New From Watkins Natural Home Care!

October 11, 2008 at 7:47 pm (Watkins)
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Watkins has harvested a new grove of Citrus Scented Natural Home Care Products!

You will love this new scent! Nothing uplifts and invigorates quite like the scent of fresh squeezed oranges. Clean your home and let the scent of fresh cut oranges energize your spirit. J.R. Watkins Natural Home Care products feature non-toxic, plant-based formulas that are both biodegradable and phosphate free. These ultra concentrated cleaners are naturally derived with coconut-based surfactants and natural palm oil, so they are easy on the environment, your home and your loved ones. No home should be without these products!

Tips:

  • Spray a small amount of J.R. Watkins Orange Citrus Natural All Purpose Cleaner on a soft cloth and gently rub over switch plates, counter tops, appliances, floors; anywhere you want to remove grime, smudges, fingerprints, you name it!
  • To clean ceiling fans, use a long-handled brush dampened with J.R. Watkins Orange Citrus All Purpose Cleaner — wipe that dust away!
  • J.R. Watkins Natural Orange Citrus Room Spray goes a long way — more than 600 sprays per container…that’s less than 1¢ per spray! Not only is it economical, the non-aerosol pump is environmentally friendly too.

Looking for a great work at home opportunity?  Visit http://www.tsginfo.com/index.php?rc=DM6766/ for more details!

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The Dangers of Parabens - Do You Know What They Are?

September 14, 2008 at 2:08 pm (Articles)
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Author: Margaret Bell

The dangers of parabens are just beginning to surface. Weight gain, skin aging and certain types of cancer are suspected to be caused in part by parabens.

It is a fact that up to 60 percent of whatever we place on our skin goes into our blood stream. This is where the danger starts. A paraben is the most commonly used synthetic preservative in many cosmetics. They ensure a long shelf life by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria, yeast and mold. But they are suspected of posing grave health risks with long term exposure.

Paraben Dangers Are Minimized By Irresponsible Companies

When asked “Are parabens bad?” The cosmetic companies insist they are not harmful because they remain on our skin and are not absorbed into our bodies. But, recent studies found parabens in human breast cancer tissue. This raises obvious questions about their ability to accumulate in our bodies.

Companies say they use some form of parabens to prevent bacterial and fungal contamination. Many don’t consider it harmful and have no qualms about adding it to their ingredient label. However, there is also evidence that parabens may disrupt the body’s hormone systems by duplicating the effects of estrogen.

The dangers of parabens are being “swept under the rug” by these big companies.

Trade Secrets Used to Hide Paraben Dangers

Makers of cosmetics are required to list their ingredients unless it is fragrance and that is exempt as a “trade secret.”

However be aware that words like “natural “and “organic” do not mean paraben free. Read the label, and don’t be mislead by the front label. Among the ingredients, printed in small letters at the bottom of the back label is where you will find the parabens listed.

Parabens - How Bad Are They?

So…Are parabens bad? It depends on who you ask. Scientists say probably so, and they would like more testing. Big manufacturers who use them say they are absolutely safe. So why then do they hide the ingredients if that can? What is in the fragrance?

You should take action to prevent exposure to chemicals we suspect are dangerous. When a product ingredient is strongly suspected of being harmful to our health we should eliminate the use of this chemical and find a safe substitute to replace it. We should not expose ourselves to the dangers of parabens when safe alternatives do exist and are already being used by some cosmetic companies. Do a little research like the author of this article did and you will find that parabens are bad.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/skin-care-articles/the-dangers-of-parabens-do-you-know-what-they-are-544336.html

About the Author:

Margaret Bell is a diligent researcher of skin care systems and a dedicated advocate of living a healthy lifestyle. Visit her site at: http://www.aHealthyRadiantSkin.com to discover which paraben free products Margaret recommends and uses. Be sure to sign up for her free Health newsletter for new updated skin care information.</b

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Chemicals Affecting Human Health

September 14, 2008 at 1:30 pm (Articles)
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Author: Steve Dimeck

Copyright (c) 2008 Steve Dimeck

Manmade chemicals are an integral and vital part of our modern lifestyle. They are found in a vast range of consumer products - from furniture, clothing and toiletries to electrical appliances, car interiors and cleaning products. While they have undoubtedly improved the quality of our lives, many would present you with serious health problems.

They can be harmful to health and many can persist in the environment and accumulate in the bodies of wildlife and people.

This has resulted in ecosystems and people all over the world being contaminated with a cocktail of manmade chemicals. Examples include the chemicals DDT (an insecticide) and PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls - used in electrical components), which despite having been banned for decades, are still found throughout the global environment.

In more recent years, modern chemical compounds such as brominated flame retardants (used to prevent fire in plastics e.g. TVs, computers and textiles e.g. furniture, carpets) and perfluorinated “non-stick” chemicals, (used for waterproof and stainproof coatings) have followed PCBs and DDT to all corners of the globe.

