Bi-Weekly Tarot Reading:  3-22-15 through 4-4-15

 AND

 Blog #39:  Why Apple Cider Vinegar Is Good for You 

 

LEGACY OF THE DIVINE TAROT

 

 

6 OF COINS: During this bi-weekly it will be important to maintain balance in your daily activities by focusing on giving and receiving.  Giving to others is wonderful, kind, and supportive; it gives us a sense of satisfaction. But it is equally important to give to ourselves, because when we do this we honor and respect ourselves on many levels. For example, be sure you get enough rest and relaxation to nourish your physical body. Take deep breaths when feeling anxious to support your emotional body. And take care of your mental body by stimulating it through reading, engaging in interesting discussions, taking a class, or anything else that may grab your attention and curiosity.

9 OF SWORDS:  It is understandable that you may be feeling some stress and worry, because there are many changes taking place in the world as well as ourselves. No longer is the status quo serving us, because it is now time to break out of routines and habits that have been holding us back.  So remember to free yourself from negative thoughts by diverting your attention to something else, or doing something calm and peaceful before going to sleep at night. Before going to bed, set an intention that you will fall asleep easily and sleep peacefully through the night.

PAGE OF WANDS: If you are ready to do something different and want to move ahead, start out by taking baby steps and doing just a few things that will bring more variety into your life. For example, eat something more nutritious for a meal, such as focusing on organic foods or ones that are free from chemicals and preservatives.  Get a little more exercise by taking advantage of the beautiful spring weather and getting outdoors to take even a short walk. Leaving old routines behind will make you feel refreshed and energized.

BI-WEEKLY THEME: Stay in equilibrium by remembering to give to yourself as well as others. Focus on one of your bodies at a time--mental, emotional, physical, or spiritual--and do something that will allow you to feel more in balance. Do not let anxiety or worry rob you of the joy you deserve.  Fear only prevents us from feeling at peace, so do your best to change negative thoughts into positive, and do one calming thing before bedtime to help you sleep better. Introducing more variety into your life will help you start making small changes that can make a difference in the long run, and it's not too late to start now.

Blog #39: Why Apple Cider Vinegar Is Good for You

Retrieved from www.chefronlock.com

There is much information available about all of the good reasons why we should be ingesting at least a little bit of apple cider vinegar every day.  Given below is a summary of what several authors consider to be its most beneficial effects.

Apple cider vinegar:

Ø  Is high in acetic acid, which is the fermented sugar from apples that produces the vinegar.  As with other acids, it can enhance the body’s absorption of important minerals from foods that are eaten.  It is also a powerful antimicrobial that can kill bacteria.  In fact, Hippocrates used vinegar for cleaning wounds over two thousand years ago.

Ø  Holds great promise in improving insulin sensitivity and lowering blood sugar responses after meals.  Although some studies imply that it may help with diabetes, the jury is still out on this one.

Ø  May protect against cancer.  It produces pH (alkaline) changes in the body that may be attributed to as yet unidentified phytochemicals (beneficial compounds found in plants) that are in various foods and may be a strong weapon against cancer.

Ø  May help with weight loss.  Some studies have suggested that it can decrease appetite by increasing that “full” feeling, because it contains pectin, a soluble fiber that may reduce the urge to snack.  This in turn causes less calories to be eaten, resulting in weight loss. However, not many studies have been conducted on this benefit, so caution is warranted. It is certainly not a miracle weight loss product.

Ø  May be beneficial for heart health. Several research studies using animals have shown that this vinegar can reduce blood triglycerides, cholesterol and blood pressure; however, these results have not been confirmed using human subjects.

Ø  Can help with digestion because it contains beneficial bacteria that reduce the harmful bacteria in the intestines.  So, it may help reduce heartburn by correcting low acid.  Also, the pectin mentioned above forms a protective coating along the lining of the colon, which may lead to more regular bowel movements.

Ø  Has other miscellaneous benefits that have not been subjected to much research, such as: making hair shine, regulating the pH of skin (to fade age spots or acne scars), removing stains from teeth, soothing sunburns, relieving sinus pressure, and helping with detox of the body.

Some tips on using apple cider vinegar:

Ø  Do not drink it undiluted. It is so acidic that it could harm tooth enamel and your esophagus.

