fever

the Deliplus fever and imitations of luxury cosmetics

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It all starts with that feeling of satisfaction and triumph when you leave the Mercadona. You haven’t been left behind and you have found that viral product that everyone on TikTok is talking about at a more than affordable price. A sensation that, when it comes to Mercadona and the year 2025, we can associate with launches starring the star ingredient and omnipresent, the pistachio, but no: in many cases the viral products of this supermarket have nothing to do with food. The devotion it provokes in perfumery and perfumery fans is nothing new. skincare, DeliplusMercadona’s cosmetics brand. Because of him, when we cross the exit door with our full bag, we realize that we have not only fallen into the trap of the viral product but also of the microspending. This is how a generation spends For those who are not familiar with the term microspendingwe are talking about that phenomenon that mostly affects generation Z and that consists of compulsively making small expenses, usually motivated by trends, the need for immediate reward or social networks. Due to their low cost, they seem like insignificant expenses, but in reality, when repeated frequently, they end up representing a considerable expense that silently depletes the current account. A subscription to Netflix, a video game on sale on Steam or the new viral lipstick from Mercadona are the only whims that many young people can afford. By not having enough capital to face large investments like a home or a car, its members choose to allocate their money to expenses more affordableimmediate and ephemeral. This increasingly restrictive economic context only allows us to search for immediate gratification, whether through a weekend getaway or with the Deliplus news section. Therefore, in terms of whims, our Mercadona basket is almost devoid of food but full of highlighters, creams or perfumes that are the new sensation. @mcarmenpadillaseq Mercadona has released a serum with a b0tox effect, and I have done a marathon to analyze it for you đŸ•”đŸ»â€â™€ïž #market #skincare #wrinkles #gallolegs #antiaging ♬ original sound – MCarmen Padilla Sequera Products that resemble in texture, packaging or effect to those high end cosmetics that are out of our budget like LancĂŽme, Dior, Fenty Beauty or Kayali. Actually, we rarely talk about viral formulas that respond to something unprecedented, but rather that satisfy our wish for the dupesoffering us those similar versions to the high range but eliminating that high price associated with brands from another category. Without going any further, in recent months Deliplus has launched a new serum for six euros in the form of a syringe but without a needle, the ‘Botox Like Serum’, which promises to help with wrinkles and expression lines to achieve that “Botox effect”. With its active ingredients, in addition to controlling these folds in certain areas, it seeks to avoid matte skin and thus also achieve that luminous skin. glass skin that is so fashionable. This combination of innovation, trend and low price It has made the product attract the attention of the consumer, in addition to creating a buzz effect on social networks; especially when compared to his Shiseido dupewhich promises similar effects fighting the signs of skin aging but with a price of around 250 euros. At first glance, everything seems perfect: the product has the approval of several specialists in cosmetics that highlight their effectiveness in those problem areas of the face, at the same time you save money and obtain many of the benefits that the product on which it is inspired promises. It seems that we would have no reason to doubt its success and virality. The enormous business of skincare The trick comes when we go in to buy that product that catches our attention, but in the end we end up with many others from the Deliplus line. Because, of course, how can I not take it if it’s so cheap? We may save 30 euros on a lipstick but we end up adding the highlighter, blush and bronzer that go to game. It’s true, they’re only around five euros each, but as long as you add up…Also, as if that weren’t enough, you walk down the hallway and that perfume dupe Armani that is trendy and that you wanted to try so much. Result: the perfect definition of microspending. The global cosmetics market continues to grow and is in full boom. There is increasing interest (especially in young population) for him skincareprevention and the search for certain active ingredients that benefit our skin such as retinol wave niacinamide. Specifically in Spain and Portugal, the perfumery and cosmetics sector exceeded 8.1 billion euros in sales in 2024 and it is expected that in 2025 it will end with a 5% additional growth. Both social networks and digital commerce play a fundamental role in promoting this habit of microspending; 66% of customers discover brands on social networks through recommendations from celebrities and influencers, and also 8 out of 10 consumers They claim to buy products after having seen them on social networks. “They have completely reshaped the beauty industry, changing the way consumers discover products and engage with brands. Platforms have democratized information, allowing anyone to share their experiences with a global audience. A positive review can spark curiosity and generate widespread interest, allowing trends to emerge quickly. Word of mouth has never been more influential” Nicola Kilner, co-founder of The Ordinary. Outside our borders, the dupes phenomenon also has great actors. ELF is one of the most prominent and its CEO, Tarang Amin, told in an interview with Washington Post one of the keys to its success. According to him, during a TikTok live, several users insisted on their interest in a product from his brand similar to the tanning drops by Drunk Elephant. He immediately asked his product division and it didn’t take long for them to go to market. Of course, for a third of the original price. Of course, China has also entered the equation. Shein, which … Read more

