Blood Pressure Concerns

Cause: In 90% of people with high blood pressure the cause is unknown.

Risk factors include smoking, obesity, high sodium diet and family history. For
mild hypertension (140 to 159 systolic and 90 to 99 diastolic) you should
make lifestyle changes and consider the following supplements with your doctor’s
approval. If blood pressure is higher, see your doctor.

What May Help:Watkins Superfood Multiple (Super Multi) and Osteogen
Why: Together, provide vitamin C, calcium, magnesium and other nutrients
known to promote healthy blood pressure levels.

What May Help:Watkins E+CoQ10
Why: CoQ10 promotes a healthy heart and circulation, and hawthorn
helps to improve blood flow and improve pumping ability. It may help to
maintain normal blood pressure.

What May Help:Watkins Garlic Oil Softgels
Why: May help to widen blood vessels, improving circulation and promoting normal blood pressure.

Testimonials—
These are personal testimonials. Individual results may vary. Consult your physician before taking any dietary supplements.

“After taking Watkins E+CoQ10 for only one month, my blood pressure went from 145/98 to 120/71.”
—Gloria Williamson, British Columbia

“Since taking Watkins E+CoQ10, my blood pressure went from 210/100 to 150/80. I decided to see what would happen if I stopped taking it, and it went back up. I won’t go without it anymore.”
—Mary Bonner, California

“My favorite product is Watkins Garlic Oil Softgels because it has enhanced by life tremendously. Since taking Watkins Garlic Oil Softgels I have been able to control my blood pressure without medication. It’s also helped to lower my cholesterol and I rarely get a cold anymore. My doctor has told me that my blood pressure has been maintained, and I am able to do many things that I was unable to do before I started taking Watkins Garlic Oil Softgels.”
—Ron Losey, Kentucky

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent
any disease. In Canada, this information is provided for educational purposes only. No claims are being made for any product.

Do you suffer from ALLERGIES?

Cause: In some individuals, the immune system will overreact to substances that
enter the body, causing release of histamine as a defensive mechanism.

What May Help: Watkins Rezist Plus

Why: Contains ImmunEnhancer™ and pre- and probiotics that block substances
that attempt to invade the body. Blocking these substances helps to reduce
allergic reactions.

Helpful Hint: At the first sign of allergies, take 2 caplets of Rezist Plus in the
morning and 2 in the evening until symptoms subside; then take 2 caplets daily.

What May Help:Watkins Bee Pollen Complex

Why: Many people take bee pollen in the early spring to help combat allergy
symptoms associated with pollen. A growing number of scientists believe that ingesting small amounts of pollen can desensitize an individual to its allergenic compounds. Note: If allergy- or bee sting-sensitive, consult your physician-allergist before using.

What May Help:Watkins Superfood Multiple (Super Multi)

Why: Contains quercetin, a flavonoid that inhibits the release of histamine, helping to combat allergy symptoms.

Testimonials—
These are personal testimonials. Individual results may vary. Consult your physician before taking any dietary supplements.

“I live in California’s central valley and allergies have always been a problem for me. I started
taking Watkins Rezist Plus regularly and I have made it through the allergy season with no symptoms whatsoever, and have not had to take any allergy medications. I haven’t been sick at all, even though several “bugs” have been going around. Thank you, Watkins, for such a wonderful product.”
—Greg Ellis, California

“For years I’ve had allergy symptoms, such as a runny nose, etc. I started taking Rezist Plus and have had little or no allergy symptoms for over a year.”
—Dean Gengler, Kansas

“My oldest son wanted to take Rezist Plus because he knew it would help fight colds and flu, but the spin-off is that he suffered from what I called “allergy to the morning.” Certain times of the year he would wake up sneezing and coughing and would have a runny nose for a couple of hours every morning. He found that when he was taking Rezist Plus he wasn’t having that reaction when he woke up. It was only when he ran out of Rezist Plus and stopped taking it and all of those symptoms came back, that he realized that it was the Rezist Plus that was helping him to avoid those allergic reactions every morning. It’s a wonderful product and I’ve told lots of people who have allergies to try Rezist Plus. It certainly has made a difference in my son’s life.”
—Lee Baxevanidis, British Columbia