Ø  Do not use too much—only a couple of tablespoons at most.  Dilute 1-2 tablespoons in a large glass of water, and sip it along with one or two meals per day.  Or, if you don’t like the taste, you can just swallow a lesser amount (1 tablespoon diluted with water) very quickly.

Ø  Use unfiltered organic vinegar that appears cloudy (such as Bragg’s), because it contains a blob known as “the mother” that contains many probiotics and other good kinds of bacteria.  This kind of vinegar is overall more beneficial than the filtered kind.

Ø  Using too much of the vinegar for a long time could possible cause low potassium levels and lower bone density.

There is much additional information available on various websites, so check out other sources if you are still unsure if using apple cider vinegar is right for you.

Sources

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/06/02/apple-cider-vinegar-hype.aspx

http://authoritynutrition.com/6-proven-health-benefits-of-apple-cider-vinegar/

http://www.webmd.com/diet/apple-cider-vinegar-and-health

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-5875/15-Reasons-to-Use-Apple-Cider-Vinegar-Every-Day.html

http://www.naturallivingideas.com/apple-cider-vinegar-benefits/

 

Bi-Weekly Tarot Reading:  3-8-15 through 3-21-15

 AND

 Blog #38:  Is Non-Stick Cookware Really That Bad? 

 

LEGACY OF THE DIVINE TAROT

 

QUEEN OF COINS:  During this bi-weekly you have an opportunity to manifest what you want by focusing on it, visualizing it, acting as if you already have it, believing this is so, truly feeling what you will feel when you have it, and then letting it go.  There is no need to revisit it time and again, because you have set the intention and the universe will receive your message. Through the Law of Attraction it is indeed possible to create that which you desire, and the Queen energy will help you achieve your objective.

6 OF WANDS:  A time of success is upon you, for you have worked hard and now it is time to enjoy the benefits of your efforts.  Show gratitude and appreciation to yourself for bringing this wonderful energy into your life.

THE MOON:  This is a time to just go with the flow and trust your intuition.  Stay tuned in to your innermost feelings and emotions, for they will guide you in the right direction. Do not try to force anything to happen--just set the intention and then release it to the universe.

BI-WEEKLY THEME: Use your powerful Queen energy these next two weeks to bring into  your reality something you would really like to have. Decide what you want (not what you don't want) and then do your Law of Attraction work, believing with your heart of hearts that you have the power to do this. You can be successful in this endeavor, as the Wands energy is moving you forward towards reaching a goal. Be sure to trust your intuition and inner guidance, for it will help steer you in the direction that is most beneficial for you at this time.

 

 Blog #38:  Is Non-Stick Cookware Really That Bad?

Retrieved from www.imgkid.com

Teflon has been around since the 1940’s, but in the past few years concerns have arisen about its dangers. But is this really something we need to pay attention to?  The research seems to say the answer to this question is “yes”, and here are some reasons why.

Dangers of non-stick cookware

Ø  The main chemical used to produce non-stick cookware (as well as waterproof clothing, fabric protectors, fire-resistant casings and tubing, sealing tape, coated paper plates, and microwave popcorn bags) is perfluorooctanoic acid or PFOA.  Although its use in manufacturing cookware is declining, you may still have some older pots or pans that have this substance in them.  (DuPont is the company that makes the most well-known non-stick cookware—Teflon, or polytetrafluoroethylene--PTFE.)

Ø  PFOA and other hazardous toxins are released from non-stick cookware at high temperatures (ranging from 464 to 680 degrees Fahrenheit).  You may think that you rarely cook with this amount of heat, but if a pan is heated over too high of a flame, is heated with no food in it, is left on a hot plate for a while, preheated on a burner, or placed under a broiler or in a self-cleaning oven, it becomes dangerous.  Have you ever burned a dish or accidentally preheated your oven with pans inside? It takes only one accident to expose your family to these dangers.

Ø  Be especially careful of using pots or pans that have been scratched or damaged, since these can release even more toxins into your food.