Álvaro Moreno and his Catholic clothing brand is just the tip of the iceberg: the fever for "chic christianity"

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During the inauguration of one of its stores in Zaragoza, the Álvaro Moreno brand repeated his usual ritual: A priest toured the facilities blessing the premises and the employees, while the motto “May it be for the glory of God” was read on a large screen. The gesture summarizes the philosophy of the Sevillian businessman who has made his Catholic faith part of his business model. Showing faith. “When I open a store I say let it be for the glory of God, because if it is not for his glory, why are we here?” he said in an interview with El Español. He was 21 years old when he opened his first store in Osuna; Today, his brand employs 700 people and has an annual profit of almost 11 million. In the midst of the pandemic, after attending mass one morning, he says he found something more than comfort: a new way of understanding the company. Your company seeks to integrate “social and solidarity projects” through initiatives such as Tiendas con Alma, which collaborates with NGOs such as Down España, ELA AndalucĂ­a, Tu Casa Azul or the Daughters of Charity of Pumarejo. “Doing a company with soul” is not marketing, he insists. But the truth is that his way of mixing religion and business fits perfectly with a broader cultural trend: the return of Catholicism as an aesthetic, story and, in some cases, as a brand strategy. In Xataka RosalĂ­a has entered her Catholic phase: she is only the latest in a long list of Spanish artists and filmmakers A new spiritual language? Álvaro Moreno’s public devotion does not come from nowhere. It is part of a broader movement, where religion once again appears among pop songs, fashion shows or company slogans. Catholicism, previously relegated to silence or modesty, now becomes a visible sign, even a form of style. The singer RosalĂ­a has been the most visible face of that trend. Their new album, Lux, is crossed by religious symbols and songs. On the cover she appears dressed in a white habit and in the presentation video you can hear Gregorian choirs and verses about God in fourteen languages. This gesture is located within a broader artistic movementwhere religiosity is no longer taboo for the new generations. Spirituality has become, in other words, a new cultural language. From RosalĂ­a’s habit to Catholic festivals like Hakuna, which brought together 85,000 young people At a massive concert in April, faith is leaving the sacristies and entering the timelines. From TikTok to the pulpit. The phenomenon is not limited to Spain. In the United States, a report from the Wall Street Journal describes how Christian music contemporary “is on fire again for God. Artists like Forrest Frank, former member of the pop duo Surfaces, have brought their faith to TikTok with songs like God’s Got My Back, accumulating more than 15 million streams on Spotify and millions of views on social networks. According to the same medium, Christian artists accumulated more than 1.2 billion views in the US this year. And not just artists: even convents have learned to move in the digital age. Nuns