Innholdsfortegnelse for Jul/Aug 2022 i Men's Health South Africa

AND BY THAT, WE’RE NOT TALKING ABOUT THE PLANET. These were the words that would greet me on week day mornings when I rocked up to gym for training seven years ago. It’s when I first met our cover guy Bauke Hanekom, the man behind that powerful wake-up call. At the time, all of us at MH were tackling the body transformation challenge, and I remember thinking: “If anyone can help me get into the best shape of my life, it’s this guy.” He’s dedicated his life to challenging himself, really pushing his body to the extremes. Burn 10 000 calories in a day? He smashed 15 000 instead. Wolf down 12 000 calories of food in less than 24 hours and burn it the next day? Sorted. Done. Next…

Today 6:14am I always feel the burn after a heavy weights sesh, and not in a good way. WTF is going on? It’s probably gastroesophageal reflux disease, which is pretty common. It’s caused by an increase in intra-abdominal pressure when you perform big lifts. This makes the contents of your stomach—including the acid—head north, forcing the valve at the bottom of your oesophagus open and irritating it. I can’t train without eating breakfast first, but it seems to make it worse. Any tips? Timing matters: don’t hit the gym on a full stomach. Opt for something small, easily digestible and low in fat, like a banana or a protein shake. Eating slowly is wise, too. If heartburn kicks in before the end of my workout, what can I do to…

TO EV OR NOT TO EV? On page 29, our resident motoring expert Calvin Fisher takes a trip down electric avenue to help you find the ultimate eco-friendly ride. ARE YOU WORKING OUT AT HOME? YES, IT’S GYM-FREE FOR ME: 43% NO, I’M BACK AT THE GYM: 32% SOMETIMES: 25% A WHOPPING 68% of you are working out at home. Our trainer section is packed full of workouts you can do without leaving the lounge. No swipes, just swole. WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO ‘ERB? The right herbs can elevate your cooking from run of the mill to king of the kitchen. Turn to page 43 for our guide to growing your greens. WHAT KEEPS YOU TOSSING AND TURNING AT NIGHT? Did you know, according to a Human Sciences Research Council study, 1…

01. Ocean-Saving Oris In 2021, Oris achieved carbon-neutral certified status but they didn’t stop there; their plan is to reduce emissions by 10% each year. In the past, they’ve also released a number of limited-edition watches to raise money for conservation projects to protect the Great Barrier Reef, Russia’s Lake Baikal and the River Han in South Korea. But it’s their release of the Oris Aquis Date Upcycle in late 2021, that really made a splash. The dial of this watch is made from recycled PET plastic, creating random colour patterns and meaning that no two watches are the same. Yeah, this watch is trash, but in a good way. R42 000, bellagiojewellers.co.za 02. Changemaker Chopard Chopard goes straight to the source to strengthen their sustainable efforts. They have been…

SAMSUNG S22+ Iterating on its past success, Samsung’s latest smartphone offering—the S22+—packs a bigger screen, 1750 nit maximum brightness (trust us, it’s next-level bright), and has been designed with both content consumption and creation in mind—so whether you’re building a brand or killing time, this absolute unit has you covered. Our favourite feature: a more refined camera that’s capable of “nightography”, arming this smartphone with the ability to shoot high-detailed snaps even when the sun sets without overexposing your shots. R20 995, samsung.com BENTLEY MOMENTUM UNBREAKABLE This scent was designed for trailblazers, which is apt engineering for a motoring manufacturer that has led the way when it comes to building luxury, endlessly coveted rides. But this isn’t a gas-guzzling, on-the-nose Eau de Parfum, instead, it leans refined, floral and earthy.…

THE PANDEMIC SAW OUR aspirations turn inward as we looked for anything to entertain us during this unexpected period of confinement. Alongside the usual recreational suspects—Netflix, videogames and carpentry—a new hobby was picking up in popularity: gardening. “People were growing herbs, vegetables, you name it, in whatever space they had,” says landscaper Tone Alexander. In times of uncertainty, anxiety and isolation, the gravitational pull of greenery is hardly surprising. A report in the Mental Health Journal cited gardening as a stress-busting, mood-boosting activity. In a study published in the journal Ecopsychology, researchers found that community gardens could help improve well-being. Another found that as little as 40 seconds in a green space could make you happier (and more focused). The verdict: the grass is, in fact, greener. But rolling up your…