Ø  Some of the risks of using non-stick cookware include: greater risk of thyroid disease (interfering with hormonal balance), higher risk of heart disease and stroke (even at low levels), and “Teflon flu” (headaches, chills, fever, coughing, chest tightness).  It has also been linked to cancer in laboratory animals, and in people there has been evidence of links to elevated cholesterol and reduced fertility.  Pet birds have died from exposure to fumes from nonstick cookware at just 536 degrees Fahrenheit.

Ø  It is estimated that 98% of the U.S. population have detectable levels of PFOA in their blood, but no research has shown this to be the case.

Ø  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not know how dangerous PFOA is and is only saying that the evidence for it causing cancer is “suggestive”.  The agency is studying long-term health effects, but presently there are no federal government regulations for cookware.

So what are the remedies?

Ø  Use only cookware that is ceramic, stainless steel, copper, or glass.

Ø  Cast iron cookware is another alternative, but is more difficult to clean.

Ø  If you do want to use non-stick cookware:

Do not overheat it when using it for stovetop cooking.
Make sure your kitchen is well-ventilated.
Do not keep a pet bird near the stove.

Sources

http://www.healthambition.com/teflon-dangers-nonstick-cookware-alternative/

http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=1&ContentID=4491

http://www.healthy-holistic-living.com/dangers-of-teflon.html

http://www.naturalhealth365.com/science_news/teflon.html

 

 

Bi-Weekly Tarot Reading:  2-22-15 through 3-7-15

 AND

 Blog #37:  The Dangers of Soy

 

LEGACY OF THE DIVINE TAROT

 

 

5 OF WANDS:  We all experience defeat and disappointment at some point, but the main thing to remember is that we learn more from these experiences than if everything always went our way.  Also, if we accept the challenge and move forward, we find that we can indeed persevere, and things eventually will turn around.

 

7 OF COINS:  When working on a project or a long-term venture, our natural desire is for things to happen quickly.  That is not the way things work, however, and the main point is that the most important things are the ones that take a little bit longer than instant manifestation and gratification.  So if you are feeling discouraged that you have not yet seen the results of your hard work, just hang in there, continuing to move ahead, and envision the great things that are in the works.

 

KNIGHT OF WANDS: This wonderful high-powered energy will be with you for the next two weeks, so take advantage of a higher motivation, a desire to work harder, or just the feeling that you can accomplish one thing that perhaps you have been putting off.  The fire of enthusiasm will burn brightly, so allow what may now just be a spark to ignite into something truly amazing.

 

BI-WEEKLY THEME: Do not be disappointed because of a minor setback. Instead, see this as a sign that whatever you desired was not meant to be, and there is something better waiting for you. Give yourself credit for pushing ahead despite the challenge. Be patient with looking for results of projects that may take longer to manifest, for this is part of lessons we are learning. Visualize the outcome you want, continue to put forth effort to achieve your goal, and then enjoy the results when they appear.  This is a good time to get ahead, because the Knight energy and the fire energy are a powerful combination.  You are feeling enthused, motivated, and ready to tackle whatever comes your way.

 

Blog #37:  The Dangers of Soy

Retrieved from www.gizmag.com

 

In the past and still today, soy has been touted as a healthy food that is good for us.  But have you ever heard that this may not be the case? Research shows the many dangers associated with soy consumption.  Here are just a few of them.

Ø  Soy is high in phytoestrogens, which are plant-based estrogens that mimic the estrogen in our bodies.  When our bodies have too much estrogen, some of the possible harmful effects include breast cancer, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, infertility, and low libido.  Plus, this fake estrogen can disrupt normal endocrine functions and lead to disruption of the menstrual cycle.

Ø  Soy includes goitrogens, which prevent the normal production of thyroid hormones by hindering the thyroid from getting the required amount of iodine. This could lead to possible hypothyroidism and thyroid cancer.  Some babies fed soy formula developed autoimmune thyroid disease.

Ø  Soy is high in phytates, which are enzyme-inhibitors that block the absorption of minerals in the digestive tract—specifically calcium, magnesium, copper, iron, and zinc.  In order to be digestible for humans, soy needs to be properly fermented.  If you choose to eat soy, then it is better to consume fermented products like miso, tempeh, natto, or tamari (a naturally fermented soy sauce).  In fact, fermented soy is a good source of vitamin K2, which when mixed with vitamin D can help prevent osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, dementia, and different types of cancer.

