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goji berries weight lossCoca-Cola Syrup - A Beverage for the Kidneys

Researching and writing about coca-cola syrup, mentioned in over fifty Edgar Cayce readings, brings up the issue of carbonated drinks in general. What did Cayce say about them?

A number of A.R.E. members familiar with the readings may know that such soft drinks were referred to as "slop." Two readings utilize this rather descriptive term. "No slop, or those of soft drinks of any kind, should be taken..." (5545-2) When listing a diet for the noon meal, another reading added, "...and don't drink a lot of slop in the form of drinks!" (542-1) Yet despite this rather degrading connotation, at least seven individuals were specifically advised to drink carbonated beverages, including coca-cola. However, many more- the majority-were told to avoid them entirely, or use them only in a syrup form without the carbonation. In one reading a mixture of one-half carbonated water with one-half plain water added to the syrup was suggested. The term plain water was usually used to designate what the cola syrup was to be mixed with for consumption, probably meaning pure water.

Carbonated: Yes or No?

A number of statements in the readings express emphatically that a certain substance is not to be consumed-with no explanation or reason given. Luckily we have access to others' readings to compare, contrast, and "flesh out" these statements. In some instances, then-using the topic "coca-cola" as an example-an individual may be told that carbonated beverages were either all right or not to be consumed at all, yet coca-cola was OK if taken in moderation. Here are some examples from these readings:

"Carbonated drinks may be taken, especially Coca-Cola or those of such derivatives. These will aid especially in purifying the activity and coordinating same through the kidneys and the eliminating system." (849-26) "Just leave off...the carbonated waters, save Coca-Cola..." (1724-2) "Keep away from any carbonated waters, save at times-or rather regularly-we would take a little Coca- Cola. This, with some of the activities in same, acts upon the kidneys to aid in relieving the tensions there." (584-8) "When carbonated waters or drinks are taken, either Dr. Pepper's or Coca- Cola may be taken; but let such as these be rather as any extra drink and not too regularly-and of Soft Drinks beware." (487-22)

"Soft drinks such as Coca-Cola, Cherry-Cola, Pepsi-Cola or any of the Cola drinks, may be taken in moderation..." (1945-1)

Note that in the last two excerpts one individual was advised to "beware" of soft drinks (with the exception of Dr. Pepper or Coca-Cola), while the second was told they were suitable to consume "in moderation."

In a fifty-one-year-old woman's first reading this recommendation was given: "Any of the drinks where carbonated waters are used are very well, especially Coca-Cola or those of that nature-just so there is not used any preservative in the preparation of same." (1703-1) In a follow-up reading two months later she asked why Coca-Cola and carbonated beverages were good for her and received this answer: "To prevent the formation of gases in the system." (1703-2) This reason is rather surprising since a number of people experience the opposite effect: carbonated drinks tend to trigger gas in their systems. Carbonated drinks are "charged" with carbon dioxide, a colorless, odorless, incombustible gas that is also a product of respiration; the gas creates the fizz and bubbles in these soft drinks.

As stated earlier, the majority of people were told to avoid such beverages altogether; however, one exception was made: for coca-cola the syrup alone without the carbonation could be taken mixed with plain water. According to certain readings, such a combination is more beneficial, aids circulation in general, and helps detoxify the body. One reading, 5097-1, gave the mixture as "1/2 oz. or 1 oz. of the syrup [added to] plain water." The amount of water to be used is not mentioned. Directions on the bottle, purchased in the present day, recommend a dilution of 1 ounce of syrup to 5 ounces of plain water, or the syrup can be poured over crushed ice.

Indications for Use

Several readings refer to Coca-Cola as a stimulant, which might be taken if one desires, though in moderation. "Taken when tired, very good; but do not gulp-drink slowly." (257-167) The diluted syrup would "assist in purifying the flow through the kidneys" (2367-1), is "helpful for the kidneys and for the purifying of the blood flow" (2766-1), or it will "purify activities in kidneys and bladder." (3390-1) One reading stated that this mixture "will react with the circulation between the kidneys and the liver, and will clear off much of the poisons which will be more beneficial for the activity of the sensory system." (5058-1) Its beneficial effects for kidney and bladder disorders may stem from the syrup being both "an alkalizer and a diuretic," according to An Edgar Cayce Home Medicine Guide (p. 31). How was this beverage to be used? "Take the Coca-Cola as a medicine, not as a drink." (3412-1) This suggestion probably alleviates some apprehension about its ingredients (see below) as well as understanding its useful purpose; thus, it was to be drunk occasionally, as the readings stated, or "three to four times a week" (3109-1)-not at all guzzling it down as a thirst quencher.

A Historical Note

On May 8, 1886, Dr. John S. Pemberton, a pharmacist, carried a jug of coca-cola syrup to Jacobs' Pharmacy located in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. The solution was mixed with carbonated water, and customers paid 5 cents a glass for it. Up to nine drinks a day were purchased that year. The original drink was not bottled, but sold from a soda fountain. Today 1.3 billion drinks of Coca-Cola are sold daily in more than 200 countries around the world. What were the ingredients in Dr. Pemberton's syrup? Today the label lists these ingredients: high fructose corn syrup and/or sucrose, water, caramel color, phosphoric acid, natural flavors, and caffeine. There is a caution noted for those on a sugar restricted diet to consult a health-care professional before taking it. Essentially the syrup has the same contents as the regular, non-diet cola soft drink, but minus the carbonated water.