like Sister Marta, Sister VerĂłnica or the Argentine Josefina Cattaneo They accumulate hundreds of thousands of followers showing their daily life in the convents: from how a habit is prepared to how a birthday is celebrated in community. The formula works because it humanizes the religious vocation and makes it accessible to young people who perhaps would never approach a church. What was previously communicated from the pulpit is now shared from the algorithm. From modesty to believing pride. In Spain, the data confirm a generational change. According to the CIS36.4% of young people between 18 and 24 years old declare themselves Catholic, compared to 28% in 2021. 10.5% are practicing. It is the only age group in which religiosity grows. “There is a rise in identity-based Catholicism and a visibility of religious identity among part of the youth,” explains anthropologist MĂłnica Cornejo in El Correo. “They wear crosses and claim their faith without shame. They say: ‘I’m a Christian, so what?’” For Cornejo, it is a Catholicism that is “more cultural, less dogmatic. They are not as interested in read religion as in lived religion.” In a country where religion seemed a thing of the past, faith is once again a flag—aesthetic, emotional or political. And he does it, curiously, from Instagram, from the reels or from a walkway. {“videoId”:”x8ldfb3″,”autoplay”:false,”title”:”HOW ELON MUSK MAKES MONEY if MANY of his companies ARE NOT PROFITABLE”, “tag”:”Webedia-prod”, “duration”:”797″} Towards chic Catholicism. But there is a question underlying all of this: is it devotion, strategy or both? As NoemĂ­ LĂłpez Trujillo warns in Newtralthe religious aesthetic that RosalĂ­a has embraced “does not seem to renounce or contradict itself, but rather deliberately embrace the idea that what is conservative is subversive.” In the case of Álvaro Moreno, the phrase “Let it be for the glory of God” resonates with authenticity, yes, but also with a precision of branding: store, ritual, history of improvement, visible values. And in a market where consumers seek purpose as much as they seek product, that narrative works. The question is whether something essential is not diluted along the way. Deep spirituality becomes consumer aesthetics, and faith—like almost everything—into a market value. Because believing in something offers comfort; But commodifying belief offers a story that sells. And at that border—between conviction and strategy—we may have to look beyond the blessed display cases. Image | TikTok Xataka |Shein has opened its first store in Europe in Paris. Paris has reacted as always: staging a revolt (function() { window._JS_MODULES = window._JS_MODULES || {}; var headElement = document.getElementsByTagName(‘head’)(0); if (_JS_MODULES.instagram) { var instagramScript = document.createElement(‘script’); instagramScript.src=”https://platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js”; instagramScript.async = true; instagramScript.defer = true; headElement.appendChild(instagramScript); – The news Álvaro Moreno and his Catholic clothing brand is just the tip of the iceberg: the fever for “chic Christianity” was originally published in Xataka by Alba Otero .