“I have been plagued with allergies all year round for most of my adult life. I have had to use allergy pills every day for the past 10 years and had tried to get off of medication, but with no success...that is, until I started taking Watkins Rezist Plus. I began to reduce my dosage of medication while taking Rezist Plus, and now I am completely off of medication and feeling a lot better while continuing to take Rezist Plus. “I take Watkins Rezist Plus everyday. When I have a reaction to something in the air or environment, I take another dose of Rezist Plus and within 30 minutes the reaction has subsided. It’s wonderful to see others’ expressions when they see the difference. “Thank you, Watkins, for making my allergies more
manageable with Rezist Plus.”
—Debra Killam, New Brunswick

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent
any disease. In Canada, this information is provided for educational purposes only. No claims are being made for any product.

Watkins has low-carb answers

By Brenda Koth, MS, RD

There have been many diets and weight loss plans that have come and gone through the years, including the Atkins diet. Atkins, as well as other low-carbohydrate, high-protein diets, were popular decades ago, and are making a comeback.

While these diets do promote weight loss, in order to keep the weight off, the diet must be followed for a lifetime, and that’s what worries health experts. Any extreme type of eating plan that is followed for just a short time will not likely have long-term health risks, but a lifetime plan of virtually cutting out an entire food group that is essential for health, without knowing the long-term risks, is a concern. While the long-term health risks of low-carbohydrate plans have not yet been determined, doctors caution against the increased risk of gout, kidney stones, kidney and liver disease, weakened bones, and mood swings. Depression is a concern because carbohydrates help boost the production of serotonin, which controls emotions, and a shortage of serotonin can lead to mood swings and depression.

As a registered dietitian and licensed nutritionist, I encourage a sensible eating plan that includes all food groups in moderation—lean meats, fish, seafood and poultry, whole grains, fruit, vegetables, dairy, and an occasional sweet. However, I realize that many people are looking for products that can be used with the Atkins plan or other low-carbohydrate eating plans. Fortunately, with Watkins diversified product line, there is something for everyone, no matter what eating plan they may be following at the time.

Here are some suggestions to offer those following the Atkins plan or other low-carbohydrate eating plans.

Watkins Gourmet Herbs, Spices and Spice Rubs contain no sugar, carbohydrates or calories. Those following a low-carbohydrate plan or any diet plan often have limited options and eating the same or similar foods every day gets boring, making it harder to stick to the diet plan. Watkins Herbs and Spices add variety and taste, contribute no calories, carbohydrates or fat, and can help dieters stick to their plan.

Watkins Pepper, Pepper Blends and Peppercorns contain no sugar, carbohydrates or calories and add zest and flavor.

Watkins Cinnamon contains no sugar, carbohydrates or calories and can help to control blood sugar levels, keeping appetite under control.

Watkins Gourmet Extracts contain no sugar, with the exception of Black Walnut, Maple, Vanilla and Vanilla Nut, which contain only very small amounts.

Watkins Grapeseed Oils and Liquid Spices contain no sugar or carbohydrates and help to control appetite by reducing hunger for several hours. The added natural flavors provide variety and help dieters stick to their eating plan.

Watkins Jalapeño Hot Pepper Sauce contains no sugar or carbohydrates.

Watkins Chicken, Onion and Beef Soups contain less than 3 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Watkins Spicy Garlic Soy Sauce contains less than 1 gram of sugar/carbohydrates per serving.

