Max Verstappen weathered the storm at his home Grand Prix to win at Zandvoort and record his ninth-consecutive victory, whilst Charles Leclerc’s miserable weekend ended with a retirement.
At the Dutch Grand Prix, on home soil, Verstappen edged ever closer to a third consecutive title. However, unlike for much of this season, he didn’t have it all his own way with rain mixing up the field in the early stages.
Despite getting off to a clean start and retaining first place from pole, rain struck on the first lap. Those who anticipated the rain, notably teammate Sergio Perez, profited from his early change onto intermediates giving him the lead.
However, by the time drivers began to change back onto slicks, Verstappen found himself once again in his familiar position at the front of the pack. That lead was never conceded, even despite another, and much heavier shower in the dying stages.
Surprise podium for Gasly
As the grid changed from intermediates to full wets in worsening conditions, Guanyu Zhou went into the barriers, bringing out a red flag. Perez looked to have been the big loser, having found himself in the pits at the time of the neutralisation of the race, but his third place was then reinstated.
However, the Mexican was penalised for speeding in the pitlane, having tapped the wall on the way in. Perez didn’t challenge Fernando Alonso, who drove flawlessly on his way to second place, behind the invincible Verstappen.
Nightmare weekend for Leclerc
The five-second penalty incurred by Perez allowed Pierre Gasly to earn just the second podium of his career. The result was timely for Alpine, who have been off the pace and error-strewn for much of the season.
Close friend Leclerc didn’t have such fortune. The Monégasque endured a difficult weekend in the Netherlands. Having crashed out of qualifying, he damaged his floor early-on in Sunday’s race. That damage proved terminal, with Leclerc struggling in the lower-midfield, Ferrari retired the car on lap 43 of 72.
Ferrari’s difficulties continue, whilst the team that they rivalled last season, Red Bull, are imperious. The team have won every race so far this season, with Verstappen winning the last nine. The Dutchman is in a league of his own, and having weathered the storm at the his home Grand Prix, it is clear that he won’t be denied a third consecutive title.
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If you assumed that green tea is a recent trend aimed at enhancing our modern quality of life, think again. This unassuming elixir has been cherished for thousands of years, gracing the cups of those who came before us. Its legacy stretches far beyond the realms of contemporary trends, rooted in the depths of ancient wisdom and tradition.
Nowadays, the term “superfood” gets tossed around in many articles and conversations. But what does it really mean? Think of superfoods as those nutritional allies, the ones delivering a bounty of benefits to your diet.
Green tea embodies this idea perfectly – a shining illustration of a superfood that holds the potential to enhance your well-being. However, it’s vital to grasp that while superfoods can be powerful, they’re not magic fixes.
Their potency depends on how they fit into your overall dietary plan, and overdoing them won’t guarantee superhuman results. Instead, it’s about finding the right balance and understanding that while superfoods can play a valuable role, they’re just a piece of the puzzle that makes up your overall health journey.
DECODING GREEN TEA’S INGREDIENTS
Green tea is like a secret potion brimming with nutrients. At the heart of it all? Antioxidants called catechins, with one in particular, EGCG, take centre stage. These antioxidants are like the defenders of your body, standing up against troublemakers called free radicals.
Picture them as your body’s very own shield, standing strong against potential harm. You can reap the benefits of green tea in multiple ways – enjoying it as a comforting drink or discovering its presence in various foods. It’s even available as green tea extract in powder form, adding a touch of its goodness to your culinary creations.
POTENTIAL CANCER PROTECTION AND ONGOING RESEARCH
Turning our attention to cancer protection, green tea’s potential shines with promise. Some studies suggest its antioxidants could curb the growth of certain cancers, thanks to their potent anti-inflammatory properties. These antioxidants may lower the inflammation that might otherwise fuel cancer cells.
However, the puzzle isn’t complete. More research is needed to solidify this connection. It’s important to note that while green tea shows potential as an adjunct to medical treatment, it’s not a standalone solution. As we await science’s full revelation, let’s acknowledge that green tea may play a supporting role alongside conventional treatments and shouldn’t be regarded as a replacement or primary treatment for cancer.
POST WORKOUT RECOVERY
Much like how green tea’s anti-inflammatory properties show promise in potentially reducing cancer-related inflammation, they can also work to ease the inflammation in your body after intense activity. The antioxidants in green tea, especially the potent EGCG, operate as a soothing retreat for your body post-exercise.