In case we didn’t have enough of the wedding fever, medieval weddings are coming

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In Yorkshire it smells like wax and fresh bread. Olivia Healy walks slowly down the aisle of a stone church; The golden crown she wears shines in the flickering light of the candles. There are no spotlights or screens, just an iron arch, a few caped guests, and a reverend who smiles before saying, “Welcome to the 12th century.” It is not the filming of a movie, but a wedding inspired by the medieval ceremonies that were celebrated in England eight hundred years ago. There are minstrelsy, a feast of mead and rye bread, and a vow of union that does not mention God, but “the light that unites the paths of the ancients.” According to The New York Timesscenes like this are repeated in half the world: searches for “medieval wedding” on Pinterest have skyrocketed by more than 400%, and castles have become the new fantasy setting for a generation that flees from conventional weddings. A ritual with purpose. What started as an eccentric niche has become a cultural trend. “Couples are looking for a more symbolic type of ceremony, less commercial and more connected to ancient rites,” explains art historian Nancy Thebaut. It is not just an aesthetic—capes, veils, chalices, robes—but a way of understanding love and commitment as something timeless. Some of the most talked about weddings of the year followed that thread. Artist Harley Weir, known for her ethereal portraits, married in a welsh monastery dressed in a tunic inspired by the novices of the 15th century. As well as actress Rainey Qualley opted for a lace corset and hand-embroidered cape in Italian silk, “like a Pre-Raphaelite queen lost in a digital dream.” In all cases, the pattern is the same: ritual, nature, spirituality. Instead of speeches or photocallsthere are processions with incense, sacred music, mystical readings and vows inspired by Celtic or early Christian ceremonies. The phenomenon goes beyond the disguise. This return to the past, according to the New York Timesaddresses an interpretation of “nostalgia for purposeful rituals”: a way of recovering the symbolic in times where the religious has been diluted. For the fashion magazine Vogue, which has documented Gothic and medieval weddings in Irish castles or Welsh monasteries, what is sought is not historical accuracy, but an emotional aesthetic. The medium calls it “epic romanticism”: a cross between the sacred, the theatrical and the intimate. The art historian Harriet Sonne de Torrens remember that in medieval manuscripts The gesture of joining hands represented mutual surrender and divine blessing. Eight centuries later, that same image is redefined: the symbol remains, although its meaning is secular. From historical rigor to pop romanticism. Not to nitpick, but most of these celebrations are not historically accurate—nor do I think they intend to be. “People confuse medieval with Renaissance, Gothic or even Victorian,” explains The New York Times. But that mix is ​​part of its appeal: today’s medieval weddings They are less a recreation of the past than a pop rereading of history. The success of series like game of Thrones either The Witcher, and even the literary rise of authors such as Sarah J. Maas or the anthological The Lord of the Ringshave consolidated a global aesthetic of the medieval-fantastic, which has filtered into fashion, music and, now, marriage. This medieval fever is not alone. In parallel, thematic weddings are growing: ceremonies that recreate entire worlds—from the 1920s to the Tolkien universe—as a form of aesthetic affirmation. According to Bodas.netmore than 30% of young couples in Spain opt for personalized and symbolic rituals, with their own scripts and narrative scenarios. In times of liquid loves, the ritual matters again. In the digital age, couples look for meaning in ancient symbols. Looking to the past has become a way of recovering intention and intimacy—what the New York media has defined as “a nostalgia for purposeful rituals.” And there opens up an interesting connection.. Because this fascination with the sacred is not limited to the symbolic altars of weddings. Religion—or at least its imagery—has once again become a transversal aesthetic language: from fashion to pop. RosalĂ­a is the most notable example. As my colleague explains in Xataka“the artist has swerved towards Catholic iconography. It is not a whim or a marketing maneuver, but rather swimming in a very favorable current at the moment: the modern and youthful vindication of the faith.” This current is not a return to dogma, but a search for transcendence. Both RosalĂ­a and medieval weddings, the sacred becomes aesthetic; the ritual, in performance. Candles, veils or liturgical choirs are gestures of a visual spirituality, more emotional than doctrinal. “Brides are attracted to historical references because they evoke permanence; it is a way of promising eternity in liquid times,” says designer Paula Nadal. My dear Spain. And, as almost always, here we take it to the next level. In Navia (Asturias), a couple got married this summer during the Medieval Days of the municipality, escorted by Knights Templar and bagpipers. In Burgos, several estates and castles—such as Sotopalacios or Belmonte— They already offer “historical ceremonies” with a mead menu, troubadours and photographers who work only with natural light to imitate the painterly texture of the Quattrocento. In networks, the Spanish “medieval core” mixes layers, baroque virgins and processions with a fervor that, according to Telva“can only be understood in a country that turned Holy Week into performative art.” In a way, medieval weddings are the secular reflection of that same religious theatricality that Spain carries in its blood: a liturgy without faith, but with emotion. A ritual in uncertain times? The trend points to the same thing: couples do not flee from the present, but rather look for a symbolic language. What we know is that in 12th century manuscripts, marriage was a sacrament; in the networks of 2025, it is an aesthetic. But the gesture remains the same. Between the digital noise and the contemporary rush, returning to the 12th century is just a way—I hope—to promise the same thing as always: that … Read more

Ten years ago, this man introduced radical changes in ‘Dungeons & Dragons’. Thanks to them, it is now a millionaire fever