Watkins Reduce Plus with CarboControl™ Blend (WMS 2) helps to curb appetite for carbohydrates, and when they are consumed, helps to burn them up for energy rather than turning them into fat.*

Watkins TheraTrim™ with Appestat™ and EGCG (WMS 1) helps to boost metabolism and fat-burning while controlling appetite.*

Watkins Mood Plus (Balance Plus) helps to increase serotonin levels, which are often reduced on low-carbohydrate diets.*

Watkins Superfood Multiple (Super Multi) provides vitamins and minerals often lacking in low carbohydrate diets.

Watkins Fruit-Veggie Complex (Watkins Harvest) provides vitamins and phytonutrients from fruits and vegetables, which are often lacking in low carbohydrate diets.

Watkins Osteogen provides much needed calcium. High protein diets increase the body’s need for calcium, as a high intake of animal protein results in increased calcium being lost from bones.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Claims are for US products only.

Don't Get Burned…

Did you know approximately 80% of skin aging is believed to be due to sun exposure rather than age? Look at someone who has spent a lifetime in the sun without protection and you'll notice their skin may be wrinkled and leathery. The sun can also cause skin sagging and age spots, as well as growths that may lead to skin cancer. The extent of damage is directly related to the amount of sun exposure throughout life. Since more than half of a person's sun exposure occurs before the age of 20, it's very important to protect children from the sun. Watkins PABA-free Aloe Vera Sun Block SPF-30 is fragrance-free and safe for children. Aloe Lip Balm SPF-23 protects sensitive lips, and Aloe & Green Tea Hand and Body Lotion provides cooling, soothing relief after the sun. If you still find that you're a little red in the face, as well as the rest of your body, Watkins medicated Aloe Vera Burn Cream can help to relieve pain and itching from sunburn, windburn, insect bites, minor burns and skin irritations.

Brenda Koth, MS, RD

Hot News!

If you want to cool off and burn some extra calories this summer, here's a hot tip: A meal that includes hot peppers can boost your metabolism for several hours, helping to burn extra calories. Ironically, hot peppers can also help you stay cool by stimulating the cooling center of the brain. They can also help to lower blood cholesterol and reduce blood clots, cutting the risk of heart attack and stroke. As if that weren't enough, they might even make you feel better by stimulating the release of endorphins, substances in the brain that act as natural painkillers and mood enhancers. Watkins offers a variety of hot sauces, salsas and hot spices.

Brenda Koth, MS, RD

Time in a bottle . . .

Do you ever wish you could bottle up a formula to slow the aging process? Well, it seems that European
winemakers have done just that. After centuries of throwing away the grape seeds left over from winemaking,
vintners many years ago began extracting the oil from those seeds. Not only was this oil fantastic for cooking,
but researchers have found that it has wonderful anti-aging benefits…from lowering cholesterol to reducing
the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles!
Top chefs cook with grapeseed oil because of its amazing effect on enhancing the natural flavors of food, and
health-conscious consumers cook with it to help reduce the “bad” (LDL) cholesterol while raising the “good”
(HDL) cholesterol. Watkins’ pure, all-natural Grapeseed Oils come in three varieties: Original, Garlic & Parsley,
and Citrus & Cilantro.
You’ll also find grapeseed oil in high-end cosmetics, used for its ability to reduce the appearance of fine lines
and wrinkles. Watkins Pure Beauty Oil, with pure, all-natural grapeseed oil and a unique blend of natural plant
oils and vitamin E, can be applied to the face and eye area for smooth, vibrant, younger-looking skin.

A Perfect 10

If you're tired or have gained weight, you could be missing your "Q." Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10 for short, is found naturally in the body, and is the spark of energy for the entire body. After age 40, we don't produce as much CoQ10, which means everything slows down--our heart and brain are not as efficient and even our skin doesn't produce new cells as rapidly, making skin look older. Low levels can also lead to fatigue and weight gain. Recently, CoQ10 was shown to slow the progression of Parkinson's disease and may hold promise for other brain disorders. CoQ10 supplements are recommended for everyone over the age of 40 to strengthen the heart, protect the brain, and energize the entire body. Score a perfect 10 with Watkins E + CoQ10. It combines CoQ10 with all-natural vitamin E, selenium and hawthorn in a softgel that provides 273% greater absorption than a dry tablet, for exceptional benefits. As with all dietary supplements, consult your healthcare provider to make sure this supplement is right for you.

