TH E 16 B EST FOO DS

TO NOURI SH YOUR
MOST VITAL
BODY PARTS

7 BONUS
RECIPES
Featuring
Nourishing
Foods

BY D R . J O S H AX E
There’s an ancient strategy that guides us toward specific foods that are best for us.

Known as the doctrine of signatures, or “like supports like,” the theory says foods
that look like a body part are actually beneficial for that body part.

Paracelsus, a Swiss physician in the15th century, explained it this way: “Nature marks
each growth … according to its curative benefit.”

Take carrots. Slice one open, and you’ll see that it actually looks like an eye. Today
there are numerous medical studies proving that the nutrients in carrots, like beta-
carotene and lutein, improve eye health.

The idea that nature holds clues for how to use food medicinally was hit upon,
seemingly independently, by a variety of cultures around the world, from Asia to the
Middle East.

Pliny the Elder, the Roman naturalist who died in AD 79, was the first to mention
it in the West — and the idea was picked up through the years by a number of
well-known physicians and botanists. William Coles, a 17th-century botanist, wrote
that God “stamped upon [edible plants] a distinct forme but also hath given them
particular Signatures whereby a man may read the use of them.”

Although the idea is generally scoffed at in the West today, I believe he was right.
Here are some super healthy foods that science has shown abide by the doctrine of
signatures.

You can also use this as a guide to the foods that can treat your health weaknesses.

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#1. Carrots resemble eyes — and bolster vision.

These crunchy veggies are great sources of lutein and beta-

carotene, antioxidants that support eye health and protect
against age-related eye diseases like macular degeneration.

What’s more, beta-carotene converts into vitamin A, which

helps you see in the dark.

#2. Walnuts look like mini brains — and are the best
nut for brain health.

Research in mice with Alzheimer’s has shown that a walnut-

heavy diet improves memory and learning, and studies of
aging people suggest that eating walnuts improves cognitive
processing speed, mental flexibility, and memory.

#3. Celery stalks look similar to bones — and

protect bone health.

Celery contains silicon, which contributes to bone strength.

It’s also an excellent source of vitamin K, which works
with calcium to build strong bones, and potassium, which
neutralizes acids that erode bone calcium.

#4. Beets are blood red — and can help with

anemia, blood flow, and blood pressure.

Rich in iron, these red beauties can bolster hemoglobin, the

red protein in blood that’s responsible for oxygen transport.
Beets also contain nitrates, which transform into nitric
oxide, a substance that dilates blood vessels, lowering blood
pressure and improving the body’s ability to deliver oxygen-
rich blood to tissues.

Research shows that beet juice improves exercise stamina up

to 16 percent%.

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#5. Onions resemble cells — and protect them.

Onions contain vitamin C, which shields cells from damage

caused by unstable free radical molecules, and potassium,
which is required for normal cell function.

And because they contain sulfur, onions can protect cells

from cancer.

#6. Tomatoes look like heart chambers — and

they’re cardioprotective.

Slice open a tomato and you’ll find heart-like chambers.

Studies show that eating tomatoes reduces blood pressure,
protects the heart from damage during a heart attack,
improves survival rates in patients with heart failure, and
reduces the risk of stroke.

#7. Grape clusters look like lung alveoli — and

protect lungs.

Grapes contain anthocyanins, a type of flavonoid that’s

critical for maintaining lung function as you age.

#8. Ginger looks like a stomach — and is a potent

antidote for nausea.

Gingerol, the ingredient that gives ginger its tangy taste, has
the ability to prevent nausea and vomiting.

#9. Sweet potatoes are shaped like a pancreas —

and promote its healthy functioning.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, sweet potatoes are used to

support the spleen and pancreas. And even though they’re
“sweet,” they contain slow-release carbs and the hormone
adiponectin, which help promote healthy blood sugar,
thereby helping the pancreas do its job.

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#10. Reishi mushrooms resemble kidneys and
adrenals — and support these glands.

In TCM, reishi is considered a tonic for qi, and studies show

it promotes energy and stamina, even in those with fatigue-
causing conditions like fibromyalgia.

#11. Avocados look like a uterus — and support

reproductive health.

Avocados contain a healthy dose of folic acid, a B vitamin

that’s crucial during pregnancy for the health of the baby
and can reduce the risk of cervical dysplasia, a precancerous
condition.