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‘Dungoons & Dragons’ is the Role game par excellenceand his reign has not turned off the least since 1974, when his most primitive version, still very little affordable because of his rules system, He saw the light. He still had decades ahead and much to evolve to become the accessible entertainment that moves millions of devotees from fantasy of all the world that is today. In the Comic-with Malaga We have had the opportunity to listen to Jeremy Crawford, one of the architects of the fifth edition of the game. It is considered the most modern and affordable: its way of simplifying the classic rules without losing all the richness and complexity that had made ‘D&D This was told by Crawford, a recognized game enthusiast who is also a precise analyst of everything that is attractive to the franchise. The fifth edition broke sales records from its departure, with 3 million copies sold (“It is the first edition of D&D whose sales have not stopped increasing”), But what factors contributed to this unprecedented success? A good part of this is attributed to the explosion of online retransmissions of items, As we count at the time: “Thanks to the fundamental role of Dimension 20 And many other live games programs, now just enter YouTube, Twitch or other services to see how the game is. You can see how fun it is. You can see that it is not as intimidating as it might seem by the extensive regulation “ An important part of this growth is also due to the “analog” part of that diffusion: players shared their enthusiasm for the game with friends and family, inviting them to try it. This made, despite having half a century old, the game was new to many people: “Much of what happened is that you started telling your friends. You started inviting your family,” says Crawford. This emotional connection contributed to the sustained increase in sales, a phenomenon that unusual in previous editions, which normally experienced a decrease after launch. Recommended readings However, all this does not start from the void. There are some previous and foundational elements that had to study before getting to work. Crawford told us that his team “not only studied the previous editions, but that we immerse ourselves in the books that inspired the original games (Elric’s novels, ‘The Lord of the Rings0, HP Lovecraft and Conan stories …) to understand firsthand on what the original D&D creators were based.” Much of that material was “included in the list of readings that Gary Gygax provided in the first edition of the Dungeon Master guide” To this is added that Crawford feels “a deep love for ancient mythology and world history.” This personal interest, together with their trips through Europe and the reading of ancient books about occultism and history, constitutes “a large part of my inspiration when working in any fantastic world.” The objective is to understand “how people thought in the past and then transfer that to the worlds we create, the adventures we design, and incorporate part of that inspiration.” This approach guarantees a large range of options for players, by “resorting to as many sources of inspiration as possible.” Finally, Crawford detailed some steps that had followed to determine which elements of ‘d & d’ conserve and which to let them evolve during the design of the fifth edition: one of the things is “play a lot. There is nothing to play your own game as a designer. And in the case of ‘D & D’, also being the Dungeon Master. “And there is the key to the contagious enthusiasm that Crawford communicated to the audience. Crawford told the public that “any of you who is a game director in ‘D&D’ or other role -playing game, is a game designer. Because being a game designer means creating experiences for other people to enjoy, which is exactly what a master’s degree does.” And he concluded: “Every time someone asks me: ‘What should I do to be a game designer?’ I often say that you have to be a game director, because it is experienced in real time how people respond to what one has created. And also how people usually do what they want in response to what one has created” And that was a bit the summary of what Crawford injected to the fifth edition: all the attendees were designers of the game because to start, the designers of the game were also players. That was the key to an impulse for ‘Dungoons & Dragons’ in its fifth edition and today survives. Header | Gian-Luca Riner in Unspash In Xataka | To play Dungoons & Dragons you just needed ball, paper and dice. Now a course of 2,000 dollars wants to teach you better