Ø  Soy contains many trypsin inhibitors.  Our bodies need trypsin to properly digest protein, so if we don’t have it, then we can experience stomach cramps, diarrhea, and bleeding, including possible future pancreas problems.

So, if you enjoy edamame or tofu, it’s fine to eat these products sparingly. Just be aware that there are dangers associated with too much soy.  However, if you have any thyroid issues, it is best to avoid it completely.

Asians eat only about two teaspoons of highly fermented soy a day, usually as a condiment, which is why they have not had any trouble with it.  They also eat it with foods that are rich in nutrients and minerals.

Be aware that soy is an ingredient in soy burgers, ice cream, milk shakes, and artificial cheese.  Food manufacturers make the milk and ice cream look white and creamy—very enticing. However, a look at what these products are made of includes soy protein, sugar and vegetable oil.  Often they have many additives in them so they have the flavor of the real foods they mimic.

As if all this weren’t bad enough, over 90% of the soybeans grown in the U.S. are genetically modified and sprayed.  When shopping, it is preferable if you look for products that are clearly labeled “non-GMO”.  (See Blog #29 for more information on GMOs.)

In conclusion, if you really enjoy soy products, try to limit your intake of them.  And read the ingredients on any product that contains soy.  Of course the best option is to avoid them altogether.

Sources

http://www.foodrenegade.com/dangers-of-soy/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-mercola/soy-health_b_1822466.html

http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/170-scientific-reasons-to-lose-the-soy-in-your-diet/

http://www.naturalhealthstrategies.com/dangers-of-soy.html

 

 

Bi-Weekly Tarot Reading:  2-8-15 through 2-21-15

 AND

 Blog #36:  Houseplants That Purify the Air

 

LEGACY OF THE DIVINE TAROT

 

 

 8 OF COINS: Preparation and contemplation of what direction you want to go in are still important, so don't lose sight of the value of planning.  You can achieve much this year, so focus on at least one goal that you would like to accomplish and spend time discovering the best way to go about this.

THE CHARIOT: Believe in yourself, being assured that you are exactly where you were meant to be. You are traveling on the path you have chosen for yourself.  If it is not to your liking, you can change direction and will be able to deal with any opposing forces that you meet. Remember to go with the flow and let things unfold in their own time, according to divine plan.

THE HIGH PRIESTESS:  During the next two weeks, it will be important for you to trust your intuition and go with your inner truth. Listen to your feelings and believe that your gut instincts will show you what you need to know. It is all about faith and belief in yourself, for you already have all the answers; you just need to recognize this.

BI-WEEKLY THEME: Continue to lay plans and a firm foundation for the year. Set at least one achievable goal that you can accomplish and give yourself a deadline.  Then follow your plan, knowing that this is part of your journey forward. Let the Chariot energy move you ahead as you trust and believe in yourself and your intuition. This can be a powerful time for you if you allow it to be so.

 

Blog #36:  Houseplants That Purify the Air

 Retrieved from countrysideimages.com

 

If you are a plant-lover, chances are that you have a home filled with beautiful green plants.   They are not only pleasant to look at, but research has shown that they can help relieve tension and reduce stress levels.  But did you know that, in addition to these benefits, there are certain plants that do a really good job of cleansing the air in your home?

In fact, NASA has conducted an official study on air-purifying plants and even assigned a score to each on how well they can eliminate chemical vapors and how easy they are to maintain. The study recommended that for optimal air cleaning, a house or apartment should have at least 15-18 plants for an 1800-square foot dwelling.  However, if you don’t want to care for that many, you can choose any number you want, knowing that the plants listed below will provide you with a cleaner home atmosphere.

Here are some of the top recommendations for air-cleansing houseplants that are not only beautiful but provide you with some wonderful health benefits.

Ø  English ivy—This plant has amazing abilities to filter air, such as helping to remove harmful chemicals like formaldehyde.  It is on NASA’s list and was given a rating of 7.8 on 10-point scale.  It is easy to grow, very adaptable, can be grown in a hanging pot or one on the floor, and does well in small spaces with moderate to little sunlight.