Brenda Koth, MS, RD

Catch the Latest Buzz…

June marks the official start of summer activities—fishing, camping, boating and mosquito slapping. With disease-carrying mosquitoes just itching to grab a bite to eat, they're no longer just a pest; they're a real threat. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the most effective repellents for protection against West Nile Virus and encephalitis-carrying mosquitoes are those that contain DEET. In a test conducted by The New England Journal of Medicine, non-DEET products offered little or no protection, while DEET-containing products provided full protection for several hours. DEET has a remarkable safety record after 40 years of use and remains the gold standard for protection from disease-carrying insects—it also protects from Lyme-disease carrying ticks and other pests. Watkins Insect Repellent Spray contains 23.75% DEET—the amount that provided the most protection in this study—just enough to keep insects from being a pain in the neck.

Don't Get Burned…

Aloe Vera Moisturizing SunBlock SPF-30

Sun Facts: What You Should Know

• 50-80% of a person’s lifetime skin exposure has
been received by age 18.
• As much as 90% of wrinkles and age spots are
directly attributable to sun damage.
• UV exposure has been linked to a weakening in
the body’s immune system.
• Reflected sunlight from water and snow will
cause sunburn also—yes, you can burn in winter,
so protect your face!
• Using sunscreen decreases your core and skin
temperatures, helping you stay cooler during
exercise and other strenuous activity.

• PABA-free sunscreen blend: Blocks harmful
UV-B (burning) and UV-A (tanning) rays
without negative effects.
• Waterproof: Stays on the skin, even while
swimming or perspiring from physical activity.
• Moisturizes while it protects.
• Fragrance-free, tested safe:
No skin irritation
No eye irritation
No facial discomfort
Non-toxic
Safe for children

Essential Ingredients
• Oxybenzone (Benzophenone 3): Blocks UV-A
high end.
• Octinoxate: Blocks UV-A low end and UV-B.
• Octisalate: Blocks UV-B.
• Homosalate: Blocks UV-B.
• Aloe Vera: A pure, natural ingredient obtained
from the leaves of the aloe vera plant. A natural
moisturizer.
• Cocoa Butter: Helps retain the skin’s natural
moisture by preventing it from evaporating.

What Is:
• UV-A/UV-B? There are two types of UV (ultraviolet)
rays: UV-B is the more infamous, being the
variety that burns your skin and can lead to skin
cancer. But UV-A is a deeper-penetrating ray that
pierces into the developing layers of the skin,
disrupting its normal functions and scarring it
forever. This leads to premature signs of aging as
these layers emerge—age spots and wrinkles.
• SPF? The SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of a sunscreen
determines its level of protection. An SPF
of 30 means that it will take your skin approximately
30 times as long to burn as it would with
no sunscreen.

Not all Ginseng is created equal!

Watkins Balanced Ginseng contains Panax
ginseng, considered the “Crown Jewel” of
Chinese medicine. It has been used for
thousands of years as a tonic, energy booster,
and stress reliever. There are many types
of ginseng, but they do not contain the
same properties and benefits of Panax ginseng.
As an adaptogen, Panax ginseng is
noted for its ability to enhance energy while
providing a calming effect in times of stress.*

What to look for

The greatest health benefits are shown when
Panax ginseng is taken as an extract containing
4 to 7% standardized ginsenosides—the
main group of active compounds in ginseng.
In an independent analysis of ginseng
products on the market, 60% were considered
worthless because they did not contain
an adequate amount of ginseng or ginsenosides,
and 25% contained no ginseng or
ginsenosides at all. Health experts advise
those who are looking for quality herbal
products to purchase only from a reputable
company that they know and trust. Is there
any name more trusted than Watkins?