GARDEN HIGHPRO PROCUT PRUNING SCISSORS Regular pruning is essential to maxing out the flavour of your ‘erbs, says herb.co.za’s Arne Hoffman. This sleek pair is perfect for harvesting herbs but doubles-up to prune dead leaves, cut fresh flowers or deadhead failed buds. R80, powergreens.co.za CEF’N COUNTERTOP SPROUTER GROWING KIT Research has shown that adding fresh sprouts to your diet could help improve heart health. One study found that those who regularly consumed this fibrous salad enhancer had lower levels of diabetes and obesity than those who abstained. Snag those benefits—and a decorative element for your kitchen—with this countertop grower. Designed to control airflow to provide the perfect growing environment, this’ll serve up hearty helpings with minimal effort. R639, yuppiechef.com SMART PLANT HOME This all-in-one gardening app will simplify your greener…

RADFORD DALE Winery of Good Hope Bush Vine Chenin Blanc Grown on the gravelly slopes of Helderberg, this bottle packs a fruity punch. With aromas of green apples and white peach, its deep flavours will linger on the palate long after that final sip. “The character of this wine makes it a perfect companion to warm summer days and long balmy evenings,” say the winemakers. R119, radforddale.com DARLING CELLARS Old Bush Vines Chenin Blanc Grown on old bush vines chosen for their uniqueness in prominent natural flavours, these grapes are handled separately from the rest of the crop to help retain their unique qualities. Notes of yellow peaches, orange skin, pineapple, and white pear, Darling Cellars have created a wine that delivers on bold, tropical flavours but still manages to…

PHYSICALLY, WEED CAN … … enhance blood flow to the genitals, making every touch electric and orgasms out of this world. … reduce pain during vaginal or anal sex, especially when applied topically. … heighten, or even blur, the five senses, creating a psychedelic sexual experience. Did I just feel that dirty talk in my dick? MENTALLY, WEED CAN … … promote divergent thinking, the process of connecting seemingly unrelated ideas, which encourages creative sex. I’m not a doctor, but I can play one in the bedroom. … boost your focus during sex, thanks to those all-consuming physical sensations. … soothe your nerves—studies show that the compound CBD eases anxiety. EMOTIONALLY, WEED CAN … … shrink your negative bias, helping you appreciate your partner and find the bright side of any…

Rate each statement according to how much it sounds like you, on a scale of 1 (“Not me at all”) to 5 (“This is totally me”). It frustrates me not having all the information I need. Not me at all This is totally me A small unforeseen event can spoil everything, even with the best of planning. Not me at all This is totally me When I am uncertain, I can’t function very well. Not me at all This is totally me I can’t stand being taken by surprise. Not me at all This is totally me The smallest doubt can stop me from acting. Not me at all This is totally me I should be able to organise everything in advance. Not me at all This is totally me…

6:45 AM THINK POSITIVE Kan, 37, kicks off his morning with a cup of decaf coffee and a “productivity” beverage called Magic Mind, containing the adaptogens ashwagandha and turmeric as well as longevity supplements like resveratrol and glucosamine. After that, he’ll meditate for 25 minutes and write in his gratitude journal. “I’ll list out positive affirmations, the things I want to channel in the world,” Kan says. “So that’s like, ‘I’m a calm person on the banks of a river; I’m not in the river.’” 9:00 AM BREAK A SWEAT Now that he’s a new dad, Kan refers to his workout schedule as “aspirational.” Plus, “I broke my elbows a year ago in a bike accident,” he says. “But before, I was doing a lot of yoga.” These days, he’ll…

