Our ancestors certainly regarded food as more than just sustenance. Food played an important role in religion, rituals, and daily life during ancient times. Not surprisingly, even the most ordinary foods were believed to have magical properties. Sometimes it had something to do with the size and shape of the vegetable. For instance, ancient Roman ladies would tie cucumbers around their waist in hopes of becoming pregnant. However, cucumbers were also used to cure bad eyesight and scorpion stings. In addition to that, it somehow did a good job of scaring away rats. If that sounds strange, check out these six other common foods with supposedly magical properties. 1. The Dark Side Of FigsFigs might be the last fruit you would associate with evil. After all, it is mentioned in the bible and was previously used by the Kikiyu women to increase fertility. However, some ancient cultures believed that figs have a dark side. In Papua New Guinea, the fruits were feared because of the possibility that they harbored evil spirits that would be released when the fig is opened. The Bolivians also avoided fig trees since they believed that evil spirits living in its canopies would cause grave illness to anyone who passed. 2. Dill And WitchcraftYou might enjoy sprinkling chopped dill all over your smoked salmon, but did you know it might also reverse a spell that has been cast on you? According to legend, dill has the magical ability to protect you from spells being cast by a witch. The weed is also believed to ward off male demons that prey on young women. Dill wasn’t always on the lighter side of witchcraft. It is said that the weed was also used by witches to cast spells and concoct special potions. 3. Poppy Seeds For PropheciesWe are already aware of the medicinal effects of poppy yet the ancient Romans thought it could bring about prophetic dreams. The poppy was associated with Hypnos, the god of sleep, and revered for soothing emotional trauma. Although that seems like a peaceful belief, the Romans also saw the connection between poppies and Hades, the god of death. After all, too many poppy seeds were believed to lead to eternal sleep. 4. Resurrection Through OnionsOnions have awesome antiseptic qualities that the ancient Egyptians believed were pretty magical. The bulbs were often used in the mummification process and it is said that the strong odor could bring the dead back to life. The Egyptians’ love for onions can be seen in ancient murals. Priests were often depicted holding the bulbs and the onions themselves were painted in several pyramids. 5. Chives For Greater StrengthWe have energy drinks these days but the ancient Romans relied on chives to make them stronger. Everyone from workers to wrestlers would add chives to their diet in an effort to gain strength. Even racehorses were fed chives so they can run faster. Chives had other purposes in the ancient world. The British would often hang them from the rafters because it is believed that the herb wards off evil spirits. 6. Eat Artichokes To Have A Baby BoyYou can’t really be sure if you’re having a boy or a girl when you’re pregnant. However, the Romans believed that eating artichokes would magically guarantee a baby boy in just nine months. In addition to that, they believed that the plant can cure baldness and strengthen the stomach. Artichokes were also viewed as an aphrodisiac back in the day. Rumor has it that the legendary French queen Catherine de Medici consumed a great number of artichokes in an effort to seduce her husband Henry II. Edible Water Pods Could Soon Replace Plastic Water BottlesMother Nature will thank us for this. Planet Earth has around 50 billion plastic water bottles being used every year. Approximately one billion of those plastic bottles pollute the oceans. Skipping Rocks Lab has created edible water pods they called "Ooho!" And it could very well be the solution to our plastic problem. The product is made from a seaweed extract and is tasteless, although flavors can be added to it. The edible water pods can be eaten whole after peeling the outer layer of the package - just like a fruit! 8 Astonishing Facts About BananasCan bananas really make you light up like a glow stick? Bananas are undoubtedly one of the yummiest gifts from nature. The fruit is an easy portable snack you can enjoy any time and has several health benefits. But what do we truly know about the Minions' favorite food? There are several little-known facts about the versatile banana that we could learn. There is so much versatility in bananas, and we're not just talking about the fruit. The leaves can be used to wrap other foods or as a quick umbrella. Banana fiber can be turned into fabric or paper. Additionally, they come in more colors than just yellow! Here are eight surprising facts about bananas. 1. An Early Start10 Unique Starbucks Beverages From Around The WorldWould you try #5? Starbucks may have started as a coffee chain in the United States, but it has grown a lot globally. And even though people are already used to the classic drinks the coffee chain offers, Starbucks certainly doesn't lack creativity when it comes to special beverages. Here are all real drinks that the coffee chain sells in its many territories. A lot may seem exotic by American standards, but they're quite common in other local markets. 1. Starbucks Sakura Blossom Cream Frappuccino and Latte - Japan