Ø  Peace lily—This is one of the few flowering plants that helps purify the air of toxins.  It is not only beautiful, but is also low maintenance (requires only weekly watering).  It is very forgiving, and lets you know when you have forgotten to water it, because it gets droopy.  It helps rid the air of VOC (volatile organic compounds) benzene, a carcinogen found in paints, furniture wax, and polishes.  It also helps eliminate acetone given off by electronic devices, adhesives, and some cleaners.  However, it should be kept out of the reach of pets, as it is harmful to them.  Its NASA purifying rating is 7.5.

Ø  Spider plant (also called airplane plants)—This plant is good for beginners, because it reproduces quickly and can recuperate easily from a lack of attention.  It has long, green and white striped leaves that can grow 12-18 inches long.  A mature plant has many plantlets on long stems.  It helps get rid of formaldehyde, carbon dioxide, and benzene.

Ø  Golden pothos—This beautiful plant grows best in cool temperatures and low sunlight levels.  It is fast-growing and very flexible. It has dark green leaves with golden streaks and marbling, and is good for clearing the air of formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and benzene.  If you keep one near an entryway by your garage, it will help with clearing your home of the toxicity from car exhaust fumes that may get into the house.

Ø  Red-edged dracaena—This plant grows slowly, but can reach up to 15 feet eventually, so it is good for decorating and placing in corners.   The red color looks beautiful in the midst of other green plants.  It does best in moderate sunlight and will help clear the air of xylene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde, which get into the air through lacquers, varnishes, and sealers.  NASA purifying score is 7.8.

Ø  Aloe plant—This plant can do double-duty, for it is mostly known for the ability of its gel to soothe sunburns, stings, or cuts.  It also helps clear the air of toxins found in chemical cleaning products.  In fact, a unique quality is that its leaves will turn brown if there are too many harmful chemicals in the air.  It prefers bright sunlight.

Ø  Rubber tree—This is one of the easiest to grow, so if you have a “black thumb” but want to purify the air in your home, you may want to consider this one.  They thrive even in dim lighting but prefer brighter light that isn’t too hot.  They are good for removing formaldehyde and other toxins from the air.  But if you have pets, be sure to keep this plant out of reach.

Ø  Snake plant—This plant can grow without much light or water and absorbs carbon dioxide.  An interesting fact is that it releases oxygen during the night, so it’s possible that keeping one in the bedroom may help give a slight oxygen burst that could result in better sleep. Most plants release oxygen during the day.

Ø  Philodendron—This one is popular because it is easy to care for and can grow lovely vines. As with other plants mentioned, they are good at absorbing formaldehyde.  They can last for many years with proper care, preferring moderate water and some sunlight.

This is only a partial list of some of the best air-cleaning plants.  You can visit the websites given below for more information.

Sources

http://webecoist.momtastic.com/2009/04/08/air-purifying-plants/

http://www.toptipspot.com/tips/health/howto/air-cleaning-plants.php

http://humansarefree.com/2014/09/top-10-plants-to-grow-indoors-for-air.html

http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/air-purifying-plants#2

http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,20452423_20892286,00.html

 

 

 

Bi-Weekly Tarot Reading:  1-25-15 through 2-7-15

 AND

 Blog #35:  What's So Great About Chia Seeds?

 

LEGACY OF THE DIVINE TAROT



 

PAGE OF WANDS:   During this bi-weekly, allow yourself to feel enthusiasm and excitement for something.  It does not have to be anything big--it can be just a sense of joy for the beginning of each day.  This outlook will help you enjoy your day more, which in turn will help you move forward and accomplish what you intend.

 

2 OF COINS: Do not overburden yourself with worry and anxiety. Instead, stay on an even keel by just letting things be, without trying to force things to turn out a certain way. What we want is not always in our best interest in the long run. It is more important to have a carefree approach that will pay dividends as we maintain balance.

 

ACE OF CUPS: Let go of negative ways of thinking regarding the difficult relationships in your life. You may not get along with everyone, but you can at least recognize that each person is dealing with challenges that you may not be aware of.  Try to forgive past transgressions and see each person in a loving light. You may find yourself feeling that burdens are being lifted.