Nuclear fever goes faster than centrals

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Uranium, for years relegated to a corner of the raw material market, Live a rebirth. His prices have shot themselves and investors chase him with enthusiasm, convinced that nuclear energy will be key in an electrified world. As Jennifer Hughes said in the Financial Times: “Investors in Uranium and scientists should have much in common: both seek great benefits from a small starting point.” However, this financial euphoria collides with an awkward reality: nuclear power plants are not built to the necessary rhythm and bottlenecks are huge. A small and overwhelmed market. The spot price is around 76 dollars per pound, After having exceeded $ 100 at the beginning of 2024. Much of this increase is explained by a small market: most uranium is sold under long -term contracts and the immediate market space is very narrow. At the same time, governments accumulate strategic reserves. In the podcast Stock Movers Bloomberg They detailed that The US Secretary of Energy, Chris Wright, wants to strengthen national inventories to reduce Russia dependence, which provides a room of enriched uranium that feeds the 94 US reactors. The result is clear: more uranium is purchased than the centrals can consume today, a sign that the geopolitical and financial appetite goes ahead of the real capacity. A spark that lights nuclear fever. Why this boom? The explanation is in global electrification. According to Bank of America analysts, by the end of this decade the world consumption of electricity will increase to 30%driven by the electrification of transport and the rise of AI data centers. According to the International Energy Agencythe data centers already consume about 415 twh per year – 1.5% of global electricity – and their weight will continue to grow with the expansion of AI. In fact, Nvidia, Microsoft, Google, among others need abundant, reliable and carbon free energy to support their operations. Hence, technology companies have taken an unusual step: Bet on nuclear. The turn of many countries. Nuclear energy has returned strongly, even in countries that had a firm predisposition to the closure. Germany He stopped his nuclear blackout plan and Belgium made the same decision. Indonesia, despite its wealth in coal, included nuclear in An energy investment plan of 235,000 million dollars. And the United States He has decided to quadruple nuclear capacity recycling uranium. Today there are about 440 reactors in operation in the worldwhich contribute about 10% of global electricity and are the second low carbon energy source after hydroelectric. The wall of reality: the deadlines. Political promises collide with industrial limitations. The projects are usually expensive and slow, with deadlines that do not fit with the climatic urgency. To this are added concerns about radioactive waste and fear of accidents such as Fukushima, Although even Japan is willing to return. In fact, in the US, only three reactors have been built in the last quarter of a century, two of them with exorbitant costs and significant delays. Today there is no plant under construction and to meet the objectives of Washington it would be necessary to initiate the works of 20 medium -sized reactors every year, According to Morgan Stanley calculations. Even China, famous for its speed When he decides to investit takes between five and ten years to design, approve and complete a new plant. Russia, the bottleneck of the nuclear cycle. The big problem is in the phase of the nuclear cycle that converts the mineral into useful fuel. There, Russia is the dominant actor. Although countries such as Australia (28%of world reserves), Kazakhstan (13%) and Canada (10%) large uranium deposits concentrateonly Russia Master the enrichment on a global scale. Canada emerges as an alternative. With mines in the Athabasca basin, the country not only extracts but can also enrich uranium, which makes it a “safe and reliable” supplier. His new mine, operated by Nexgen, could move to Kazakhstan as the world leader of production in the next decade. For its part, this last country accelerate your own nuclear plans. Kazakhstan has among his plans to build his first central in ĂŒlken, with financial support from Russia but technological alliances with France and South Korea, in an attempt to reduce the dependence of the Kremlin. Expectations ahead of reality. Uranium has gone from being a forgotten resource to become a central file of the energy and geopolitical board. Prices reflect it and investors bet strongly. But nuclear infrastructure slowly advance, the dependence of Russia in the fuel cycle continues to weigh and social resistances remain alive. As the energy expert warns in its columnwho invest in Uranium expect “too much, too soon.” The true nuclear energy boom, if it arrives, will take much more than a rebound in contributions. Image | Freepik Xataka | The largest nuclear fusion project on the planet has survived the setbacks. This is the date on which Iter should be ready

We have been submerged in “High Protein” food fever. Science has enough doubts that it is useful