Why Watkins?

Watkins uses Panax ginseng, which is the
most revered herb in Chinese medicine and
the most extensively studied form of ginseng.
Watkins Balanced Ginseng is standardized
to contain 7% ginsenosides, the highest
amount of ginsenosides recommended to
provide the greatest health benefits.
Benefits of Panax Ginseng:

Anti-Stress: allows the body to adapt and
react more efficiently to stress.*

Energy: Panax ginseng is noted for its ability
to enhance energy and is also used to
combat fatigue and anxiety.*

Improved Mental Function:Recent studies
have shown improved thinking ability, alertness,
concentration and reaction times with
regular use. Some studies show an additional
benefit in slowing down mental decline.*

Anti-aging: acts as an antioxidant; protects
the cardiovascular system, liver, and lungs
from free-radical damage.*

Blood Sugar Control:helps bring blood
sugar levels into a balanced state.*

Immune Function: stimulates and strengthens
the immune system.*

Watkins Superfood Multiple (Super Multi)
contains nutrients that work synergistically
to support the energizing and stress-reducing
action of Watkins Balanced Ginseng. Take
them together for optimal benefits.

Watkins’ traditional Chinese
support herb blend
In Chinese medicine, herbs are rarely used
alone. Rather, they are used in combination
with other herbs to enhance their
function. Other herbs in Watkins Balanced
Ginseng which complement and enhance
the function of ginseng include:

Astragalus Root: known to stimulate and
strengthen the immune system. It promotes
general well-being by increasing
stamina, vitality, and resistance to harmful
toxins. Modern research shows that it acts
as a diuretic to help flush the system and
can help to maintain normal blood pressure,
dilate blood vessels, and improve
circulation. Taken regularly, it provides
ongoing immune system support.*

Licorice Root: helps the body deal with
long-term stress. It is often prescribed by
naturopathic doctors for general burnout
and weakness. It is also helpful for
relieving symptoms of PMS and menopause,
as well as some skin problems
and liver conditions.*

Reishi Mushroom (pronounced REE-shee):
shown to maintain normal blood pressure
and blood flow. When taken regularly, it may
also help to calm anxiety, balance mood,
build vital energy, stimulate immunity, relax
muscles, and ease general discomforts.*

Schisandra Berry: known to improve
mental clarity and memory and is used to
lift spirits and reduce irritability. Research
shows that in combination with Panax
ginseng, schisandra helps the body adapt
to stress and helps to tone the kidneys and
sexual organs, protect the liver, strengthen
nervous system functions, and cleanse the
blood. It also acts as an antioxidant, protecting
cells from damage.*

Watkins Bio-Activator™ Blend

(black pepper, ginger, cellulase plant enzyme):
Black pepper and ginger have been used
for thousands of years to stimulate digestion
and circulation, and to enhance the
effect of medicinals in the body. Scientific
studies strongly suggest that black pepper
and ginger may help to protect and maximize
the potency of vitamins and nutrients
in the body. Cellulase plant enzyme aids in
the breakdown and digestion of herbs and
dietary constituents.*


*Please contact your Dr before taking any new supplements*

Don't Do Anything Rash…

Gardening season is in full bloom, so don't let skin irritations keep you from digging all the way in. Sun, heat and humidity, as well as exposure to certain plants and biting insects, may lead to skin rashes and irritations. The best way to avoid rashes is to protect your skin and avoid the irritant, but that's not always possible. If you experience occasional skin rashes and irritations as a result of spending time outdoors—don't scratch. Wash the area thoroughly with soap and water, and avoid clothing that may have come in contact with the irritant. After washing, consult an old friend—Watkins Red Clover Salve. Red clover is a natural skin treatment that has been used for centuries to treat skin discomforts. It may be just what you need to avoid those little bumps in life.

Brenda Koth, MS, RD

Grape News for Your Skin!

