Your Most Precious Parts

Among your body's valuable parts, your body contains more than 200 bones, 600 muscles, 22 feet of intestines, dozens of organs and nearly 100,000 miles of blood vessels. Just one of your eyes contains more than 15 working parts.

But which of the organs are the most indispensable?

BRAIN. There are no brain transplants, thus, taking care of this organ should be your top priority. The best thing you can do is get enough sleep, says an associate professor of neurology at Wayne State University in Detroit. In addition, research shows that aerobic exercise increases the generation of new cells in the memory areas of the brain. To boost the brain, you only need 15 minutes three times a week. Be smart about what you eat as well. Omega-3 fatty acids help keep the brain healthy and may even ward off age-related damage. Several servings a week of omega-3-rich foods is recommended such as salmon, sardines, walnuts and grass-fed beef.

HEART. Your heart is the main musscle you must keep in top shape. Heart disease is the leading cause of death among Filipinas, says the Philippine Heart Association. Fat in the belly, more than in any other area, can cause hardening of the arteries, and may lead to heart disease. Thin your middle or powerhouse by avoiding processed foods because these contain trans fat, which create more belly blubber than other forms of dietary fat. Getting your blood pressure (BP) and cholesterol checked at least once during your twenties is recommended. Your BP should not top 120/80 and your total cholesterol should be under 200. Left unchecked, high cholesterol and blood pressure can clog your arteries and increase your risk for a heart attack later on.

LIVER. This multitasker performs more than 5,000 functions, including storing vitamins and minerals and straining alcohol and other toxins out of your system. Doctors recommend that women have no more than one drink per day. A drink is a shot of liquor, a glass of wine or a bottle of beer. The biggest contributing factor to liver disease is obesity. "Fatty deposits in your liver can cause inflammation and scarring, which can contribute to cirrhosis and cancer," says Melissa A. McNeil, M.D., chief of women's health at the University of Pittsburgh. Pump some iron and include protein in every meal to help add lean muscle to your frame.

LUNGS. Your lungs don't take in just oxygen; they also trap viruses, bacteria, and other airborne particles. The better shape your airbags are in, the less likely you are to get sick. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, a disease that kills more people than breast, prostate and colon cancer combined. A recent study found that losing ten percent of excess body weight improves lung capacity by five percent.

PANCREAS. This organ creates insulin - the hormone that regulates your blood sugar and makes you feel either sated and energized or ravenous and shaky, depending on how much is in your sytem. The steps you take to care for your other organs - not smoking, hitting a healthy weight and exercising regularly will keep your pancreas healthy too. But it is also a good idea to load up on fiber. It reduces the risk of gallstones, tiny pieces of crystallized cholesterol that can cause pancreatitis, a bad condition that can lead to pancreatic cancer.