Some chemicals can also interfere with hormone processes in the body - these are known as “endocrine disrupting” chemicals (EDCs). Examples include phthalates, primarily used to soften plastics and found in numerous consumer products, from vinyl flooring to cosmetics.

There is a large body of scientific evidence on the adverse impacts of manmade chemicals on wildlife species. Research and studies have also consistently shown that humans all over the globe are too exposed to a cocktail of potentially hazardous chemicals including DDT and PCBs, as well as brominated flame retardants, perfluorinated chemicals (non-stick cookware), artificial musks (used as synthetic fragrances in many consumer products) and phthalates.

Many of these chemicals have been detected in young children as well as adults, and in some cases at higher levels in children than in adults.

Alongside this, there is growing concern over possible links between certain chemicals (particularly endocrine disrupting chemicals) and human health impacts such as cancer, reproductive problems, birth defects, asthma, allergies, behavioral problems, disruption of infant brain development, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity.

Many well known scientists are becoming increasingly concerned as there is mounting evidence linking persistent, accumulative and endocrine disrupting chemicals with negative health effects.

However, despite our exposure to these chemicals, there is currently insufficient health and safety data publicly available to assess the potential impacts of most of the chemicals in use today.

The short term exposure to these chemicals is unlikely to cause direct, immediate health effects, but there are concerns over the effects of long term, low level exposure to chemicals in the diet, especially on the developing fetus, infants and young children.

There is also the wider issue of the use of hazardous chemicals that continue to contaminate the global environment and the food we consume.

Until the persistent, bioaccumulative and endocrine disrupting chemicals are all phased out and replaced with safer alternatives there is no reason why we should continue to risk our health when safer alternatives exist.

Inform yourself about the chemicals in the products you are using and consuming daily and stop buying them and stop using them. Look for alternatives or safer products. If governments fail to change the industry by making it safer, consumers indeed can by simply buying safer alternatives that do exist.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/chemicals-affecting-human-health-560133.html

About the Author:
For more information on  harmful chemicals  in common goods that we use daily, go to   http://www.myproductalert.com/chemicals-in-common-goods.html

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Chocolate Truffles

September 14, 2008 at 11:39 am (Recipes, Watkins)
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Ingredients
6 oz/170 g semi-sweet chocoate
4 oz/113 g cream cheese
1-1/2 cups/375 mL powdered sugar
1/2 tsp/2.5 mL
1 tsp/5 mL Watkins Extract of choice
Baking Cocoa, powdered sugar, chocolate, nuts, etc. for decoration

Cooking Directions
Melt chocolate in microwave on high for 60 seconds. Stir and continue cooking on high for another 30 seconds or until completely melted. Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and continue beating until well-blended. Stir in chocolate, vanilla and extracts. Refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm. Shape into 1-inch/25-cm balls. Roll in cocoa, sugar, nuts, etc. or dip in melted chocolate. Store in refrigerator.

Makes approximately 3 dozen truffles.

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Natural Healthy Cleaning With Tea Tree Essential Oil

July 12, 2008 at 5:22 pm (Articles)
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Tea Tree oil is one of the most popular of the essential oils. It is one of the strongest natural antiseptics, commonly referred to as the “Universal Antiseptic.” This quality makes it one of the most worthwhile ingredients in homemade cleaning recipes. Tea Tree oil is also well tolerated having no known allergic reactions.

The time has come for us to reject the chemical-laden, air-polluting, health destroying, hazardous, commercial household cleaning products. There is something wrong when big corporations are using, “Trade Secrets,” which means they are free to put harmful chemicals in the products that we use everyday in our homes. Manufacturers are not required to list them on the label.

There are some companies that provide us with many excellent eco-friendly, nontoxic-cleaning products, but it is more economical and satisfying to make our own. You may notice that once you start using natural, safe cleaning products, you will not want to go back to using chemicals. The change is so pleasant to our bodies physiologically, and so soothing emotionally that we can’t go back to harsh chemicals.

Clinical studies have documented the value of Tea Tree oil, which date back to the original work conducted in 1923 by Dr. A. R. Penfold, an Australian government chemist. He found that Tea Tree leaves contained an essential oil, which showed antiseptic and bacterial properties 13 times stronger than carbolic acid, the accepted standard of the time. In 1930, Mr. E. M. Humphrey published an article entitled “A New Australian Germicide.” He identified that Tea Tree oil’s disinfectant action on the typhoid bacilli was sixty times greater than that of ordinary hand soap. So important was Tea Tree in the 1940’s that it was standard issue in first aid kits for army and navy personnel.