#12. Figs resemble testicles — and they benefit

sperm.

They’ve long been used to enhance fertility, and recent

research has confirmed that fig extract can improve sperm
count and motility.

#13. Olives look like ovaries — and protect

reproductive health.

Healthy fats are critical for manufacturing the reproductive

hormones necessary for conception, and they’re good for
maintaining general reproductive health in both men and
women.

#14. Coconuts look like heads — and coconut oil is

good for brain health.

Research shows that consuming medium-chain triglycerides,

the type of fat in coconut oil, can improve brain function in

people with mild forms of Alzheimer’s.

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#15. Ginseng roots look like mini humans — and
support whole-​body health.

Ginseng is used to increase energy, improve cognition, reduce

blood sugar and stress, promote relaxation, and enhance
overall well-being.

#16. Organ meat and glandulars from animals

support the same organ in people.

As I mentioned above, livers of beef and chicken, for

instance, have extremely high levels of B vitamins, including
vitamin B12, which promotes liver health. Animal hearts
contain CoQ10 and iron, both of which support the human
cardiovascular system. Muscle meat, like chicken breast and
steak, supports healthy muscle tissue.

Likewise, bone broth enhances our bone marrow, bones,

ligaments, tendons, gut lining, and skin — all of which are
made up of collagen.

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 7 RE C I P ES TO
TO N OU R I S H YOU R

VITAL
BODY
PARTS

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 S E C R E T N AT U R A L
D E TOX D R I N K
Use this recipe as a super easy way to get your daily dose of nourishing
ginger, along with many other cleansing ingredients.

INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS
16 ounces of warm or hot water 1. Warm the water.
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 2. Mix all ingredients together.
2 tablespoons lemon juice 3. Best served warm but drink at desired
½ teaspoon ground ginger temperature.
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
1 dash cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon raw, local honey (optional)

SW E E T P OTATO H AS H
For being incredibly easy to prepare, sweet potato hash really packs a punch.
It’s made with potatoes, veggies, herbs and optional toppings.

INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS
2 tablespoons avocado oil 1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
1 medium red onion, chopped 2. Line a large baking sheet with
1 red bell pepper, chopped parchment paper, and add all the
2 garlic cloves, minced ingredients, using your hands to toss
½ teaspoon smoked paprika in the oil until well combined.
½ teaspoon garlic 3. Cook for 30 minutes or until potatoes
½ teaspoon oregano are fork-tender.
4. Add to a plate, top with egg, cilantro
Toppings and hot sauce.
one pasture-raised egg, cooked
any style
fresh cilantro
hot sauce

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 P E R F E C T 7- I N G R E D I E N T
G UAC A M O L E
This is ridiculously easy to make. I promise, you’ll never buy store-bought
guac again!

INGREDIENTS
2 very ripe avocados
1 lime
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 small tomato, diced
¼ cup of red onion, diced
¼ cup of fresh cilantro, chopped
DIRECTIONS
1. Spoon out avocados into a large bowl.
2. Add lime juice, minced garlic and sea salt.
3. With a spoon, mash together until mixture
becomes creamy.
4. Add in diced tomato, red onion and
cilantro, and mix until well combined.
5. Serve immediately with sliced red
peppers, celery or carrots.

H Y D R AT I N G C U C U M B E R SA L A D
W I T H TO M ATO E S & O N I O N S
This cucumber salad recipe with tomato and onion will leave you satisfied
with a wide array of flavors and hydrating cucumber. Try it today!

INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS
1 cucumber, quartered 1. Mix the dressing together in a small
12 kumato tomatoes, sliced in half bowl and set aside.
½ red onion, chopped 2. In a medium bowl, mix together the
2–3 green onions, chopped salad ingredients.
a chiffonade of 8 basil leaves 3. Drizzle on the dressing, mix together
thoroughly and serve.
Dressing
2–3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2–3 tablespoons olive oil
¼ teaspoon himalayan pink salt
¼ teaspoon pepper

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 H O M E M A D E R OAST E D
BEET HUMMUS
Need something to dip your celery and carrots in? Here’s a sneaky (and
delicious) way to add even more nutrition into the mix.