These antioxidants might help in alleviating muscle soreness and supporting your overall recovery process. However, the inflammation process after a workout can be crucial for the muscle’s adaptation and improvement over time.
Photo credit: Mr Lee for Unsplash
TRIMMING THE WAISTLINE
Looking to shed a few pounds? Green tea might lend a helping hand. Its caffeine content may increase your daily energy expenditure and boost your metabolic rate to help you burn fat. Some research also suggests that it may regulate your appetite in a similar way as coffee, helping you get through the day without eating those extra bites that may limit your weight loss. However, don’t rely too much on it as the effects are minimal compared to other solutions.
THE CARDIO CONNECTION
Imagine green tea as a friendly pat on your heart’s back. Studies suggest that bioactive compounds in green tea, such as catechins and flavonoids, have a relaxing effect on blood vessels, promoting vasodilation (widening of blood vessels) and potentially leading to lower blood pressure. When your blood pressure is lower, it eases the pressure on your heart, decreasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular complications.
BRAIN BOOSTING EFFECTS
Delving into the realm of brain health, green tea emerges as a potential ally for cognitive well-being. While the evidence isn’t definitive, studies suggest that the unique compounds in green tea might offer some positive effects on the mind. These compounds, including the famous EGCG, mentioned earlier, have been linked to improved cognitive function and a brighter mood. So, while it might not turn you into an overnight genius, adding green tea to your routine could contribute to making your day a little brighter and your mind a little sharper.
GREEN TEA’S GOLDEN BREW
So, does green tea deserve a spot in your daily routine? Absolutely! Especially if you’re looking for an antioxidant-packed, potentially heart-loving, and metabolism-boosting sip. But like any superhero, green tea has its limits. It’s no substitute for a well-rounded diet and healthy lifestyle. Let’s also remember one thing: not all that glitter is gold. The superfood label doesn’t mean these foods hold all the answers to perfect health. It’s crucial to approach superfoods with a dash of scepticism and a pinch of critical thinking. Keep an eagle eye on scientific research and remember that moderation and variety are key in your dietary playbook.
Tristan Boetti is a sports nutritionist. Through his company Performance & Bien-Être Monaco, he works with professional athletes as well as recreationally active individuals to help them achieve their goals through customised nutrition plans and expert advice.
Monaco has some of the best private beach bars and clubs in the Riviera, but it’s also home to three secret spots so low-key that not even the locals know about them.
At barely three kilometres in length, it would be impossible to expect a beautiful, long sandy beach like Saint Tropez’s Pampelonne or even Nice’s pebbled Promenade des Anglais here, but size doesn’t always matter, and Monaco is home to several gems for those looking for a change from the glitz and glamour.
First up on our list of places you simply have to visit is La Crique des Pêcheurs or Fisherman’s Cove, which is pictured above.
Found at the foot of The Rock, close to the Musée Océanographique, this place is super secluded and is accessible via a staircase leading out from Level –3 of the Parking des Pêcheurs. You can also get to it on foot from the Digue de l’Avant Port.
It’s a gravel beach without any swimming supervision. The water gets deep quickly and can be rougher than other spots along the coast so only enter the sea if you’re a strong swimmer.
Not too far away is the much bigger, but equally uninterrupted, Plage du Solarium or Solarium Beach.
The look of this secret spot falls between Brutalist swimming pool and concrete amphitheater thanks to the massive steps on the outer side of the Port Hercule harbour wall. Even in the height of summer, barely a handful of people visit the beach each day, mostly to bask in the sunshine and enjoy an al fresco lunch, so there’s plenty of space to spread yourself about.
Like at Fisherman’s Cove, there are no lifeguards here and the surge can be a lot to manage for some, especially as there’s nowhere to put your feet down!
Lastly comes the Pont de Fer Beach, which is slotted between the two private enclaves belonging to Société des Bains de Mer’s Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort and Monte-Carlo Beach.
The Plage du Pont de Fer between Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort and Monte-Carlo Beach. Photo by Monaco Life
It’s not strictly within the Principality’s boundaries – it’s actually in France and belongs to the commune of Roquebrune Cap Martin – but is right below one of Monaco’s biggest tourism draws and sports venues, the Monte-Carlo Country Club.
It’s a stony beach, like many others in a region where soft sand beaches are in the minority, and quite a lot of the local seagrass washes up on its shores; two attributes that put the majority of beachgoers off. But if you’re staying at this end of the Principality and want a peaceful few hours facing the sea, this is an easy-to-find and easy-to-get-to solution.
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