In an old notebook belonging to Dr. Pemberton was found the original recipe. In addition to a variety of flavorings-oils of orange, lemon, nutmeg, cinnamon, coriander, and neroli-the ingredients also included vanilla extract, lime juice, and "F.E. Coco" (misspelled), which is a fluid extract from coca leaves. In about 1901 the cocaine was removed from the drink; it is estimated that due to the extraction method used (mulching the leaf in 20 percent alcohol) that a 6-ounce bottle contained probably no more than 8.5 mg of cocaine. Dr. Pemberton felt that the drink's invigorating properties came from the coca leaf, not just from the cocaine. Taken in a limited quantity, as the readings suggest, plus treating it as a medicine rather than an entertaining beverage certainly changes the perspective on this familiar and popular drink.

Elaine Hruska has written numerous articles on holistic health and beauty for the Association for Research and Enlightenment, founded by Edgar Cayce in 1931 for the promotion of holistic healing.

Italian Style Bread

Bread is one of the most simple food stuffs within our diet and we take it for granted. If you're reading this from the UK then your idea of bread will be the horrible mass produced plastic wrapped loaf of sliced white bread that is full of additives and preservatives. Even if you don't buy the packet sliced white loaf the chances are that you buy your bread from a supermarket but go for the more over priced mass produced specialty breads that British super markets now sell. Very few people in the UK now buy their daily bread from a baker and because of this the village or town bakeries are closing down. If you are lucky enough to have a small bakery near you ensure that you support it, I assure you that the produce that you buy from there will be infinitely better than that of a super market.

Bread has had a bad press over the last few years, many people now see eating bread as one of the slimming deadly sins, but if you chose the correct bread, made using un-bleached white flour, yeast, water, sugar and salt or even the wholemeal version, and ensure that you don't eat too much of it you'll be fine. Good fresh wholesome bread is a lot better for you than many food stuffs that people substitute into their diet.

Bread is the most widely used staple of all, but the home-baked variety is a rare commodity. Making bread is much simpler than you might imagine and is much more an enjoyable process than buying it in the super market.

Bread fills me with excitement and anticipation and for these reasons I want to talk about it and share it with everyone I meet. Bread is a simple pleasure. In Italy no table is laid without it and no meal complete. Made well with good basic ingredients and left to rise for the correct length of time, bread is highly nutritious; a complex carbohydrate that helps to release energy more slowly through our blood system. Bread and extra virgin olive oil have to be one of life's greatest food combinations. Well taught, all the various stages of bread making are accessible and easy. Any good cook book with a baking section will teach you the basics of bread baking, and as long as you've got the correct ingredients, equipment and an oven you should be able to get pretty decent results.

Italian bread is some of the tastiest that there is, and there is a wealth of different style of bread as well. Focaccia is very popular in Italy and is now getting more popular abroad. Focaccia is an Italian bread that is baked flat in an oven, which sometimes has onions on the top, as well as herbs or other foodstuffs. Focaccia was traditionally baked in the hearth of the fire, hence the name with derives from the Latin for fire place or centre. Focaccia is usually seasoned with olive oil and herbs and topped with cheese, outside of Italy it is mainly used as a sandwich bread.

Finally, if any of you have ever had a real Italian pizza in Italy at a traditional pizzeria then you'll have tasted the deliciously crisp bread base of the pizza. Simply the best bread on the planet.

I try to pass on my musings on life and experiences in a way that people may find interesting to read.

http://www.cookery-school-italy.com

You may not always agree with my writings but I hope to inform.

Harwood E Woodpecker

Just A Little Testa Mint

I am quite sure almost everyone in America knows what a mint is. No, not the one with all the money!!! But even so, probably just as rich in quality. Folks have been enjoying mint candies in the United States since the late 1790's. Mint in our country has a rich history.

Brought to the new world as a medicine, eventually, it was used in the making of a wonderful treat. The ancients were intelligent about the uses of herbs for healing, and with great success, used mint for helping out with digestive problems and for that oh so important purpose of making one's breath fresh. Both concepts are still extensively in use today.

However, it is the use of mint for candy making purposes that delights us and blesses us today. The hard candy mints we know today were invented in another century and still realize great popularity now. You have probably been to a restaurant where that pretty little red and white candy was brought to you after your dinner. Starlights, the red and white mints, are still big sellers in the candy world today.

What baby shower has not been graced with those tiny little pink, yellow, and white soft mints. They are not only good, but they are pretty as well; and they serve a good purpose: To set a beautiful table and offer guests a little treat to snack on during a special occasion.

In 1912 we saw the invention of the minty Lifesaver, so called because it really resembles a life preserver. Children and adults alike have savored these little rings for decades and they are still going strong. Now there are several different varieties and flavors.

In 1949 we saw the emergence of a manufactured candy product called Junior Mints. The candy producers successfully married a creamy white mint filling with a delicious dark chocolate covering. Junior Mints were yummy then and they still are. This sparked a whole craze of combing the mint confection with creamy chocolate, and today you can get the fantastic combination in everything from After Eight dinner mints to Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream. It is an extremely popular flavor combination.

It seems as though almost everyone has at least one favorite mint product. Even those who don't subscribe to mint eating in general still say they love those little pastel balls of chocolate mints, or they like their Lifesavers, or maybe its those pastel drop Mint Melt- Aways. You can bet, if you asked 100 people what their favorite mint morsel was, you would get 100 affirmative answers and not one, "I don't eat mint."

Christopher Pratt is President of Candy Warehouse, the leading bulk candy store online for bulk candy discounts and specialty candy for specific occasions. Check out their great selection of mints and other delectable treats.