 

BI-WEEKLY THEME:  Find joy in the little things each day, and see how this makes accomplishing tasks and goals easier. Be grateful for all that you have, and set an intention each morning that the day will be wonderful for you in some way.  Release worries and fears so you can stay balanced and focused, and then allow yourself to just go with the flow. Change your thinking about difficult relationships by remembering that we cannot know everything that another is going through. Show compassion and understanding for everyone.



Blog #35:  What’s So Great About Chia Seeds?

Retrieved from blog.fooducate.com

You may remember chia seeds from the “chia pets” that were so popular years ago.  There is a resurging interest in the seeds, because more people are finding out about their amazing health benefits.

The chia plant is Salvia hispanica (related to the mint) and is native to Mexico and Guatemala.  The seeds were an important food source for the ancient Mayans and Aztecs.  They were valued for their ability to provide lots of energy, hence the meaning of the word “chia”--“strength”. In 1991, a researcher named Wayne Coates began examining chia as an alternative crop for Argentine farmers.  Since then, the many health benefits have begun capturing the attention of the public.

So, what is so great about chia seeds?  Here is just a partial list of how they can help you stay healthy and strong.

Ø  They help us get more fiber.  Just one ounce (28 grams or 2 tablespoons) of chia has 11 grams of dietary fiber, which is about one-third of the recommended adult daily intake.  They are 40% fiber by weight, and this helps them absorb up to 10-12 times their weight in water.  This causes them to become gel-like and expand after being eaten.

Ø  They are packed with omega-3 fatty acids—almost 5 grams in a one-ounce serving.  However, they contain the fatty acid ALA, which our bodies are not good at converting into DHA, the most important omega-3 fatty acid.  This is why it is recommended that we get most of our omega-3 from other sources, such as eating fish or taking fish oil as a supplement.

Ø  They have calcium—18% of recommended daily intake--which is good for strong bones and teeth, thus aiding in prevention of osteoporosis. Gram for gram, this amount is higher than for most dairy products.

Ø  They contain manganese (30% of recommended intake), which is also good for bones and helps our bodies use other nutrients such as biotin and thiamin.

Ø  They are a good source of protein and contain no cholesterol.  They have 4.4 grams of protein (10% of daily value), which can help reduce appetite.

Ø  They stabilize blood sugar and fight insulin resistance, which can be harmful to overall health.

Ø  They have been shown to improve diabetics’ blood pressure, according to a Cleveland Clinic study.

Ø  They have a large amount of antioxidants, which fight the production of free radicals that can contribute to aging and cancer.  Also, the antioxidants protect the fats in the seeds from going rancid, which means that they have a long shelf-life (almost two years without refrigeration).

Ø  They include other minerals such as phosphorus, zinc, potassium, and magnesium and vitamins B3 (niacin) and B1 (thiamin).

Ø  They contain no gluten nor grains and can be digested whole—no need to grind them to get the full benefits (unlike flaxseed, which does have to be ground).

What are some other good things about chia seeds?

Ø  They are easy to eat—they can be sprinkled on cereal, sauces, vegetables, yogurt, or rice dishes. They can also be added to drinks and baked goods.

Ø  A small amount—2 tablespoons—goes a long way by providing all of the above benefits, so we get “more bang for the buck”.

Ø  Because they contain both soluble and insoluble fiber, they expand in liquids without losing any of the fiber content.

Ø  They have a neutral flavor so can be added to just about anything.

Ø  They are generally grown organically, are gluten-free, and are non-GMO.

Although they have been touted by some as good for weight-loss and an appetite suppressant, the studies on this are inconclusive.  (See http://authoritynutrition.com/11-proven-health-benefits-of-chia-seeds/ and resihttp://www.webmd.com/diet/features/truth-about-chiastance).

Nevertheless, there are many positive reasons to start including chia seeds as part of your regular diet.  What could be better or easier than to just sprinkle some seeds on various foods and get such an abundance of health benefits?


Sources

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/06/03/chia-seed-benefits-_n_3379831.html

http://authoritynutrition.com/11-proven-health-benefits-of-chia-seeds/

http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/top-10-health-benefits-chia-seeds-6962.html

resihttp://www.webmd.com/diet/features/truth-about-chiastance

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-7928/the-amazing-health-benefits-of-chia-seeds.html

 

 

Bi-Weekly Tarot Reading:  1-11-15 through 1-24-15

 AND

 Blog #34:  What Are the Benefits of Lemon Juice?

