Blue Moon - Full Moon In Libra

Key words for the next few weeks are "INTERPRETATION & BALANCE"

Speaking up and defining yourself in relationships as we move into Aries is highlighted during this cycle BUT listening and trying to overcome your own issues surrounding communication with others should also be focused on. This Sun-Moon alignment can create a fair-minded outlook, enabling us to move ahead with confidence, steadfast in self-acceptance, with the ability to make sure everyone’s emotional needs are met. Symbolically, this means we have to deal with some tense feelings, then try to define/interpret their meaning for us before we arrive at a new understanding of how we tick/what we need in our relationships with others. This is especially important for this Libra Full Moon, because the upcoming new Moon in Aries is the real beginning of the astrological year.

Avoiding conflict is unavoidable right now so speak up for yourself - and learn from the experience.

You can't change anything if you don't know who you are. The next few weeks try taking a closer look at yourself and the way you behave in all your relationships.

Worth Repeating...

Life is meant to be lived. You're meant to pursue your dreams, and take risks, in this lifetime. This means giving your doubts a break and giving your soul a chance to speak its truth.

The only thing standing in your way is you.

Today, get out of your way and explore your unknown.

Reposted from: www.yehudaberg.com

Earth Hour - Reminder

Earth Hour 2010 . Saturday March 27 . 8:30-9:30 pm – Remember to turn off your lights on March 27th. Join with millions of people worldwide who are concerned about climate change. One small act but one that, if we all join in will have a profound effect. Last year hundred of millions of people around the globe turned out their lights for Earth Hour.

Sign up so you are counted at www.earthhour.org

Celery

One of my favourite things to juice because it helps the body release water retention, something I've always had a problem with.

Celery leaf contain a lot of vitamin A. The stems are an excellent source of vitamins B1, B2, B6 and C it is high in magnesium, iron and chlorophyll, which is an excellent blood builder. Celery is one of the richest sources of organic sodium. Sodium in Table salt is composed of insoluble inorganic elements which lead to the development of varicose veins, hardening of the arteries and other aliments Salt is necessary in the generation and functions of digestive fluids in the system. Without salt, good digestion is difficult, but the body actually needs SOLUBLE salt--which includes sodium. That's where the celery comes in. The sodium in celery is easily absorbed making it an excellent juice choice for those who enjoy vigorous workouts because it helps you to maintain valuable body fluid and electrolytes.

The nutrients in the fiber of celery stalks are released during juicing, aiding bowel movements. The natural organic sodium (salt) in celery is very safe for consumption, in fact is essential for the body. Even individuals who are salt-sensitive can safely take the sodium in celery, unlike table salt (iodized sodium) which is harmful for those with high blood pressure.

The natural laxative effect of celery helps to relieve constipation. It also helps relax nerves that have been overworked by man-made laxatives.

Diuretic: The potassium and sodium in celery juice helps to regulate body fluid and stimulate urine production, making it an important help to rid the body of excess fluid.

* Note: Celery produces its own "pesticide" to protect itself from fungi. This protective layer is called psoralens which although protects the celery, may not go down so well with some people. If you begin having skin problems after eating celery, it might mean that you have some sensitivity to psoralens. Also some people with low blood pressure have complained that celery makes their blood pressure even lower.

Points of Interest:

• Celery has always been associated with lowering of blood pressure.
• The important minerals in this magical juice effectively balance the body's blood pH, neutralizing acidity.
• Celery juice acts as the perfect post-workout tonic as it replaces lost electrolytes and rehydrates the body with its rich minerals.
• Celegry juice has been shown to effectively and significantly lower total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol.
• The organic alkaline minerals in celery juice has a calming effect on the nervous system, making it a wonderful drink for insomniacs.
• The diuretic effect of celery juice also aids the breaking and elimination of urinary and gall bladder stones.
• Ancient Greeks used celery for headaches.
• If you live in a smoggy city Celery/apple juice can help to cleanse the body of carbon dioxide
• Do you have a problem with muscle cramps and fatigue during workouts? The potassium/sodium balance in celery juice will be a great asset.
• A tablespoonful of honey (or agave) in celery juice, sipped slowly, will very effectively reduce the appetite if taken before a meal, and makes a delightful drink. You can take the same mixture as a nightcap when it will help you to relax into a soothing and restful sleep.
• Mixed with carrot juice, celery the two give you a great balance of sulphur, iron, calcium, magnesium and sodium that will help fight a whole host of diseases. Use one part celery juice to two parts or more of carrot juice.

Sweetness of Sweet Potatoes

The darker the color, the higher in vitamin content. Sweet potatoes are a great sources of beta-carotene. They are also rich in vitamin C, potassium, carbohydrates, calcium, B6 and are a great source of fiber (when not juiced). History has shown that people can live exclusively on sweet potatoes and remain healthy and strong. Carrot and sweet potato juice is tasty and great for your complexion. SP can be added to any fruit juice, giving the juice a smooth, milkshake-like taste! Sweet Potato juice is great for athletes fresh juice with SP in to helps give people an energy spike before a race or for weight trainers who swear that drinking Sweet Potato juice on a regular basis helps make them stronger.

Look for firm, not too large yams that are tapered at both ends. Skin should be smooth without brown spots. Will store in the refrigerator for two weeks. Peel off the skin before juicing.

Points of Interest:

• Sweet potatoes, help with the nitrogen retention inside of human muscle and encourage natural muscle building. Juiced alone and consumed over a long period of time, yam juice helps to help increase your physical endurance.
  