Local is Lekker SA startups like Jacobsbyjacobs won’t just help simplify your wardrobe staples, but will nix the guilt associated with buying imported fast fashion. Made from hemp, cottons and linen and manufactured locally, these items generate jobs and garner the right kind of attention. Keep The Chill The winter chill is no match for a statement coat. Go sustainable with quality knits and jackets to make sure you’ve got a winter warrior in your armoury that’ll power through this season (and the next). Stay On Track WFH comfort shouldn’t be limited to the confines of your home. A pair of elevated track pants and the right jacket will give you mileage indoors and out. Earthy Shades Going green—literally—is a strong choice this season. Layer different shades of these earthy…

Woolworths Salted Mushroom Biltong Subbing in mushrooms for meat to create biltong may sound like a fool’s errand, but Woolworths’ fungi twist is super flavourful and will only set you back 40 calories per serving. Shiitake mushrooms, which make up part of this biltong remix, contain the compound eritadenine, which has been shown to help reduce cholesterol levels. House of Macadamias Mocha Protein Bar Forty five percent of this sweet treat is made from macadamia nuts, making this a hero whether you’re a vegan or looking for an easy snack on a keto diet. One bar contains 8g of protein, 17g of fat, 14g of fibre and just 18g of carbs. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that a nut-rich diet could reduce levels of bad cholesterol.…

IF YOU’VE been unimpressed with organic or free-range supermarket chicken, paying a few bucks more for a still-bland bird, Andre and Kaitlynn Kauerauf agree. When the married couple stepped in to save their family farm Bramleigh which was set to go on the market, they didn’t have grand ambitions. “We were excited to have our own vegetable garden,” says Kaitlynn. “And maybe a few chickens.” The goal, however, was to be as self-sufficient as possible. They wanted to control where their food was coming from because supermarkets and their opaque labels were not as transparent as the pair would’ve liked. All the animals on their farm, including their chickens, are pasture raised. “That’s because we wanted the most nutrient-dense food we could possibly get,” says Andre. “And the only way…

1. It builds power and strength and can improve stamina levels quickly. A 2018 study by Taipei University in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found that eight weeks of battle rope training helped college-level basketball athletes improve across a wide variety of strength and fitness measures. They all become stronger and had better explosive power, both in upper-body and lower-body measures, and drastically improved their cardiovascular fitness and agility. As a side benefit, their shooting accuracy also improved. 2. It torches fat by dialling up your metabolism. Research from the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research shows that battle rope training offers a high calorie burn and high heart rate for the time that’s required. Just 10 minutes of battle rope training drives heart rates up to the…

01 GET OVER IT Whether you’re working with a dumbbell, kettlebell, sandbag or anything else, set it down next to you. Start the timer, squat and place your hands on the ground. Jump your legs back, finishing at the top of a press-up. Lower your chest, then press up explosively. Jump your feet forward and leap in the air, moving over the top of your object laterally. Land on the other side, and repeat for a total of four reps. 02 INTO THE SWING OF THINGS After your final burpee, straddle your kit. With soft knees and a flat back, hinge down to grip it. Pull it back between your legs before explosively standing upright, using the momentum from your hips to swing it forward powerfully, up to your eye line. As…

PLANK PRESS-UP 30sec on, 10sec off Assume the forearm plank position, your elbows below your shoulders. Lift one hand and place it on the ground, then the other, to get into the press-up position. Perform a press-up, then return to the plank. That’s one rep. SQUAT 30sec on, 10sec off Stand tall and look straight ahead, with your feet shoulder-width apart. Bend at your knees, maintaining an upright torso until the crease of your hips sinks below your knees. Stand up, then go again. STAR JUMP 30sec on, 30sec off Stand with your back straight and your feet together. Squat down halfway, then explode upward, extending your arms and feet to the side. Tuck them back in as you descend and land softly. Repeat without pausing.…

WITH AMBITIONS OF ROCKING the type of six pack that would turn heads at the pool, Akeem was demoralised when his progress hit a plateau—seemingly leaving him miles away from that rock-solid goal. But the PT went back to the drawing board and engineered a transformation worth working for. THE SETBACK A break from the gym turned into a bender of partying and junk food, leaving Akeem in the worst shape of his life. The nosedive came on the heels of a fitness plateau that left him feeling defeated: “After two years I just never saw the results I wanted, it was extremely disappointing and demotivating,” he says. THE WAKE-UP CALL Looking in the mirror was a shock; after all, while Akeem was still far away from netting himself washboard…

