Beetroot was recently the news for the wrong reasons. Supply issues in recent months saw a shortage of packeted beetroot on supermarket shelves. 

However, now that supplies have increased, we turn our attention to beetroot’s apparent health benefits.

It turns out, beets are really vegetable Viagra, as UK TV doctor Michael Mosley suggested before his recent passing. In addition to reducing your blood pressure and detoxing your liver, here’s some more of the science.

What’s so special about beetroot?

Beetroot, berries, nuts and leafy greens are superfoods.  Beetroot in particular contains above-average levels per gram of certain vitamins and minerals, particularly Vit B and C, minerals, fibre and antioxidants.

Most cooking methods don’t significantly alter its antioxidant levels. Pressure cooking does, however, lower levels of carotenoid (a type of antioxidant) compared to raw beetroot.

But onto the juicier stuff. The Romans are said to have used beetroot and its juice as an aphrodisiac. Plus, a number of scientific studies have investigated the effect of beetroot on libido and other aspects of sexual health.

How does it work?

When we eat beetroot, chemical reactions involving bacteria and enzymes transform the nitrate in beetroot into nitrite, then to nitric oxide. Nitric oxide helps dilate (widen) blood vessels, improving circulation.

Nitric oxide also controls testosterone, and its role in controlling blood flow before and during sex in men. Therefore, it is reasonable to suggest there could be a link between beetroot and preparedness for sex.

What else could it do?.

Beetroot may be a potentially helpful treatment for various health issues related to oxidative stress and inflammation, such as cancer and diabetes. The idea is that you can take beetroot supplements or eat extra beetroot alongside your regular medicines (rather than replace your medication).

Beetroot juice can also help lower systolic blood pressure (the first number in your blood pressure reading) by 2.73-4.81 mmHg (i.e. millimetres of mercury, the standard unit of measuring blood pressure). 

How to get more beetroot in your diet

• raw beetroot – grate raw beetroot and add it to salads or coleslaw, or slice beetroot to use as a crunchy topping for sandwiches or wraps
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• cooked beetroot – roast beetroot with olive oil, salt and pepper for a flavour packed side dish. Alternatively, steam beetroot and serve it as a standalone dish or mixed into other dishes
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• beetroot juice – make fresh beetroot juice using a juicer. You can combine it with other fruits and vegetables for added flavour. You can also blend raw or cooked beetroot with water and strain to make a juice
•  
• smoothies – add beetroot to your favourite smoothie. It pairs well with fruits such as berries, apples and oranges
• soups – use beetroot in soups for both flavour and colour. 
•  
• pickled beetroot – make pickled beetroot at home, or buy it from the supermarket. This can be a tasty addition to salads or sandwiches
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• beetroot hummus – blend cooked beetroot into your homemade hummus for a vibrant and nutritious dip. You can also buy beetroot hummus from the supermarket
• grilled beetroot – slice beetroot and grill it for a smoky flavour
• beetroot chips – slice raw beetroot thinly, toss the slices with olive oil and your favourite seasonings, then bake or dehydrate them to make crispy beetroot chips
• cakes and baked goods – add grated beetroot to muffins, cakes, or brownies for a moist and colourful twist.

Sounds like a ‘beetroot’ take on Bubba Gump’s famous ‘shrimp’ speech in Forrest Gump, doesn’t it!

So, we’ve got Halloween, November the 5^th and the American Election out the way. Now it’s the countdown to Christmas and all those seasonal festivities. I have started a little pre-festive diet so that I can let loose during the calorific month of December. I think a lot of us girls tend to do that in the run up to the big day (when of course we pile back on all the pounds that were just lost). But I was quite surprised to learn how some men are preparing for all those imminent parties and events.

Yes, it’s the rise of ‘brotox’: an emerging trend of men getting Botox in pursuit of a chiselled jaw.

When you think of Botox, you might reasonably picture a woman in her 40s or 50s seeking to banish her wrinkles. But, believe it or not, an increasing number of men are now getting the injections – in search of a chiselled jaw.