The newest anti-aging beauty treatment doesn't require surgery, acid peels or injections. A few dabs of grapeseed oil onto your skin and around the eye area can help diminish fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin's appearance, and make it feel as smooth as silk. In the days of Cleopatra, women applied the leftovers from winemaking directly onto their skin, and those who stomped grapes at Italian wineries noted the smoothness of their skin. It wasn't until recently, however, that the anti-aging and skin beautifying properties were attributed to the oil inside the grapeseeds. You'll find traces of grapeseed oil in some high-end cosmetics, but you'll get the greatest benefits by applying grapeseed oil directly onto the skin. Extremely light and absorbent, Watkins All-Natural Body Oils contain pure, all-natural grapeseed oil in a unique blend of natural plant oils and vitamin E for smooth, vibrant, younger-looking skin.

Brenda Koth, MS, RD

Here's the dirt on food!

Lunchtime - a spoonful of this, a handful of that, a dab of ...dirt? Like it or not, we actually eat several pounds of dirt in our lifetime, according to Susan Moores, a St. Paul, Minnesota, dietitian. Luckily, Mom was right - a little dirt never hurt anyone - but there are a few other culprits that are cause for concern. Bugs, weeds and other critters wreak havoc on plants, and chemicals ar often used to keep them away. Since these chemicals are specifically designed not to wash off in the rain, it stands to reason that they won't wash off with tap water, either. Even organically-grown foods harbor dirt, insects and bacteria that water alone won't wash off. If the thought of ingesting dirt and other foreign matter isn't very appetizing, Watkins Fresh Wash can help make it all a little easier to swallow. Fresh Wash is proven to work 400% better than rinsing with water alone, removing over 90% of surface contaminants and impurities. It even doubles the healthy life of lettuce. Choose from spray or concentrate - either way, it will definitely clean your palate!

Brenda Koth, MS, RD

The Agony of De Feet

If you're itching to kick off your boots and tiptoe through the tulips, you'd better do some "sole" searching first. If there's one part of our body that we tend to neglect, it's our feet. With proper care, you'll feel good about baring your soles, and you may even avoid having to foot the bill for a doctor visit. If your feet are looking a little rough around the edges, try Watkins Peppermint Foot Scrub with pure peppermint oil and pumice-it will rid your feet of dry, dead skin and smooth out the rough spots. For a surge of energy that will absolutely knock your socks off, massage your feet everyday with Watkins Peppermint Foot Cream. The pure peppermint oil will energize your entire body and help to relieve pain and itching. If you work out, apply Peppermint Foot Cream before exercise. Research shows the aroma of peppermint can help you work harder and faster, resulting in more calories burned during exercise. Both are available at Watkins Museum and Store, just a pumice stone's throw from downtown.

Brenda Koth, MS, RD

Have a Headache or Migraine?

Cause: Headaches are a neurological condition with symptoms ranging from
mild to severe and disabling. More than 23 million people in the United States
suffer from migraine, corresponding to over 17% of all females and 6% of all
males living in the U.S.

There are two main types of headache: primary and secondary.
Primary Headaches include tension-type, migraine and cluster headaches
and are not caused by other underlying medical conditions. More than 90%
of headaches are primary.

Secondary Headaches result from other medical conditions, such as infection
or increased pressure in the skull due to a tumor. These account for fewer than
10% of all headaches.

What May Help: Watkins Superfood Multiple (Super Multi), Female Formula and Osteogen
Why: Contain magnesium and calcium. Daily supplements of calcium and magnesium are recommended for those who suffer from Migraines. These minerals help to maintain healthy blood vessels, and low levels
of magnesium are common in people who suffer from migraines. Superfood Multiple (Super Multi) also contains riboflavin (B-2) which may help to reduce the frequency of migraines.

What May Help: Watkins Rezist Plus
Why: Ingredients help to block harmful invaders from entering the body which may help to reduce the triggers that lead to headaches.