1. TAKE A BREATH Mindful breathing is a core aspect of meditation. Simply put, it involves redirecting your attention towards the physical sensations of the breath, i.e., the rise and fall of your stomach, the expansion and contraction of your lungs and the air moving through your nostrils. A study in the journal Behaviour Research and Therapy found that participants who engaged in the practice were less likely to experience negative emotions when confronted with disturbing images. 2. FIND YOUR PURPOSE Research in Applied Psychology found that people with high levels of eudemonic well-being, which tends to involve having a strong sense of purpose, tend to live longer than those coasting through life without a rudder. Bauke believes he was born to push his body to the limits, and that…

Ulysse Nardin Diver X The Ocean Race The case is 40% Carbonium® and 60% recycled fishing nets. POA, bhhboutique.co.za Swatch BIG BOLD BIOCERAMIC C-White This watch is made of BIOCERAMIC, a game-changing blend of ceramic and bio-sourced plastic. R2 470, swatch.com Omega Planet Ocean Ultra Deep Co-Axial Master Chronometer The NATO strap is made from polyamide yarn sourced entirely from recycled fishing nets. R229 000, tanur.co.za Seiko Prospex Tuna Antarctica Save The Ocean Proceeds from the Save the Ocean series go towards ocean conservation charities. R9 999, bellaluna.co.za IWC Portugieser Chronograph This watch is compatible with IWC’s TimberTex straps; straps 80% composed of natural plant fibres. R122 000, charlesgreig.co.za…

The anti-ageing revolution is seriously on the go. Every few months, there’s a new expert with something to say about treatment modalities with injectables, procedures and new molecules for both oral and topical use. Never has the market been more saturated with topical applications promising to reverse ageing, or at least slow its effects. However, for those in the know: there have always been a handful of molecules that have been tried, tested and found to be of value. Specifically, we’re talking about Vitamin A derivatives such as tretinoin (All-Trans Retinoic acid) which has been on the market for more than five decades and is still regarded as the number one choice by dermatologists for turning back the clock on photoaging. Retinoids such as Retin A help your skin produce…

MEMORY-BOOSTING MINT SUNLIGHT: 6-8 HOURS WATER: 1-2 TIMES PER DAY With little attention, mint can start to take over your garden. That makes this herb an easy grow that also has major mileage in the kitchen. Not only is mint a star cocktail ingredient—bring on the mojitos—but it’ll also upgrade your lamb dishes or sub in to create great sauces and dips (think: chutney or a fresh raita). Prune the plant back regularly as these flowers can reduce the quality and potency of the leaves. HEALTH BOOST: A study published in the International Journal of Neuroscience found that taking a whiff of peppermint oil could help improve memory. Other studies have found that the herb could play a role in relieving indigestion. BETTER-LIVING BASIL SUNLIGHT: 6-8 HOURS WATER: ONCE PER…

01 DIG FOR VICTORY Life on the low-carb bandwagon is a bumpy ride—you’re likely to fall off before too long if it’s just not your thing. Equally, supersets of brown rice and sweet potato can quickly become tiresome. The solution is to unearth the neglected nutritional benefits of root vegetables. Promote these alternative carbs from side dish to star of the show with the culinary know-how of Nick Deverell-Smith, chef patron at the Cotswolds gastropub the Churchill Arms. Believe us, you’ll be hungry for an encore. A CARROTS Though they might not quite give you night vision, carrots are a must-eat for men. Packed with beta-carotene and vitamin E, they help to boost your sperm count and improve your prostate health. B BEETROOT When it comes to post-workout fuel, purple reigns. The high…

R35b 2 500% OAT The expected value of the global oat milk market by 2026. Plant power is here to stay. ALMOND The rise in Google searches for “almond milk” since 2010. THE MH VERDICT ▸ ALMOND WINS! The young pretender falls short. Almond’s lower calorie count and potent micronutrients make it the ideal protein shaker for those who want to cut back on dairy. Though it’s right to question almond’s eco credentials, oat’s surprising stats prove it’s not clear cut. So crack on.…