Tea Tree oil turns out to be one of the most useful of all essential oils, especially as an antiseptic. The antiseptic, germicidal, antifungal, antibacterial immune-boosting qualities of Tea Tree oil make it applicable to a wide range of health conditions. In addition, the antiseptic benefits of the oil allow its use as a natural cleaner and disinfectant within the household environment.

Tea tree oil has many uses for housekeeping. You can prove to yourself how well it works to kill mold and mildew with this simple test: Put 2 teaspoons of Australian tea tree oil in a spray bottle with two cups of water. Spray the mixture on something musty. Let the smell dissipate (it will take a few days). The smell of mold and must will be gone, too, never to return as long as the source of moisture has been removed.

You can make your own cleaning supplies with antibacterial properties that nature provides. You’ll feel a whole lot brighter and energetic after a few hours with essential oils than you will after breathing the fumes of toxic chemicals.

About The Author

Sharon Delia is a writer and researcher in the field of environmental health. She has co-authored a website with Richard Cocchia on the subject of environmentally safe home cleaning. To learn more about creating a healthy home for your family visit: http://www.healthy-home-cleaning-tips.com.

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Broiled Tarragon Salmon Steaks

July 12, 2008 at 4:48 pm (Recipes, Watkins)
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Ingredients
3 tbsp/45 mL Original Grapeseed Oil
1 tbsp/15 mL fresh lemon juice
1-1/2 tsp/7.5 mL Tarragon
1-1/2 tsp/7.5 mL Onion & Garlic Pepper
3/4 tsp/4 mL Marjoram
1/2 tsp/2.5 mL Lemon Peel
Freshly-ground, to taste, Sea Salt
4 salmon steaks, cut 1-inch/2.5-cm thick (about 2 lb/908 g)

Cooking Directions
Combine all ingredients except salmon steaks in small bowl. Preheat broiler. Place salmon steaks on pan coated with Watkins Cooking Spray. Brush with half of seasoned oil. Broil 5 minutes. Turn steaks carefully and brush with remaining oil mixture. Broil 5 to 7 minutes longer or until salmon flakes easily.

Makes 4 servings.

Nutrition Facts
Nutritional Information Per Serving:
Calories 340;
Protein 34 g;
Carbohydrates 1 g;
Sodium 80 mg;
Fat 21 g;
Saturated Fat 3 g;
Cholesterol 94 mg;
Dietary Fiber 0 g

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Homemade Rootbeer/Rootbeer Float

July 12, 2008 at 4:41 pm (Recipes, Watkins)
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Ingredients
Start by making a concentrated root beer syrup:

1-3/4 cups/425 mL sugar
2-1/4 cups/560 mL water
2 tbsp/30 mL Root Beer Extract—Trial Mark Bottle

Cooking Directions
Root Beer Syrup: Combine sugar and water in small saucepan; heat and stir until mixture starts to boil. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature; add Root Beer Flavor and mix thoroughly. Place in well-sealed container and keep in refrigerator.

Root Beer: Place 1/3 cup/80 mL of the syrup into a glass. Add 5 fl. oz./150 mL of club soda or sparkling water. Fill glass with ice. Enjoy!

Note: This makes a light colored root beer. If desired, you can add liquid caramel color if available in your area.

Root Beer Float: Float a scoop of vanilla ice cream in a mug of root beer.

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Stay Healthy with Organic Teas

June 21, 2008 at 5:40 pm (Articles)
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Because of the regulations governing organics in various countries, and because they are produced in smaller amounts, organic teas are more expensive than other kinds of bulk tea. However, once you taste the difference, you’ll agree that paying a bit extra from organic teas is well worth it!

Organic Loose Teas

Bulk tea has a long history behind it, both in the West and in Asia, where this remarkable and highly popular beverage originated. According to legend, tea fell from the sky as rain on the day the Buddha was born; in Japan, the tea ceremony is a tradition dating back to the days of the shoguns. Of course, “tea time” is an English tradition, and discontent over unfair tea taxes ultimately led to the loss of many of England’s North American colonies. Black and green organic teas such as oolong and pekoe and pekoe provide a substantial energy boost, but contain only a fraction of the caffeine found in coffee.

Organic loose tea is also a healthful beverage; both black and green varieties contain high amounts of health-promoting polyphenols and antioxidants.

Chai Tea

This exotic spiced form of black tea originates in India, where it is traditionally served hot with milk and sugar or even honey. The spices used – cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, cloves and in some cases, even black pepper add a natural sweetness. Chai tea is also great served over ice on warm afternoons.

Organic Herbal Teas

Herbal teas predate traditional black and green teas in the West by centuries. Many organic herbal teas have been used for therapeutic and even medicinal purposes. For example, chamomile tea has been used to treat menstrual cramps that some younger women must endure; it is also a natural relaxant that promotes sleep. Men will be interested to know that some herbal teas such as licorice, ginseng and maca are thought to raise energy levels and improve sexual function.