What May Help:Watkins Peppermint Foot Cream
Why: Research has shown that peppermint applied to the forehead and temples may help to ease headache pain and compares favorably with acetaminophen in its ability to reduce headache symptoms.

What May Help: Foods high in omega 3 fatty acids, such as salmon, may help prevent migraines.
Why: They may help to reduce blood vessel spasms.

Helpful Hint: Certain foods and beverages are known to trigger migraines. If you suffer from
migraines, try to avoid the following: Aged cheeses, onions, pickles, cured meats, chocolate,
red wine, beer, sour cream, nuts, freshly baked yeast products, eggs, tomatoes, citrus fruits
and caffeinated beverages.

Try This:
At the outbreak of a headache, apply Watkins Peppermint Foot Cream, Icy Blue Ointment or
Menthol Camphor Ointment (Medicated Ointment) onto the temples, forehead and back of neck. Rub in circular motion. Repeat at least 2 times at 15-minute intervals.
If you experience chronic headaches, before going to bed, rub Watkins Menthol Camphor Ointment (Medicated Ointment) or Icy Blue Ointment onto feet. Put on a pair of cotton socks over the ointment. According to Naturopaths and personal testimonials, this may help to ward off headaches.

Skin Irritations

Cause: Skin irritations such as eczema, dermatitis, or skin rashes are often
triggered by an allergy to foods, pollen, animal fur or other substances, as well
as dry air, too much sun and stress.

What May Help:Watkins Red Clover Salve
Why: Red Clover and pure natural plant oils help to relieve symptoms of redness,
rash and itching.

What May Help:Watkins Skin, Hair and Nails (SHN Formula)
Why: Contains omega-3 concentrate which may help to reduce inflammation.

What May Help:Watkins Superfood Multiple (Super Multi)
Why: Contains vitamins A, C and zinc, necessary for healthy skin and healing.

What May Help:Watkins Petro-Carbo Salve
Why: Helps protect exposed or irritated tissues from reopening during the healing
process.

What May Help:Watkins Shea Butters and Ultra-Rich Hand Cream
Why: When caused by dry conditions, Watkins Shea Butters and Ultra-Rich Hand Cream seal in the skin’s own natural moisture and provide a protective barrier against the harshest conditions.

Spice Up Your Life to a Healthier & Better You!

Did you know?

Cinnamon
This natural germ-fighter also helps lower blood sugar, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels – ¼ teaspoon a day is a healthy goal. Sprinkle a little cinnamon on your coffee beans, toast, apples, ice cream, cereals, oatmeal, etc.

Thyme
Sprinkle on grilled poultry, fish, and as a meat marinade by virtue of its minty, lemony flavor. Use as a vinaigrette — Yum! RealAge lists thyme as a healthy herb by virtue of its cancer-fighting properties.

Cumin
Concealed in your humble chili powder is one of the world's most popular spices (it's a key ingredient in Indian curries too) and another cancer-fighting soldier. Add cumin to rice and grain salads and marinades.

Oregano
GI's brought oregano home from Italy after WWII. Leaves of this herb boast 42 times more antioxidants than apples. Use oregano to add a delicate flavor to salad dressings, garlic bread, omelets, as well as your favorite pastas.

Research is now showing that these spices we've used for flavorings are nutritionally good for you. Serve up a meal tonight using one of these spices!

The Winner, by a Nose!

You know how you feel when you take a deep breath of fresh, outdoor air. It makes your entire body feel energized, invigorated and revived. Breathing and having the right amount of oxygen in the body is essential for life, and labored breathing can lead to lack of energy and inability to function at your best. It's no wonder, then, that we feel fatigued and worn down when breathing passages are blocked due to sinus congestion or allergies.

Watkins Menthol Camphor Soothing Remedies provide cool, soothing relief from that stuffed-up congested feeling, helping to clear your head and letting you breathe easier. Watkins Menthol Camphor products, including Menthol Camphor Ointment, Relief Mist, Bath Soak, and Menthol Drops, are like a breath of fresh air, and you'll feel a difference with every breath you take! Your nose knows the difference it can make, and so will you!

