120 SECS TO LOOK FIVE YEARS YOUNGER AT THE SHAKE OF A NIB
O n the ever-changing list of curatives said to smooth fine lines and revitalise tired skin, chocolate is not a cosmetic remedy often cited by skincare brands. Indeed, a sticky application of Green & Black’s over dark circles is unlikely to do much by way of lending vibrancy to your visage. However, recent research conducted by Korean dermatologists at Seoul National University has found that, when ingested in its purest form, a little choc treatment can undo years of epidermic damage.
In a trial where participants consumed 12g of phenol-rich cacao a day, the substance was found to reverse harm done to skin by ultraviolet radiation, known as photoageing. Over the course of 24 weeks, they recorded a 3% increase in skin elasticity, while the depth of study subjects’ wrinkles also decreased slightly. By contrast, a placebo group saw
skin elasticity decrease by 8% and depth of wrinkles increase by the same amount. So, shake up your morning grooming regime and prep your skin for the dangers of summer sun to come by taking your skincare plan to a di erent cabinet – mix 12g of cacao nibs (£4 bulkpowders.co.uk) with banana, peanut butter, raw honey, cinnamon and milk. Let’s call it the chocolate fountain of youth.
T here’s a reason biceps curls are a perennial free-weights favourite. A quick upperbody pump can deliver results you’ll see and feel by the time you strut out the gym doors. Legs day, unfortunately, has never quite had the same mass appeal. However, new research shows a well-structured squat set can also deliver an instant pump – just of a di erent, arguably far more significant kind.
Recent research conducted by the University of British Columbia, Okanagan, shows that a single lower-body session improves blood vessel function, thereby cutting your risk of cardiovascular complications. In their study, participants performed a quick warm-up, followed by lactic acidinducing leg presses in intervals – one minute on, one minute o – for seven sets in total.
Just one 20-minute workout, during which only seven minutes were spent expending any real e ort, was found to be enough to trigger measurable improvements in markers for heart health. The researchers say this could have a big impact on those at risk of diabetes, who are four times more likely to develop heart disease.
We think that makes getting reacquainted with the squat rack well worth the resultant nausea. It’s time you had a change of heart about legs day. We’re certain your biceps will understand.