Full-Spectrum CBD This stuff contains all the ingredients that cannabis has to offer, including THC and aromatic oils called terpenes. Keeping these components together, as opposed to isolating the CBD, produces what’s known as the entourage effect. “Think of it as an ensemble of instruments: When the whole band plays together, it sounds amazing, but if you just play the clarinet, it’s not going to sound as good,” says Holland. Broad-Spectrum CBD It’s got everything full-spectrum has except the THC. If you’re not into taking THC—say, because it can make you anxious—this is your best option for relaxation. CBD Isolate You’re looking at pure CBD and nothing else, so it doesn’t unlock that powerfully relaxing entourage effect, says Holland. When it comes to sex, she doesn’t recommend a CBD isolate—unless…

YOU’RE RIGHT TO be mindful of viruses. They’re everywhere: colds, flus, COVID-19, uhh Monkeypox. If the very thought of them is giving you palpitations, take a deep breath, exhale slowly and take another—because research has found that practising meditation a couple of times a week can give your immune system a boost and reduces your chances of succumbing to a cold or flu. This advice is not to be sniffed at. Scientists based at the University of Wisconsin followed a group of healthy adults for eight weeks, tracking how many of them caught a respiratory infection in that time. They divided the participants into three groups: the first was enrolled on a mindfulness meditation course; the second followed a moderate exercise programme; those in the third made no changes to…

INSIDE A PROCESSING PLANT once used for dairy production in the US, a machine hoists a cloth sack holding a ton of pea flour and slices it open, releasing a plume of pastel-yellow powder that descends into the hopper. This is one of the least noisy rooms in an extremely busy facility, says Melanie Sumiec, a process engineer at Puris who is leading a virtual tour of the plant. That powder, which comes from yellow split peas that have been hulled and ground, is now on a conveyor belt headed to a different section of the plant for its final transformation: isolating the precious protein powder that makes up the fake burgers, vegan shakes and protein-packed, muscle-building snacks that are invading supermarket shelves now. The global pea-protein market is already…

ON A CLEAR SEPTEMBER MORNING, A RUSSIAN DIVER BOBS GENTLY ON THE SPARKLING BLUE SURFACE OF THE MEDITERRANEAN, NEXT TO A SUPPORT RAFT A MILE OFF THE SHORE OF THE FRENCH RIVIERA. At 1.8m tall and nearly 86kg, Alexey ‘the Machine’ Molchanov is sheathed in a golden wetsuit, his feet snug in a sleek, black monofin. He looks far larger than the lean safety divers who surround him in the water, waiting for the world’s reigning freediving champion to begin his descent. Molchanov wraps his fingers carefully around a dive line descending from the floating platform beside him. Inhaling and exhaling slowly, he prepares for the single breath that he plans to hold for nearly four minutes underwater. His target: a metal ring lined with white tags, suspended at the…

The main culprit: industrial farms producing bland meat and giving animal protein a bad name. (No wonder plant-based “meat” took off.) But now smaller-scale farms are raising this-is-how-it-should-taste animal proteins, while also enhancing the nutritiousness of their products. Better still: You can have them shipped to you. Here are just three of the many producers offering the Good Stuff, plus how to cook it right.…

CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION: Build your circuit by choosing from the moves on this page. Each move is best deployed with 30 sets of 30 seconds on, and 30 seconds off. Let the battle commence! 1/ONE-ARM WAVE With a battle rope in each hand, adopt a wide stance and bend your knees. Pump the right-hand rope up and the left one down (A), then reverse the movement (B), aiming for fluid waves in both. The secret? Grip lightly. 2/SHOULDER CIRCLE Broaden your shoulders and hone a V-shaped torso by adopting the same position as the last move. This time, simultaneously raise each arm up (A) and outwards (B) in large circles. 3/POWER SLAM While you’re still feeling fresh, ramp up your plyometric power by holding the ropes in each hand, jumping explosively…