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In a quick visit to the supermarket, it is observed how the shelves no longer compete in flavors, compete in promises: High Protein, extra protein, muscle. We see it in yogurts, breads, tuna and even water, under the promise of the protein. Today we are immersed in the Era of chic proteinwhich turned an essential nutrient into an aspirational banner that jumped from the gym to the purchase cart. However, meanwhile container and slogans emerges the question that many ask ourselves: do we really need so much protein? No more is better. To begin with, protein matters, since it participates in the construction and repair of tissues, immunity and hormonal regulation, among other functions, as explained in the MedlinePlus Medical Portal. In addition, it has a satiating effect, which helps control intake, provided it does not derive in hyperproteic diets, Andrea Jarque nutritionist warns. However, to understand the jump to the shelves of the supermarket responds rather to a market logic. The industry, As always happenshe detected a “reef” in the protein claim and extended it from the cultural niche to the general public, with visual codes and messages that They associate protein By force, aesthetics and performance. Do we need “more protein”? It all depends on the person, but there is something in which almost all coincide Clinical guides: The reference figures change little. In an average and sedentary adult, the daily recommendation is around 0.8 grams of protein per kilo of body weight per day. From the age of 40 or 50 – and especially in menopause – it is convenient to slightly raise the intake up to 1 and 1.2 grams per kilo. In other words, a 70 kilos person would need between 70 and 84 grams of daily protein to curb the loss of muscle associated with age: Sarcopenia. Athletes play in another league. Those who train strength or practice resistance regularly may need more: between 1.2 and 1.7 grams per kilo. Above 2 grams per kilo, the benefits are more than doubtful and, in predisposed people, problems could even appear, as they warn in May Clinic. In practice, most arrive – or even pass – from those amounts. In Spain it is not different: meat intake It is still very high. Hence the nutritionist Jorge JaldĂłn summarize it with irony in the zero habit podcast: “Shortly after breakfasts, lunch and cenes, you have plenty of protein.” Its example is clear: an egg (6 grams of protein), 100 grams of chicken (22 grams) and a plate of lentils (15–18 grams) are enough to meet the needs of an adult in one day. In other words, a combined dish already covers what many are looking for in a container with the High Protein label. Deficit and excess, the two faces. The shortcomings are unusual in the general population. They appear in cases of aggressive caloric restriction, eating disorders either use of slimming drugs that lead meals. Alert signals They are clear: Little satiety between meals and worse recovery after exercise or disease. At the opposite end, the body does not store protein. Once the needs are covered, the excess is used as energy or becomes fat. “The muscle is built by strength training, not the shake”, Clinic point out in May. In the long term, the effect of excessive chronic intake It is a reason for debate. Specialists from the Spanish Society of Endocrinology and Nutrition (SEEN) They advise caution in people with kidney or liver disease. And what happens to supplements? And this is where the great parallel industry appears. It is not the same to train strength than to lead a sedentary life. Protein supplements can be useful in specific situations: greater with chewing problems, clinical contexts, recovery after training or simply by logistics. Three nutritionists They coincided in a report of this house: They are a tool, not universal shortcut. The Basic Council: Check labels. A good product should provide at least 70–80% real protein by ration, low in sugars, with few additives and reliable brand. And it should not forget the obvious: a shake also adds calories. In addition, many of these products cost more than their equivalent in real food. As some experts ironize, a surcharge is often paid so they already provide lentils or egg. The boom of the plant protein. The other great change is of origin. For decades the recommendation was to replace red meat with chicken or fish. Today the focus is in legumes, nuts, tofu or quinoa. A meta -analysis Confirm that following The so -called Planetary Health Diet (rich in plant proteins) is associated with 21% less mortality and lower carbon footprint. “The more the dish looked like this diet, the lower the risk of dying and the environmental impact,” summarizes the study. Along the same lines, vegetable proteins are also beginning to prioritize food guides, As Stanford professor, Christopher Gardner details: “The beans, peas and lentils would head the list.” Now, the vegetable protein has less bioavailability. “Those who follow exclusively vegetable diets need more quantity and combine different sources,” Remember dietitian Marie Spano. Despite this, as Isabel Martorell, dietitian-nutritionist of Nootric: “No deficits have been observed in vegans with well -planned diets.” Here enters a key concept, that of the Package protein, Popularized by Harvard: The important thing is not only the protein, but the set of nutrients that accompany it. It is not the same to obtain it from a fillet with saturated fats than from a dish of chickpeas with fiber, minerals and antioxidants. Beyond fashion. The evidence points to a simple route (and less expensive): it distributes the protein of the day, prioritizes quality sources – better if they are vegetables -, trains strength and distrust of the Atheat powder. The muscle is built by the gym and constancy. The rest is noise and labels. Image | Pexels Xataka | The greatest study on sustainable food confirms it: the vegetable protein wins the game

China is living a fever for cherries and Spain wants to become its great garden. It will not be easy