• Sweet potato varieties with dark orange flesh have more beta carotene than those with light coloured flesh
• The B6 in Sweet Potatoes is also helpful in controlling premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Tomato Juice

Raw tomato juice is a good source of lycopene, which is known for its cancer preventing properties. It also stimulates blood circulation and helps lower blood pressure. Lycopene is fat-soluble, so adding a few drops of oil olive oil will help you to better absorb the nutrients.
Tomatoes also contain potassium, an essential mineral macronutrient & vitamin C an immune system booster, calcium and phosphorus.

Tomatoes are at their best when they are fully ripe (deep red). Avoid hot house varieties as they are generally picked before they turn red.They are essentially an alkaline. Their alkaline nature increases the alkalinity of the blood and decreases the urine and neutralises the acid compounds of the body such as phosphates urea and ammonia. Tomato juice is therefore, highly beneficial in the treatment of acidosis and other disease associated with too much acid in the system.

* A note on Diabetes: Because of its low carbohydrate contents, tomato juice is thought to be very good food for diabetic patients and for those who want to reduce their body weight. It is said to be very effective in controlling the percentage of sugar in the urine of diabetic patients.

Tomato Juice is thought to help with...
Bladder Problems, Gout, Liver complaints, Weight Loss, Gall Bladder problems, Kidneys, Skin,
Bleeding Gums, Constipation, Lack of Appetite, Blood Shot Eyes and Hypertension.


* Note: there is a big difference between raw and cooked tomatoes. Cooked tomatoes produce oxalic acid, similar to spinach, and as such can leech the body of essential minerals such as calcium.

Interesting Points:

• Traditionally, Chinese herbalists suggest tomatoes are to be eaten first thing in the morning to relieve hypertension and bloodshot eyes.
• Raw tomato juice improves the appetite and digestion. Drinking tomato juice mixed with spinach juice will activate liver and help relieve and prevent constipation.
• To decrease hangover severity, the cocktail of tomato juice (100ml), cucumber juice (100ml), spinach juice (10ml) and olive oil (1 tbsp) should be taken before going to sleep.
• If you have gallbladder diseases tomato juice is should be avoided but, it is non toxic to most and can be enjoyed in large quantities.
• A glassful of fresh tomato juice mixed with honey, a pinch of powdered cardamom seeds, taken after swallowing three peeled cloves of garlic every night before going to bed, is considered highly beneficial in the treatment of tuberculosis and other lung infections.

A+ for Carrot Juice the golden root.

Since the easter bunny is arriving soon - a posting on his favourite food.

Carrots…
No other vegetable contains as much beta carotene as a carrot. The liver turns beta carotene into vitamin a - our liver will store vitamin a until it is needed by the body.
Carrots are also good source of - Calcium, Sodium, Vitamin C, Phosphorus, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Potassium, B Vitamins and Vitamin K.

One 8-oz. glass of carrot juice contains 20,000 mg. of vitamin A. *Toxicity can occur when vitamin A is taken in supplement form or in fish oil, but is completely safe in the vegetable form - if you over do it with carrot juice however your skin may temporarily turn an orangey colour!

Deficiency in vitamin A can lead to a wide variety of ailments.
Bladder, kidney, mouth, tonsil, sinus, tongue, ear canal, eyes, tear ducts, dry skin, on and on...

Carrot Juice is traditionally used to treat:
Acne, Asthma, Cancer, Eye Problems, Liver Issues, Ulcers, Arthritis, Bladder Problems, Cataracts, Hay Fever, Skin Problems, Weight Loss, Strengthening Bones and Teeth, and possibly helping the thyroid gland to function properly.

Carrot juice will assist your liver in cleaning out fat and other toxins if you drink it on a regular basis (a glass a day should do). Also, drinking raw carrot juice can be helpful for lowering the symptoms of stresses and normalizing the function of your digestive system.

Points of Interest...

• Adding bit of olive oil to the carrot juice improves absorption on beta carotene by the body.
• Drinking carrot juice is extremely beneficial for pregnant women and young children.
• Since carrot juice has good amounts of natural sugar, the majority of children like drinking it.
• If you drink carrot juice too soon before bedtime you may have to get up mid night to use the washroom due to the fact carrots encourage unrination
• Carrots are a natural blast of high energy. The sugars are released more quickly than from white sugar but without the harmful effects. Try instead of a cup of coffee in the am.
• Carrots were first grown for medicinal purposes, not for food.

Beets - Bad Blogger

Life has taken over for the past few months. I apologize for my absence. One reason I haven't had much to say lately is that my eating habits have moved more into a traditional vegan diet over the winter months. Lots of rice/beans and cooked veggies. I've been trying to decide if I will add my cooked dishes to this blog which so far has been mainly focused on raw foods and juicing ... Pondering. In the mean time I wanted to post a little something about juicing & Beets.

Beets… Are chock full of Calcium, Sodium, Vitamin A, Sulfur, Vitamin B6, Iron, Potassium and oxalic acid... It isn't a good idea to drink beet juice straight up it should be mixed with other veg - Pure beet juice can increase your heart rate, cause chills or a fever, give you hives and even temporarily paralyze your vocal chords! Yikes - this has never happened to me and I drink Beet juice on a semi regular basis - but be sensible don't juice and down 4 or 5 whole beets at a time. 1/2 a small beet mixed with other veg and an apple is plenty for one day's serving. Why? Because both the beet bulb and greens are powerful body cleansers - particularly of the blood and kidneys.

Beets (including beet greens) should be avoided by those who suffer from or are at risk for kidney stones, gout, or rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis and those whose stomach is easily irritated because of the high amount of oxalic acid in them. You should also avoid combining beets with other vegetables that are high in calcium, such as broccoli. Oxalic acid combines with calcium to create an indigestible compound. You should avoid eating calcium rich food immediately after eating or juicing beets or any food high in oxalic acid. This includes foods like tofu.