Sunday, April 5, 2015


 
Bi-Weekly Tarot Reading:  4-5-15 through 4-18-15
 AND
 Blog #40:  Quinoa--The Amazing Superfood 
 
LEGACY OF THE DIVINE TAROT
 
DEATH:  The upcoming two weeks will be a time of transformation for you in some way. Many people are experiencing lots of changes and realizing that the old way of doing things, as well as old beliefs and values, are no longer working.  It is time to let the old die to make way for the new. See this time as an important step for you that will usher in new beginnings and a new perspective. Step out of previous routines and habits to make way for the positive changes coming your way.

KNIGHT OF CUPS: Your relationships are also changing and allowing you to move forward. People in your life who have been negative or "psychic vampires" sucking up all of your energy are going to leave, whether they do so on their own or you make a conscious decision that it is no longer to your benefit to be around them. Although it may be difficult and worrisome to you, do yourself a favor and let them go. You will feel a sense of calm and release once you do this, and you will be free to move forward on your path without the burdens that they placed on you.

3 OF CUPS: Celebrate the changes and rejoice in them! Spend time enjoying your self and having fun.  Take breaks from work or other tasks to go out with friends and those whom you enjoy being around. This will bring balance into your life by introducing more joy and playfulness.  You deserve a break every now and then, so don't deny yourself this very important part of your life.

BI-WEEKLY THEME: A time of change and transition is upon you.  Rather than fearing it, welcome all the positive energy that it will bring to you. Now that the beautiful season of spring is here, let go of your previous ways of doing things to make way for new life, just as Mother Nature does at this time of year. Change is also going to be evident in your relationships. If you know that you need to release some people from your life whose energy depletes you rather than nourishes you, then do so. You may be amazed at the feeling of relief once taking this important step. And take time to enjoy the company of those with whom you feel comfortable and supported. Celebrate all of your successes by unwinding, having a good time, and relaxing.

Blog #40: Quinoa—The Amazing Superfood
Retrieved from www.huffingtonpost.com
Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah) is considered one of the ancient grains (along with amaranth, barley, and farro), but actually it is a member of the same food group that contains spinach, Swiss chard, and beets.  Its cultivation dates back to 3000 BC, when it was a common staple in the Andes mountains regions of South America.  Even back then there were 250 varieties, which allowed it to grow in different regions under various growing conditions, which accounted for its popularity.  Today, the three main types are white, red, and black.

Here are some of the reasons why quinoa is becoming more popular today, and all of them are related to its many health benefits.

1.            Quinoa is very high in protein.  It is one of the most protein-rich cereal-type foods we can eat (8 grams in one cup cooked).  Many other plant foods lack essential amino acids such as lysine, but quinoa is loaded with them.  It has more and better protein than most grains.

2.            Quinoa is very high in fiber. One source found 17-27 grams of fiber per cup of uncooked quinoa, but if it is cooked, this number is reduced to 5 grams—still noteworthy when compared to other foods.

3.            Quinoa is extremely nutritious.  Besides having high amounts of protein and fiber, it also contains the following minerals: manganese, magnesium (which most people don’t get enough of), phosphorus, folate, copper, iron, zinc, and potassium.  Plus, it has over 10% of the recommended daily allowance for vitamins B1, B2, and B6.  There are also small amounts of calcium, B3 (niacin), and vitamin E.

4.            Quinoa contains many trace nutrients called flavonoids; the two in quinoa are quercetin and kaempferol.  These are plant antioxidants that have been shown in animal studies to have anti-flammatory, anti-viral, anti-cancer, and anti-depressant effects.

5.            Quinoa is non-GMO (not genetically modified), gluten-free, and usually grown organically. It is especially appealing to people who want to minimize or avoid gluten, and because of its high nutritional value, it can be a wonderful replacement for typical gluten-free ingredients such as refined tapioca, potato, corn, and rice flour (which have limited nutrition).

6.            Quinoa may improve metabolic health.  One human study and one animal study both showed that quinoa lowered blood sugar and triglyceride levels.

7.            Quinoa contains many antioxidants, which are substances that neutralize free radicals and may help fight aging and many diseases.  One study that examined antioxidants in 10 foods found quinoa to have the highest antioxidant content of all of them.

8.            Quinoa may contribute to weight loss.  It is high in fiber and protein, and has a low glycemic index, all of which have been linked to weight loss and health benefits.  The protein can increase metabolism and reduce appetite; the fiber should help increase feelings of fullness, thus causing a lower intake of calories.

9.            Quinoa has a higher content of healthy fat than other grains such as wheat.  About 28% of the fatty acids in quinoa are in the form of oleic acid, a heart-healthy monounsaturated fat that is good for us. And about 5% are in the form of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is an omega-3 fatty acid that decreases the risk of inflammation-related diseases.

So, if you are looking for a food that is highly nutritious, easy to cook, and tasty, you can find many recipes online that incorporate quinoa in a number of creative ways.  It is very versatile, so you are sure to discover some recipes that are just right for you.

Sources



http://www.forbes.com/sites/juliewilcox/2012/06/26/7-benefits-of-quinoa-the-supergrain-of-the-future/

 

 

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