In a trend being dubbed ‘brotox’, clinicians say appearance-conscious young men are seeking to emulate the sharp features of Hollywood heartthrobs like Ryan Gosling and Pharell Williams. The increase has primarily been seen in men in their late 20s and early 30s seeking ‘feature enhancement’.

Botulinum toxin (often just shortened to Botox) and dermal fillers were among the most popular options sought by men. Both can be used to create this supposed ‘masculinisation effect’, such as making the jaw line slimmer and more defined.

Botox works by relaxing muscles in the face to smooth out lines and wrinkles and, when injected into the masseter muscle – a rectangular muscle in the face used for chewing – it makes the jaw appear slimmer.

Meanwhile, filler adds volume to the face and can be used to define the chin and jowl area, creating a better defined jawline.

There’s been far greater acceptance of men having treatments in the last few years, probably in part due to men secretly admiring the effects that their wives and girlfriends have encountered. Plus, the amount of high-street clinics has made more treatments readily available.

And the demand is not just for Botox — there has also been a surge in men seeking treatments to reduce hair loss.

Another popular treatment involves injecting platelet-rich plasma from a patients’ blood into hair follicles, also known as a PRP injection.

It involves putting a sample of a patient’s blood into a centrifuge — a device which spins at high force, separating platelets from the blood. This mixture is then injected into the scalp in a bid to boost hair growth, with platelets thought to trigger follicle growth.

While the procedure is deemed safe and has shown some success for specific types of hair loss, experts say more research is needed to determine how effective it is, and warn that other treatments are often needed in combination with PRP jabs.

As I always say – think carefully before getting any form of cosmetic surgical procedures. Don’t cut corners, find a reputable and trustworthy practitioner who has the expertise and experience to help you get the most effective treatments to suit your budget.

On to this edition of AZIU, and we check out Louis Vuitton’s one-legged trousers, The GRANDPACORE trend and How To Style This Season’s Knee Length Boots.

As we head into Autumn / Winter 2024, a clear trend has already emerged – GRANDPACORE. Hold on to your flat cap!

Serving as both a rebellion against the modern streetwear trend and Y2k, Grandpacore is classic without being old-fashioned, while also luxurious but not necessarily understated.

The defining features of the Grandpacore “look” are knit pieces like cardigans and sweaters, typically layered over shirts and finished with an overcoat and relaxed pants. Colours are mainly neutrals like camel, brown, navy, and khaki. Footwear is mostly classic – loafers are popular, although dad sneakers are a good choice too.

Of course, traditional doesn’t mean boring – and here is how to put together a Grandpacore look.

Step 1: You’ll Definitely Need a Cardigan

The cardigan is the quintessential Grandpacore item, and should definitely be your starting point if you’re putting together a Grandpacore look. 

Step 2: For Non-cardigan Days, Go for a Sweater Instead

Maybe your favourite cardi is in the wash, maybe you just don’t know what to pair it with – no worries, go for a sweater instead. Think ARGILE patterns or cable knit cream polo-necks – M&S have it all covered in that dept.

Step 3: Get a Classic Shirt for Layering

Shirts are essential for the Grandpacore look, whether they are untucked and unkempt or neat and preppy, the shirt collar must be visible from beneath the sweater, and is a key detail for the look.

Step 4: Consider a Sweater Vest or knitted Tank Top

Whatever the weather, a sweater vest is a great alternative to a sweater, paired with wide leg trousers or with an undershirt and shorts – the look is more contemporary with a long-sleeve shirt worn under the sweater vest, untucked and oversized. 

Step 5: The Polo Shirt (or rugby style top)

Rather than sweaters, shirts, or cardigans, designers this season have also presented plenty of knitted polos and collared tops. Either with buttons or without they can be worn solo or layered over other knitwear or shirts. I personally HATE these and would run a mile if I saw my other half wearing one.

Step 6: Find the Right Trews

The silhouette for trousers is mainly relaxed but definitely not sloppy – think smart tweed or khaki chinos. Also consider jeans but they must be loose fitting – NOT TIGHT.

