Passing The Buck

Jenessa Williams examines the beauty benefits of buckwheat

What is it?

A foodie fruit seed with a strong, nutty flavour, you might be used to finding buckwheat in the health shop shop or gluten-free aisle as a substitute for traditional flour, pasta or porridge. Increasingly, the beauty industry has been getting in on the action too; heralded as a soothing ingredient, buckwheat can be found in day creams, night creams, shampoos, cleansing gels and much much more.

What are the supposed benefits? Supercharged with complex B vitamins and amino acid proteins, buckwheat is thought to be highly beneficial for the skin and hair, helping to stimulate healthy keratin production and create softer, thicker textures with no brittleness. It is also a source of copper, iron, magnesium and manganese, beneficial for those who suffer from digestive issues or are concerned about their heart health. Buckwheat also contains rutin, (which helps to aid against sun damage), flavonoids (which can help to improve circulation and reduce dark circles under the eyes) and is high in polyunsaturated fatty acids, which helps to maintain skin elasticity and reduce puffiness.

Does it actually work?

If you have noticed your hair and nails thinning or otherwise looking dull, a vitamin deficiency of some kind might be a logical explanation. Consult with your doctor, who might suggest dietary tweaks or supplements that involve buckwheat.

Consuming buckwheat as part of your diet is the best method for holistic health, beauty and wellbeing, but if you’re looking to use it as an extra beauty tool, the key is to not go overboard. Instead of rushing out to purchase a whole armful of "miracle" products, try introducing a weekly hair-mask, or a gentle eye cream massaged in before bed. By being patient and examining the effects over time, you’ll know just how much your skin loves this ingredient, and how much to invest.

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Many of us would agree that we could do more to reduce our personal footprint upon the world, with statistics revealing that 71% of us worry about climate change every single day.

But, whilst in reality there are lots of ways we can make a difference, knowing how to do this is often a real difficulty.

This is why the UK’S leading boiler manufacturer has introduced its latest sustainability campaign, which looks to inspire consumers to become ‘Carbon Reducing Heroes’. The new initiative aims to educate homeowners on the choices they can make to reduce their carbon footprint, including when it comes to home heating and hot water. And the smallest changes really can make the biggest difference.

On average, over half of your annual household energy bills come from heating our homes. Added to the fact that 15% of the UK’S carbon emissions come from home heating, we need to find solutions that allow us all to make greener choices when it comes to keeping warm. The good news is, Worcester Bosch are already years into this process – but they need your help.

By choosing to make the switch to a newer, more efficient boiler, you will have taken the first big step to heating your home more sustainably, as well as future proofing your home for emerging greener technologies.

Worcester is actively encouraging installers across the UK to support the campaign in order to offer you the advice and confidence to start making greener choices when it comes to home heating.

To become a Carbon Reducing Hero, head over to the Worcester Bosch website and receive hints and tips on the small changes you can make to live more sustainably at home. You can also find information on the company’s Future of Heating Hub. ■

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON CARBON REDUCING

Hero please visit www.worcester-bosch.co.uk/ future. You can also view the company’s new ad on its Youtube channel, social channels and on your TV screens throughout November.