The cacao bean is the source of perhaps the most magical and beloved foods on Earth because it is the source of chocolate. Even the cacao tree's official name, Theobroma cacao, recognizes the long-standing love most of us have for the fruit of this tree. Theobroma comes from the Greek language for "food of the gods." And while chocolate is the most popular and favorite of these foods from the cacao bean, an even healthier choice is raw cacao powder. How Is Cacao Powder Made? To produce raw cacao powder, raw cacao beans are simply cold pressed to remove the fat, and the remaining solids are ground into a fine powder. Cacao vs. Cocoa: What's the Difference? Cacao powder contains all the beneficial nutrients and beneficial compounds of the raw cacao bean minus the fat. In contrast, cocoa powder is made from roasted cacao beans. And even if they look alike, the two are different. In making cocoa powder, up to 90% of the nutrients and beneficial compounds in raw c
Whether it’s Feng Shui or just plain ol’ luck, starting the New Year on a positive note manages to put you in a luckier frame of mind. So here is a list of seven plants to put in your garden or home that are known to bring luck. And even if they don’t bring luck, remember that plants always bring in positivity, fragrance and oxygen; and gardening brings you plenty health benefits too.
- Money tree: Known to be a harbinger of luck in Feng Shui, the money tree is also called the Malabar chestnut plant and is considered to produce positive energy that brings good luck and fortune. Mostly grown indoors as a bonsai, these plants are often braided together in threes or fives while they are still flexible saplings (but never in fours, for four is considered ill luck).
- Four-leaf clover: Call it an Irish folklore but we all have secretly rejoiced upon finding a four-leafed clover. A well-known ‘lucky’ plant, the four-leaf clover was used by the Celts to ward off bad luck and by St. Patrick to show the Holy Trinity. The first clover leaf represents faith, the second leaf hope, the third love, and finally, the fourth represents luck. And while you are supposed to find them and not grow them, there’s no harm in cultivating them either! And by the way, they are edible!
- Jade: The jade plant, most commonly cultivated as a bonsai, is a popular good luck charm in Asia and is believed to increase the flow of financial energy. It looks beautiful, and is said to work its magic the best when placed at the entrance or southeast corner of a house.
- Holy basil: Revered in India, the holy basil is believed to bring good luck to all if placed at the front porch. Credited by many as the harbinger of financial success, the basil plant is also known to cure coughs and colds, awaken passion and achieve true beauty.
- Lucky bamboo: The most well-known symbol of luck in Asia, the lucky bamboo has a misleading name, for it’s actually a member of the lily family. And being so is thought to attract positive energy that promotes wealth, health and love. The stalks of lucky bamboo are often entwined into bundles with each number representing the kind of energy desired. Three stalks represent happiness, longevity and wealth; five stalks represent pure wealth; six are to increase luck; and seven stand for good health.
- Roses: “What’s in a name,” said Shakespeare, and we agree. Call a rose by any other name and its sweetness still remains evergreen. Whilst pretty commonplace, roses are said to be symbols of love, healing and luck, as well as divinity. Different rose colors are said to have different meanings. White is for healing and passion, peach is for peace, while lavender stands for spirituality. Pink is for romance, red is for true love and wealth, and fuchsia stands for inner beauty and self-worth.
- Rosemary: Finally, if you feel that you make your own luck and everything you do is not destiny-dictated, then rosemary is the plant for you. Said to increase love and lust, rosemary is also reputed to increase brain and psychic power. And the brain maketh the man (and woman!)
Believe it or not, these ‘lucky’ plants will surely be a great addition to your garden. And if they do bring in some luck to you, consider it a fringe benefit! Happy New Year to you, and your garden!
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