits & Nutrition Facts". Health Fame. 2015
34. Rudrappa, Umesh. "Fig Fruit Nutrition Facts". Nutrition and You. 2015
35. Lewin, Jo. "The health benefits of… figs". BBC Good Foods. 2015
36. "Health Benefits of Grapes". Sairy Council of California. 2015
37. Ware, Megan "Grapes: Health Benefits, Nutritional Information". Medical News Today. September 2015
38. "Grapes". The World's Healthiest Foods. 2015
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40. "Grapes". Nutrition and You. 2015
41. Bruso, Jessica. "Food for Healthy Ovaries". Livestrong. May 2015
42. Tremblay, Sylvie. "Food for Healthy Ovaries". SF Gate. 2015
43. Summerly, John. "10 Reasons You Should Be Eating Olives". Healthy Impact News. December 2015
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45. "20 health benefits of olives". Health 24. October 2015
46. "Olives nutrition facts". Nutrition and You. 2015
47. "Sweet potato nutrition facts". Nutrition and You. 2015
48. "Sweet Potatoes". The World's Healthiest Foods. 2015
49. Ware, Megan. "Sweet Potatoes: Health Benefits, Nutritional Information". Medical News Today. October 2015
50. Hill, Stephanie Crumley"Foods That Will Heal the Pancreas". Livestrong. April 2015
51. Ware, Megan. "Onions: Health Benefits, Nutritional Information". Medical News Today. 2015
52. Szalay, Jessie. "Onions: Health Benefits, Health Risks & Nutrition Facts". Live Science. October 2014
53. "Onions". The World's Healthiest Foods. 2015
54. Pulsipher, Charlie. "10 Foods to Boost the Lymphatic System for Improved Health". Sun Warrior News. March 2014
55. Hingle, Lynette. "How to Detox the Lymphatic System". Live Strong. August 2013
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59. Miller, Jess. "13 Health Benefits of Oranges, According to Science (+7 Delicious Recipes)". Jen Reviews; visited 2017