Brenda Koth, MS, RD

Cold Hard Facts

Cold winter air and dry indoor heat often lead to dry, itchy, irritated skin. If dryness leads to cracking, splitting or bleeding, there is an increased chance of infection. To combat dry winter skin, switch to alcohol-free vegetable-based soaps. Perfumed and deodorant soaps contain alcohol, which further aggravates dry skin. Apply moisturizer such as body oil, lotion or cream immediately after bathing or showering, while your skin is still warm and moist. This helps to trap the water in the skin before it evaporates, lessening dryness and itching. For extremely dry skin areas, use Watkins Petro Carbo Salve to protect skin from cracking. Watkins has a variety of products to help keep skin and lips moist and smooth all winter, including Aloe & Green Tea Hand & Body Lotion, Aloe Lip Balm, and alcohol-free, vegetable-based Aloe & Green Tea Body Bar, as well as our All-Natural Body Oils and Lemon Cream Shea Butter for extra moisturizing benefits.

Brenda Koth, MS, RD

Burn Off The Belly Fat With These Four Common Spices!

Spices, we all have them in our cupboards, but for most people, we think of them in terms of flavor enhancers only. Most of us think we get our nutrition from meat, vegetables and fruit. But don’t underestimate the power of spices. You would be amazed at the nutrient value they have and what they can do for our metabolism.

Take cayenne pepper for example. It comes from a vegetable that really is a chili pepper. It is loaded with vitamin A, vitamins C and B6, it has fiber, vitamin K and manganese. Not only is it nutritious, it is a thermogenic food (burning up of calories) that increases metabolism. This is why it is good for weight loss. All hot peppers contain capsaicin. The hotter the chili, the more capsaicin it contains. Fresh chilis are always best but using cayenne pepper daily will not only spice up your favorite foods but will speed up the metabolism which in turn helps you to lose weight.

Cinnamon is not only a delicious spice but has many health benefits. It can reduce bad cholesterol and triglycerides. It also mimics insulin that lowers blood glucose. This is good news for diabetics. A study was done by the USDA Research Center in Maryland where they were testing how certain foods affected the blood sugar levels in the body. When they tested apple pie they were expecting it to spike glucose levels. To their surprise, it actually lowered glucose levels. It was the cinnamon in it that created this unexpected result. For all of us apple pie lovers, this is fantastic news. Dessert is back! Cinnamon also improves blood circulation which in turn increases getting oxygen to the cells of the body. This also increases the metabolism. (Got to love that cinnamon)

Ginger is another favorite for weight loss. According to the International Journal of Obesity, a study was done to see if ginger could help reduce body fat. What they found was that ginger is also a thermogenic food. After eating ginger, tissues in the body used more energy than they normally would have and therefore creating higher metabolism. As with cayenne pepper, ginger also improves circulation. So go ahead and enjoy ginger. If you have never tried it, you can find some good recipes online to experiment with.

Basil is a spice in most people’s cupboards. It is a member of the mint family. This tasty, aromatic spice has anti-bacterial properties. It can be used to wash fruits and vegetables therefore making them safe to eat. It is also high in vitamin A and potassium. As with cinnamon, basil has been shown in tests to reduce glucose levels in the blood. Basil is the main ingredient in pesto and has a wonderful relationship with tomatoes. Basil is a common spice in all Italian foods. Little did we know that basil could help us lose weight.

It is hard for the majority of people to stick to a good diet let alone try to lose weight. A key factor in most weight loss programs is bland tasting food. No one is going to stick to a diet for very long when we are disgusted with what our food choices are. We do have a card to play though and that is tasty, healthy spices! This can make all the difference in our weight loss goals, especially troublesome belly fat. Make your food taste delicious with spices and you will find it much easier to stick to your plan.