Step 7: Choose a Classic Coat

The coat you choose should be something classic like this duffle coat, a grey or beige tweed overcoat, a houndstooth check coat or a Burberry style Mac.

Step 8: Finally, Pick the Right Shoes to Tie It All Together

Shoes are one of the most important details, and the choices for Grandpacore include Dad sneakers by New Balance, brown leather boat shoes (yuck) or a swish loafers such as Gucci, and desert boots at Tod’s.

Models have been walking down the Louis Vuitton catwalk with one leg in and one leg out of their trousers. Back in the real world, the asymmetric look is also very much here, but it presents what I would describe as ‘considerable challenges.’

Believe it or not, one legged trousers have been around for six years but have only recently become popular. Popular with whom though, that’s the question?

So, what happens to the leftover leg? It sits outside the trouser framework, exposed. They must be impossible to walk in. 

Back in 2019, the Korean fashion label PUSH BUTTON launched its one-legged jeans.  According to commentators, they were a natural evolution of the Ukrainian label KSENIA SCHNAIDER’s half-slim, half-flared jeans. 

What’s the point of half a trouser? Some say it’s all about asymmetry. Others say it is part of a larger trend for chaos on the catwalk.

Or an urge to walk around looking like you’ve just been attacked by a police dog.  This type of pant doesn’t seem destined for huge commercial success – primarily due to complete impracticality. I can’t see Mango or Zara stacking their rails with this look.

Why bother making something that no normal person is ever going to buy? But have you ever been to a fashion show? Designers are always looking for ways to shock, and practicality takes a back seat.

What next? A one-armed jacket? Technically, that look came and went with the advent of one-arming – wearing your two-armed jacket on only one arm – which was very 2016 – apparently. I missed that one, thank goodness.

How about going out with just one shoe on? That could be difficult, but mismatched boots did feature at the RICK OWENS S/S show this year. So asymmetric / odd garments are IN – but not for me. What next…

Fingerless gloves? They’re already a thing.

Topless hats? What else is a visor?

I can already hear the die-heard fashionistas saying “Have you seen the emperor’s new legless trousers? They look amazing.” 

Knee-high boots and dresses are a winning combo for easy autumn style

Everybody needs to own at least one pair of black, red or brown knee length boots in their closet. Especially now we’re in peak boot-wearing season.  And when it comes to getting maximum wear out of all those dresses and skirts hanging in your wardrobe, nothing beats a BOOTS & DRESS combo.

Knowing how to style your knee-highs with dresses is a difficult skillset to acquire. Should the hem of your dress cover your boots? Or, should there be some skin peeking? And if so, how much? Will it look weird if my dress is fitted but my boots are slouchy? Can I wear leather boots with a leather jacket, or will I look like a character from The Matrix?

I get it, the permutations can be very confusing! As much as we love them, knee-high boots aren’t always the easiest to style. Luckily, I’ve got you.

Pair a denim dress with brown suede boots

Speaking of must-haves, a denim shirt dress is definitely up there. A long-sleeve midi version is ideal for colder temperatures, but if you have a sleeveless (summer style) type you could try layering it over a roll-neck for added warmth. Then, simply add a pair of knee-high boots to complete the look. While denim works with almost everything, I love the warmth that camel-hued boots bring. 

Opt for a slit

An easy way to highlight your boots, because after all they are the star of the show, is opting for a dress with a leg slit. How high you go is up to you, even a small slit will still show off your footwear with every step. I love how these black leather block-heel boots instantly dress up a casual, short-sleeve black dress.

Go Romantic grunge

My personal fave. A romantic satin slip works perfectly with biker boots. Look feminine, sexy and no need to worry about your feet hurting.  Win-win.

Make it a mini moment

If you want to steer clear of the whole which-hemline-looks-best-with-knee-length boots convo, provided you’ve got the legs, then maybe a mini skirt or dress are more your thing.. In particular, a wrap style with cowboy boots might speak to your wild side.