 

LEGACY OF THE DIVINE TAROT





4 OF WANDS:   During this biweekly you will find yourself coming out of an unclear, murky area into a space of clarity and more optimism.  Things are starting to look up, so use any advantages that come your way to move yourself forward.  Be upbeat and positive, for good things are indeed on the way.

THE DEVIL: Do not let fear, anxiety, worry, doubt, guilt, or any other negative emotion prevent you from achieving what you desire. You have the power to do and create whatever you want.  Often the only thing holding us back is our fear of failure or worry about the outcome. Now is the time to remove these blocks and tell yourself that anything is possible.

KING OF CUPS: Use the next two weeks to spread unconditional love wherever you go. Smile at others, do random acts of kindness, and pay it forward in situations that allow this. You will be amazed at the wonderful results of being kind and considerate to others.

BI-WEEKLY THEME: You are leaving a time of uncertainty and moving into one of more hope and optimism. Look forward to better times and stay in a positive frame of mind. Prevent fear from blocking your progress by not allowing it to fester and grow. You have the ability to "nip in the bud" any negative thoughts, so carefully monitor what you are thinking. This can be a wonderful time of loving and kindness by spreading good ill wherever you go.

 

 

Blog #34:  What Are the Benefits of Lemon Juice?

Retrieved from www.organicfacts.net

Did you know that there is something simple you can do to enhance your health and sense of well-being? 

It is this:  In the morning, drink the juice of one or one-half of a lemon mixed with warm water.  That’s it.  It is easy, tastes refreshing, and does wonderful things for your body.

Why is this so? Here is a partial list of why lemons are so good for us:

Ø  Lemons are a good source of vitamin C, which helps our body with immune system deficiencies.

Ø  They contain pectin, a type of fiber that is good for the colon and has antibacterial properties.

Ø  They balance the body’s pH levels, which maintains a more alkaline than acidic environment, which is where disease occurs.

Ø  They are a good source of citric acid, potassium, calcium, phosphorus,  bioflavonoids, limonene, and magnesium—all elements that are important for a healthy body.  For example, potassium helps nourish brain and nerve cells.

Some benefits

Lemons:

Ø  Aid digestion by encouraging the production of bile.

Ø  Boost our immune system through vitamin C, which is especially helpful in times of stress.

Ø  Contain potassium, which enhances the heart, brain, and nerves.

Ø  Flush toxins from the body as an aid to digestion; help relieve indigestion and boosts the function of the liver.

Ø  Fight bacteria in the mouth for fresher breath.

Ø  Freshen skin, due to the vitamin C that helps with collagen production.

Ø  Help with hunger cravings, thanks to the pectin fiber; this may aid weight loss, in addition to being a digestive aid and liver cleanser.

Ø  Help fight viral infections and sore throats.

Although there are many benefits of drinking warm lemon juice and water, there are some sources that say the benefits may be overstated.  For more information on this, see:

http://www.shape.com/healthy-eating/diet-tips/ask-diet-doctor-hot-lemon-waters-real-benefits

http://abcnews.go.com/Lifestyle/experts-weigh-health-benefits-hot-lemon-water/story?id=24967752

Also, some authors suggest that you rinse your mouth out with plain water after drinking lemon juice because the acid could damage tooth enamel.

Nevertheless, many people agree that the benefits outweigh the risks, and that is why this practice has become so popular.  So if you are looking for a healthy change to start off the new year, you may want to consider adding this easy method to your morning routine.

In summary, warm lemon water contributes to strong antibacterial, antiviral and immune-boosting properties, in addition to the other benefits listed above.

Sources

http://foodmatters.tv/articles-1/cheers-to-drinking-warm-lemon-water

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2014/03/17/lemon-water-benefits_n_4980265.html

http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/11-benefits-lemon-water-you-didnt-know-about.html

http://foodmatters.tv/articles-1/cheers-to-drinking-warm-lemon-water

http://tasty-yummies.com/2013/03/18/10-benefits-to-drinking-warm-lemon-water-every-morning/