INGREDIENTS
2 large beets, washed and sliced
one 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained
and rinsed
2.5 tablespoons tahini
2 cloves garlic, smashed
juice of 1 lemon
sea salt and pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 400 F.
2. Place the beets on a baking sheet lined
with parchment paper.
3. Roast for 30 minutes or until fork
tender.
4. Add all ingredients to a food
processor, and blend on high until well-
combined.
5. Serve with freshly chopped veggies.

C H I C K E N B O N E B R OT H
Sip it “as is” or use it as a base for soups to nourish your connective tissues
and joints.

INGREDIENTS
4 pounds chicken necks/feet/wings
3 carrots, chopped
3 celery stalks, chopped
2 medium onions, peel on, sliced in
half lengthwise and quartered
4 garlic cloves, peel on and smashed
1 teaspoon seaHimalayan salt
1 teaspoon whole peppercorns
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 bay leaves
3 sprigs fresh thyme
5–6 sprigs parsley
1 teaspoon oregano
18–20 cups cold water
DIRECTIONS
1. Place all ingredients in a 10-quart
capacity slow cooker.
2. Add in water.
3. Simmer for 24 to 48 hours, skimming
fat occasionally.
4. Remove from heat and allow to
cool slightly. Discard solids and
strain remainder in a bowl through
a colander. Let stock cool to room
temperature, cover and chill.
5. Use within a week or freeze up to
three months.

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 V E G A N CO CO N U T CO COA
CHEESECAKE RECIPE
Skip the excess, refined sugar and instead make dessert time full of healthy
performance fats your brain loves. (In moderation, of course!)

INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS
CRUST 1. In a food processor, blend together the
3 cups walnuts walnuts, dates, vanilla and sea salt until
2 cups Medjool dates, pitted dough is formed.
1 teaspoon vanilla 2. Spread the dough evenly in the
dash of sea salt (about 1/6 teaspoon) bottom of an ungreased, 9-inch
springform pan.
FILLING 3. Place the pan in the freezer for 30
1½ cups raw cashews, soaked and minutes.
rinsed well* 4. Place all of the filling ingredients into a
⅓ cup maple syrup blender and blend on low speed until
½ teaspoon vanilla well-blended.
14-ounces full-fat coconut milk 5. Remove the crust from the freezer.
¼ cup lemon juice 6. Pour the filling mixture on top of the
⅓ cup dutch-processed cocoa crust, cover the pan and replace the
powder cake in the freezer.
½ cup coconut oil, melted 7. Freeze for at least 2 hours.
½ teaspoon sea salt 8. Defrost the cake in the refrigerator for
1½ cup coconut flakes 20 minutes before serving.
9. Sprinkle coconut flakes on the top
before serving.

*Quick soaked cashews: To cut down on soaking time, add cashews to a pot and
cover with water by 1/2 inch. Bring to a boil and boil for 2 minutes. Remove from
the heat and allow the cashews to soak for 1 hour. Drain the cashews, rinse with cold
water, and use.

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ABOUT
D R . J O S H AX E
Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CNS, is a doctor
of chiropractic, certified doctor of natural
medicine and clinical nutritionist with a passion
to help people eat healthy and live a healthy
lifestyle. He’s the co-founder of the whole food
nutrition company Ancient Nutrition.

He’s also the founder of DrAxe.com, one the top

natural health websites in the world today. Its
main topics include nutrition, natural medicine,
fitness, healthy recipes, home DIY remedies and
trending health news.

Dr. Josh Axe has authored several celebrated

and bestselling books, including:

Ancient Remedies: Secrets to Healing with

Herbs, Essential Oils, CBD, and the Most
Powerful Natural Medicine in History (Little,
Brown Spark, February 2021)

The Collagen Diet: A 28-Day Plan for Sustained

Weight Loss, Glowing Skin, Great Gut Health,
and a Younger You (Little, Brown Spark,
December 2019)

Keto Diet Cookbook: 125+ Delicious Recipes to

Lose Weight, Balance Hormones, Boost Brain
Health, and Reverse Disease (Little, Brown
Spark, December 2019)

Keto Diet: Your 30-Day Plan to Lose Weight,

Balance Hormones, and Reverse Disease (Little
Brown & Company, February 2019)

Essential Oils: Ancient Medicine for the Modern

World (January 2017)

Eat Dirt: Why Leaky Gut May Be the Root Cause

of Your Health Problems and 5 Surprising Steps
to Cure It (Harper New Wave, March 2016)

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