Fun hemlines are a big yes

I can’t think of a better way to bring even more attention to your boots than by adding a statement hemline to your look. Whether you opt for feathers or fringing, the movement will instantly draw the eye.

Double leather *does* work

Going full leather is not always  a good look – Matrix chic is a thing though. But if you want to avoid Keanu Reeves comparisons, there are some rules you should follow. Whether you’re wearing a leather coat, legggings or dress, ensure your outfit includes other textures to break it up a little. Yes, you can coordinate the colours of your leather pieces, but why not try injecting some contrast like a croc effect knee-high boot? Again, this will visually break up your outfit. 

Try colour-coordinating

This is my go-to – a pair of look-at-me red knee-high boots (I love my platform boots by Russell & Bromley) and a coordinating red dress. Finding a patterned dress, no matter how subtle, will help make matching up your hues that little bit easier. I’ve been hinting for quite a while now that the only way to wear red is head-to-toe.

Limit your look to one animal print item

In 2004/5 leopard print is everywhere, but unlike leather, you can go over do it if you wear a leopard print dress *and* leopard print boots. Instead, stick to black boots when you’re wearing animal print clothing and vice versa – a neutral, block colour outfit if you’re wearing leopard print boots.

Welcome to NOVEMBER! 

November can be a rather dull month, so I thought I’d kick-start this week’s instalment of Amanda Zips It Up with a secret, rather unexpected, sign that your spouse might be looking to have an affair.

That got your attention – and it’s got nothing to do with lipstick on the collar, credit card receipts for a dinner for two, or unfamiliar perfume / aftershave on the bedsheets.

When you are shopping at the supermarket, you probably don’t think twice about how you place the food in your trolley (or what you place in there) – but perhaps you should.

Married people seeking affairs are secretly using bell peppers to signal that they are open to meeting lovers behind their partner’s back – all while grocery shopping.

The bizarre ‘bell pepper code’ is introduced on extramarital dating site Illicit Encounters.

‘What if we start a secret code in the most mundane place of all – THE SUPERMARKET,’ the post suggested. ‘It’s perfect! No one would ever suspect that your weekly food shop could lead to something a lot more… sizzling.’

They suggest that you place two bell peppers in your basket or trolley – but with the stems facing down. It’s like a secret handshake, but with veg.

Think about it. You’re casually browsing the aisles, and suddenly you spot someone with the tell-tale peppers in their basket. Your eyes meet. There’s a knowing glance. An instant connection, all thanks to a couple of peppers.

All I can say is… what’s wrong with an aubergine?

A similar concept has gone viral in Spain too, where eager singles head to the supermarket chain Mercadona between 7 pm and 8 pm and use a fruit-based code to try and find passion. By placing a pineapple upside down in their trolley and lingering in the wine aisle, individuals signal to others in the shop that they’re not just looking for ingredients to make a fruit platter, they’re looking for something fruity.

The official TikTok account for Mercadona has also got involved in the fun, posting a video on its page captioned: “The pineapple on the shelf of Mercadona waiting for you to get a date.”

As for all of you wondering what the hell a pineapple has to do with dating, you might be interested to learn that this particular fruit has a symbolic meaning in the SWINGERS COMMUNITY.  However, in swinging, the pineapple indicates that a couple are interested in swapping partners with another pair. 

Who knew fruit and veg would become so symbolic?

Onto this week’s instalment and we discuss – yes – Xmas party ideas… The new Sienna Miller Party Collection at M&S, A more affordable collection by Abby Clancy at Tesco F&F and the new rules for men getting dressed this festive season.

She nailed her last collection earlier this year, and now the latest limited-edition partywear collection designed by Sienna Miller is ALMOST here. Featuring luxurious satin, sequins, velvet and romantic ruffles mixed with tailoring and denim, the designs hark back to the iconic days of disco, drawing inspiration from New York’s legendary nightclub, Studio 54. Here are all the pieces you’ll want to own.