The jury is out on exactly how many steps we need to take per day—after all, 10 000 is just an arbitrary number—but if you bring a kettlebell along for some of them, you’ll feel el the benefits with every stride. “I absolutely love this move,” says MH fitness editor Andrew Tracey. “It sits between isometric and dynamic loading: you’re hitting your biceps with a static move, while building your core stability and working your traps, scapula and upper back.” It’s also an “anti-flexion” exercise, which is essential for those of us hunched over a desk all day. “Because you’re holding a weight in front of you, every step will try to collapse lapse your core,” says Tracey. “To prevent this, your scapula retracts and your upper back, rhomboids and…

ANSWER Stars IN 2019, THE SHOE BRAND ROTHY’S released loafers embroidered with zodiac symbols and Instagram launched a filter that superimposes star signs onto people’s faces. “We’ve hit peak astrology,” announced Vice, and the New Yorker, Guardian and BBC were soon running think pieces on the renewed fascination with horoscopes. The consensus was that Millennials were using astrology as a coping mechanism at a time of job insecurity, rising living costs and social media-induced anxiety – then the pandemic struck, intensifying all of those pressures. If it helps, astrology isn’t an evil thing. Yet there’s no scientific basis for its claims, and it seems like hard work: negotiating your work-life balance, do you have the bandwidth to track how movements of celestial bodies in outer space might relate to your…

OMEGA-3 FISH OIL R369 for 60 capsules faithful-to-nature.co.za Each capsule delivers 700mg of essential DHA and EPA fatty acids, lowering your triglyceride levels and slowing the build-up of artery-clogging plaque. GLUCO-SAMINE SULPHATE R254 for 180 capsules, clicks.co.za As one of the building blocks of cartilage, glucosamine is best known for keeping joints well-oiled. But some studies suggest that it can also slash your heart disease risk by 15% due to its anti-inflammatory properties. CHLORELLA R250 for 500 tablets takealot.com This algae is impossible to digest, so requires a supplement. Around 5g per day makes your blood vessels more supple and negates the effects of “bad” LDL cholesterol on your heart. SELENIUM R90 for 60 tablets, dischem.co.za Approach with caution: selenium is heart-healthy, but high levels can raise the concentration of…

THERE I WAS, PERCHED upon the second corner at the Simola Hill climb in anticipation of the next oily, metally combatant to charge up the makeshift race circuit. Charge being the operative word I thought, as a silent VW Golf scythed the apex before exiting the frame. No noise. No drama. Just chirruping Michelins against warm asphalt. What the hell did I just witness? Electric mobility is finding a room for itself in motorsport, petrol heads be damned. But first, some background—I’m not the biggest motorsport fan. I dip into Formula One on the odd occasion, have personally lapped many a racetrack in anger, and enjoy spinning my rear tyres on the odd occasion. The Simola Hillclimb however is different, a local event where old cars and new are sent up…

Some of the world’s biggest companies are drastically overhauling their business models to pivot towards a more sustainable approach. Among them are clothing brands such as H&M, adidas and Levi’s. It’s an important move in a climate where fast fashion poses a serious threat to the health of our planet. Estimates show that the apparel industry’s climate impact is expected to spike by nearly 50% in the next few years, producing almost 5 metric gigatons of CO2. According to the UN Environment Programme, 20% of the world’s wastewater is caused by textile dying. Cape Union Mart’s outdoor buying manager Brendan Le Riche says the company is moving more of their production to SA to both create employment and shrink their carbon footprint. But it’s not the only step the adventure…

RECRUITING A LITTLE back-up during your rides won’t cheat you out of a workout. In fact, one study found that e-bike riders spend longer on the move and get slightly more exercise than their analogue peers. The GIANT TRANCE X ADVANCED E+ 1’s five levels of electric pedal assistance extend your range so you can take on bigger commutes, steeper hills and off-road trails. A twelve-speed Shimano gear system gives you control over how hard you work, while the RideControl Ergo 3 handlebar-mounted remote offers an ease of use that’s second to none. Blending power, performance and flat-out fun, this e-bike comes out king of the trails. You just need to saddle up. i_85Nm The amount of torque that the new SyncDrive Pro motor provides. ii_6 The number of smart sensors…