Tea Accessories

Part of tea-related traditions include tea accessories such as tea pots, tea warmers and platters. If you are purchasing organic loose teas, you’ll definitely need tea balls, as bulk tea comes loose – there are no tea bags.

About the Author: Anne Harvester is an herbalist who has studied the benefits of using organic herbs and other organic products. In this article, she explores organic essential oils, organic teas, and organic spices.

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Brushfire Burgers with Smoky Jalapeño Topping

June 21, 2008 at 5:17 pm (Recipes, Watkins)
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Ingredients
2 lbs/900 g lean ground beef
4 green onions, chopped (1/4 cup/60 mL)
4 tsp/20 mL Meat Magic
1 tsp/5 mL Cilantro
1/2 tsp/2.5 mL Sage
1/2 tsp/2.5 mL Onion & Garlic Pepper
1/2 tsp/2.5 mL Seasoning Salt

8 hamburger buns

Topping:
3/4 cup/180 mL mayonnaise
1/4 cup/60 mL jalapeno mustard
2 tsp/10 mL Chipotle Liquid Spice

Cooking Directions
Combine topping ingredients; refrigerate at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to develop.

Preheat grill to medium heat. Combine all burger ingredients in a large bowl and form into 8 patties about 3/4 inch/20 mm thick. Grill about 15 minutes, turning once, or until desired doneness is reached. Serve on buns with topping (or offer Watkins Steak Sauce, for guests who don’t want mayonnaise).

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New Superfruit in Town: Acai

June 14, 2008 at 8:00 pm (Articles)
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From the rainforests of the Amazons acai berries have been consumed by Brazilians for centuries. But recently, more and more of these grape-sized berries are falling from the South American palm trees into juice bottles around the world. Pronounced a-sigh-ee, the acai fruit is chockful of antioxidants.

Berries and chocolate. Generally a great combination, right? What if there was a berry that had a cocoa flavor in it? Well as nature would have it, there is. This extraordinarily nutritious berry is called the acai berry (pronounced a-sigh-ee). While it doesn’t exactly taste like pure chocolate, the bitterness of cacao is incorporated into acai’s intense flavor. The flavor is actually hard to pinpoint as some of its juices have been compared to bitter raspberries while others claim acai produces a salty aftertaste (like say, olives.) Ok, I’m the one that said that. But the flavor is not the only thing that makes acai so unique.

Labeled the antioxidant superfood, it’s known for its substantially large amounts of antioxidants and nutritional value. Acai has double the cancer-fighting power of blueberries, the formerly known antioxidant contest frontrunner. Consumption of the berry not only helps prevent and attack cancerous cells, but it is said to boost energy and overall immunity as well. Actually, the list of supposed and even validated benefits is virtually endless from improved digestion to better circulation, and even better sleep. It is based on these extraordinary characteristics that acai has been referred to as the most healthful fruit in the world.

But, if you’re a juice producer looking for a new venture, many juice and smoothie producers have already jumped the gun on capitalizing on the healthful fruit. While the trend is still fairly recent, grocery store shelves are already well stocked with the likes of organic acai juices, yogurt drinks, smoothies, and even teas.

And the bottles of these products make many a pretty promise. I’m actually drinking an “Organic Acai Antioxidant Superfood Smoothie” right now that claims it’s sufficient for a meal replacement. Is that true? Well, it sure seems to satisfy my nutritional needs as the Nutrition Facts label shows sufficient amounts of protein, carbohydrates, fat, potassium and even omega-3 fatty acids! And…actually it’s the only thing I’ve eaten today so far and I don’t think I’m hungry! Maybe this stuff really does work (Don’t try this at home though folks, acai shouldn’t be the only thing you eat all day.)

Acai has also shown promises of preventing heart disease, as it has 10-30 times the amount of cardiovascular-fighting phytochemical called anthocyanin found in red wine. You may have heard of these phytochemicals from the French Paradox that enumerates the oddity of heart disease’s rare occurrence in France despite their high fat intake. The concept bears the phytochemicals in the red wine responsible for their continued health.

With all these benefits filling the air, the fruit sounds perfect right? Well I’m not here to tell you that it isn’t, but I am here to tell you to be cautious about how much acai you consume. There is such a thing as an antioxidant overdose that has adverse effects such as weakness, fever and toxicity. So, with a fruit so jam-packed with antioxidants, one must be careful. Experts suggest discussing with your doctor what your optimal dosage of antioxidants is.

Sources:
Acai Berry Fruit Guide
Sambazon SuperGreens Revolution
Mona Vie Acai Drink

About The Author

Hillary Marshak is a writer and editor for Recipe4Living.com, an up and coming recipe sharing Website. For more articles like this, or for a large collection of recipes, visit the site at http://www.Recipe4Living.com.

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