Animal magic

Add an edge this party season in this year’s must-have print: animal. The slouchy velvet blazer, wide-leg trousers and matching fitted waistcoat are the key pieces you need. Wear the waistcoat as a standalone top or for maximum impact, under the jacket Sienna-style. Team with strappy black heels for a dramatic finishing touch.

Green goddess

If you buy one dress this party season, make it this one. In easy-to-wear satin, this maxi dress will cause a stir on the dance floor. The draped bodice gives way to a maxi-length skirt with a subtle-yet-sultry slit detail. Team with the matching sandals (inspired by a favourite pair of Sienna’s) for an opulent take on tonal dressing.

Good jeans

Sienna is the undisputed queen of high-low dressing: mixing formal, dressy items in luxe fabrics with more laid-back everyday pieces. We’re loving these slouchy, barrel-leg jeans worn with the romantic ruffled silk blouse and velvet blazer. A sell-out in Sienna’s last collection and available in either ivory or dark grey, these jeans are the key piece your wardrobe has been waiting for; trust us they’ll be your go-to all winter long.

In the details

With a nod to the gorgeously intricate designs of ’30s Art Deco, this floral-print jacket and matching wide-leg trousers are the perfect choice whether you’re entertaining at home or heading out to celebrate with friends. Hand-embellished with delicate all-over beading, both pieces are fully lined for a luxurious finish. Wear together for a maximalist feel or pair with other pieces from the collection, such as the barrel-leg jeans.

Find the collection in store

M&S x Sienna Miller will be available online and in the following M&S stores from today – Thursday 31 October.

I have a soft spot for Abbey Clancy. Not only is she gorgeous and down to earth, she’s always super stylish. And for those on a tighter budget, Abbey is about to drop her brand-new collection with Tesco F&F – including sparkly Christmas party dresses and beautiful seasonal pieces, with prices from just £14.

It’s not just festive favourites though – you can wear pretty much all of it year-round. And if you love a sequin, you’ll want to get your hands on the perfect gold dress that’s sure to make you glisten inside and out.

Here are my favourite pieces.

This Gold dress, with its relaxed crew neck, sexy low back, and trendy batwing sleeves, is a shimmery gold number perfect pick for any upcoming Christmas parties. It’s available in sizes 6-22, and priced at just £35 it won’t break the bank either.

Pair Abby’s look with black sheer tights and an open toe heel to complete the look.

The F&F Edit also includes staples you’ll be reaching for years down the line, like the sequin mini black dress. The garment has a stylish high neckline, short sleeves and adjustable tie back – why not dress it up with the black faux-fur coat, £55, and black croc boots, £25, for some added glamour?

For fans of mix and matching their clothes, the mink knit top, £16, and mink knit skirt, £14, are must-haves.

Wear them together for a stylish monochromatic look, or switch things up and pair them with other items.

So race on down to your local Tesco ASAP, before this collection a(nd all that Turkey and stuffing) sells out.

In this chaotic menswear age, a fresh party season is upon us. A fresh time to strut. But what should you guys wear to that Xmas lunch, office Xmas party or a NYE rave-up?

As menswear continues to let loose, the traditional ways are changing. Guys have been more willing to take risks: wear a massive oversized blazer, wear sweatpants with loafers, wear every single piece of jewellery you own at once. 

What are the new rules when it comes to getting dressed up? Here are a few dos and don’ts to get you looking party-ready.

If your white socks aren’t diamond white, bin ’em

With great white socks comes great responsibility: keeping them white. Because the moment they lose that shine, they look grubby – especially when they’re worn with some box-fresh white trainers. To prolong their lifespan, throw a small amount of bleach or a good dollop of Vanish into the wash.

A neckerchief really does make everything better

Sometimes you need a little something to finish an outfit. Something less fussy than a tie, but more casual than a necklace. This is where the neckerchief comes into its own. Roll it up and join the two edges of your bandana to tie them in a simple knot.

Hi-tops and shorts will cook your proportions

No matter how tall you are, wearing hi-top trainers with shorts will ruin everything. It will make your shins look smaller, lower the knee and make your torso appear longer. 