1. BORAGE Its cucumber-flavoured leaves can make a splash in teas or cocktails. Bonus: it’s easy to grow and will ward off pests by attracting beneficial insects such as bees. 2. FRENCH SORREL Sub out boring old spinach with these nutrient-rich plants. Best grown in deep containers. Experts suggest letting the soil dry out between waterings. 3. LETTUCE-LEAF BASIL Sprouting larger leaves, this variation of basil gives you the flavour of the kitchen staple but super-sizes it for added versatility. Throw it into salads for instant, crisp sweetness.…

BUSH VINES REPRESENT vino’s wilder varieties; grown and pruned in a freeform bush shape rather than the trellised clean-cut vines you’ve likely spotted on jaunts to the countryside. It’s one of the world’s oldest pruning styles, one that—for many of its adopters—was born from austerity and ingenuity rather than aesthetic concern. Instead of the trellised approach, wherein vines are supported by a pole or wire and kept in a manicured shape, farmers growing bush vines let their plants grow its own branches, only trimming back these limbs at the end of every season. The result: vineyards can appear irregular and wild, with plants packed closely together. These types of vines used to make up 100% of SA’s winelands, says Jean Vincent Ridon, manager of the Sommeliers Academy, but, more recently: “Creative…

THESE DAYS, you’re more likely to find pot growing in your mate’s backyard than a dude’s backpack in a parking lot. And because of its growing accessibility—it’s been decriminalised by the country’s Constitutional Court for personal consumption — weed is also making inroads in another realm: the bedroom. “We know pretty conclusively at this point that cannabis can be useful for increasing desire,” says Harvard cannabis researcher Dr. Jordan Tishler. “It can also be useful for increasing the frequency and intensity of an orgasm and generally increases that sense of intimacy.” Proud stoners of the world (raises hand) say that stoned sex is the best sex. And for some of us, it provides powerful psychological benefits. I began using weed medically for PTSD following a sexual assault. It brought back my…

AFTER [TWO AND A HALF YEARS] of staying mostly at home, I’ve come to understand certain things about mice. Mice hate open spaces. That’s why they hunker down inside walls and cabinets instead of lounging on the sofa. Exposed environments are unpredictable, which makes those spaces seem dangerous. Unsurprisingly, when a team of researchers placed mice in an open portion of a maze, the rodents scurried for an exit, and neurons provoked by anxiety started popping off like fireworks. “The more anxious the mouse, the more the neurons were activated, and the more likely they were to try to flee,” says Dr. Mazen Kheirbek, an assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco and one author of the study. Uncertainty disrupts your ability to forecast what will…

THERE’S ONE big reason the meat you eat at those fancy eateries tastes sublime: sourcing. Top chefs know that delivering a tender, juicy, belly-patting rib eye (or tomahawk, or…) starts not in the kitchen but on the farm. Ryan Boon who runs Ryan Boon Meats is one of the guys bringing these mouthwatering cuts from the outskirts to the urban centres. “Most beef you’ll find is from cows that have been pumped full of hormones, antibiotics, you name it,” says Boon. “It affects the flavour, you’re just not getting the same thing.” Sure, we’re used to it, but those mass farmed animals are shortchanging us of vital nutrients. “If you take a look at a steak from a grass-fed, free-roaming cow, it’s darker, and that’s because it’s packed with more…

A BALANCING ACT The first few times you try to kick up into a simple handstand hold, it seems daunting. But every journey starts with simple steps. The following techniques and tweaks will have you bounding up those steps on your hands in no time. 01 CLIMBING THE WALLS Assume a pushup position with the soles of your feet touching a wall. Lift one leg as high as possible and press it firmly onto the wall while “walking” the opposite hand backwards. Repeat on the other side, gradually bringing your hands closer to the wall, until you have reached a full handstand position. Finish by carefully reversing the movement back downward. 02 TAP INTO CORE STRENGTH Nailed it? Build your shoulders further: kick up into a handstand hold, facing away…