Go long, feel powerful

Shopping for a coat? The longer the better. It’ll look more expensive (like the designers weren’t skimping on fabric) and actually do its job of keeping you warm. Plus, you get to swish around like Keanu Reeves

Try A Second Hand Designer Watch

Every watch person will tell you that speculating on your watch’s worth is a losing game. The investment is not in the watch, but in you. It all comes down to your personal budget. Got more than £5K to splash? A pre-owned Rolex is a good bet. It’s a household name, but it will never, despite what your snobbiest friend may say, be basic. Instead, it’s something you can wear daily with anything.

Buy one really expensive shirt and wear it to death

A vintage Armani shirt is the ideal, It has a certain charm that treads the line between business and pleasure. You’ll get so much wear out of it. 

Don’t wear big trousers if you don’t want to

Some shapes just don’t work for some people (except Harry Styles), and that’s OK. If the homies are dabbling in baggies, that doesn’t mean you have to. If you think slim cuts suit you, and big trousers spook you, just go with what you know. I personally love flares but that’s another story altogether.

Start strong with your suit

With a constructed jacket, a strong shoulder sets the tone for the rest of the look, and how it drapes on the body. A front tuck with a belt, where just the front of your shirt is tucked in, is a great way to anchor a look and keep it focused.

Age-appropriate dressing is no longer appropriate

Do you really need to retire the Nikes, Adidas or Yeezys? In a word, no. If you can’t rock up to a xmas all-dayer in an oversized Hawaiian shirt (pressed and tucked in) and vintage shorts, what’s the point? 

Wear a tie out to dinner sometimes. It feels nice

I sat next to a young guy in a restaurant recently who was wearing a suit and tie in a non-corporate sort of way. He looked great, and it made me realise how much a tie creates a sense of harmony with tailoring and stops you from looking like a politician at an awkward photoshoot. He’d made an effort, and that’s cool. 

…and only 2 per cent of men can actually pull off a football shirt

It’s hard to look good in a football shirt when you’re at a match, let alone in the pub or anywhere else. If you must, keep it vintage – the new high-tech fabrics cling, and they only really meld with other high-tech fabrics. And make sure you know something about the team in question.

Welcome to mid-October’s instalment of Amanda Zips It Up – at a time when just about everyone is planning Halloween, Xmas (and perhaps NYE) parties. 

And if you are looking for an ‘adult’ Halloween bash to dress up for this month, not only do we feature the top-trending Halloween costumes in this edition, I also have news of some of the biggest parties to attend.

Firstly, Clockwork Orange’s ‘DAY OF THE DEAD’ (daytime event) at Fabric on Saturday 2.11.24

The line-up looks brilliant, including Danny & Andy Clockwork, and starring special guests Fat Tony, Brandon Block, Jumping Jack Frost and Norman Jay MBE, amongst others.

I was chatting to Danny Gould about Clockwork and he mentioned their plans for this NYE too, which lands them on the island of KOH SAMUI with a special guest to be revealed ASAP… if Thailand is your Go-To over the Xmas and NY, then head to www.clockworkorange,com for tickets.

Danny and the team will be back in Ibiza next year from the 16^th – 21^st July with their usual week of shindigs, as well as celebrating the legendary DJ Pepe’s 50^th anniversary on the white isle, with a private party at Es Paradis.

So, it’s all about going ‘international’ for the CW boys, after deciding that the UK-based Clockstock Festival had become too much of a risk due to the dire and very unpredictable weather that we have in this country.

And I must also mention my Radio partner CRAIG WILLIAMS’ big NYE party – SOUL LIFE at The Crown in Shirley, 7pm – 1am, featuring DJs Craig Williams, JIGS and Mi-Soul’s own Ronnie Herel. Tickets are selling out fast so jump on the EVENTBRITE website for more details.

Onto this week and I reveal another incredible collaboration at M&S, plus the fashion fundraiser for DJ Ashley Beadle following his recent stroke.