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He was waiting, but the Spanish cherry has just received news that had been waiting for a while: China has opened the doors of Its gigantic market. After years of negotiation between Beijing and Madrid, the Asian giant has given green light to the export of fruits cultivated in Spain, an agreement that had already been profiled In spring but that has not resolved its last fringes so far. Now there are two other goods expecting: The pistachio and the dry fig. What happened? That one of the main markets of the world, the Chinese, has just opened to the Spanish cherry. And that is an important news for several reasons. First because that vast market is made up of more than 1.4 billion of potential consumers. Second because the Asian giant seems especially interested In this fruit, valued both for its taste and its cultural impact (it is considered a symbol of fortune, especially during the New Year), a demand that has been benefited until now especially Chile. But what has changed? Basically, that the General Administration of Customs of China (AGA) has given its definitive approval to exports of Spanish cherry. The news has been advanced by the department led by Luis Planas in A statement confirming that the Asian Administration has already published the registration of authorized establishments for the sending of fruit. “It puts an end to a complex negotiation process of several years”, stands out. The sector Trust in which the new protocol “expedite” its ability to export. Is it a novelty? Yes. And no. Beijing has just opened its doors, but the news will catch few by surprise. It was expected Since AprilWhen Planas and Chinese Customs Minister Sun Meijun signed several protocols for the export of pigs and cherries, agreements that add to the dozen of pacts signed since 2018 on sanitary requirements oriented to food export. To move from political theory to commercial practice there were nevertheless several pending procedures. In June, AGA technicians conducted an audit of plots and stores related to the export of cherries to confirm that they fulfill the sanitary protocol. Before, in 2024, a delegation sent by Beijing had already been in charge of visiting some producing areas of the country. Are the details known? Yes. The Government He has revealed Some details of the agreement signed with China. The closed protocol with Beijing, for example, that the phases of processing, packaging, storage and transport of the fruit that is exported to China is carried out “under the supervision” of the ministry. “This will also be responsible for ensuring that only the cherries of the registered orchards can enter the clothing warehouse for their selection and processed.” The agreement will be valid for three years and adds to the bilateral export pacts between Spain and China of those who already enjoy other crops, such as citrus, peach, plum, table grape, chaqui or almond. Among other merchandise, Chinese authorities also allow the sale of fodder oatmeal, olive paste and dehydrate alfalfa destined for animal feed. Soon the list could be extended even more. The Planas department acknowledges that, after closing the agreement for cherries, the files of two other products with roots in Spain continue to negotiate: The pistachio and dry figs. Why is it important? For several reasons. The cherry cultivation is not equally extended throughout Spain, but there are provinces in which it is relevant, such as CĂĄceres or Zaragoza. According to The latest statistics of the Ministry of Agriculture, in 2022 the production of cherry and icing of the country as a whole touched the 114,000 t, with a fundamental weight of Aragon (48,600) and Estremadura (40,000), followed quite distance in Catalonia (6,800), Andalusia (5,300) and Murcia (3,500). The sector expects the agreement with Beijing to expand its horizon. “It will open new possibilities for export to this fruit, whose culture has had an important development,” celebrated Already in April Pemex, the Federation of Producers of fruits, vegetables, flowers and plants. “The export of cherry from Spain in 2024 stood at 39,968 tons, the European Union being the first destination, with 33,440 T”. Among the extra -community markets stands out above all the United Kingdom, which received more than 5,700 tons, and South Africa and Hong Kong, with around one hundred tons each. Fruit shipments reached a value of 139 million euros. Will it have it easy? No. Although the agreement is good news for the Asian aspirations of the Spanish cherry, the truth is that it must compete in a complex market. According to the last forecasts collected by Produces reportit is expected that in the 2025/2026 season, which will last until March, the production of China cherries will grow 6% to 900,000 T, which demonstrates the bet within the country itself. One of the keys to that rebound is the increase in cultivated area, which during last season was around 199,000 ha. His high demand has led Beijing to use Chilean productionincreasingly focused on China. If in 2016 the South American country exported about 40,000 t of fruit to the Asian giant, in 2023 that figure had already fired until exceeding 370,000 t. At the beginning of the year the Xinhua agency He pointed out That during the last season Chile expert to the world more than 625,000 tons of fresh cherry, of which 568,000 left for China’s markets. Images | US Department of Agriculture (Flickr), Dominic Kurniawan Suryaputra (Unspash) and Ok Apartment (Flickr) In Xataka | Extremadura promised them very happy with its powerful Spanish tomato industry. Until China arrived

Eclipse fever has filled Soria and Teruel one year after producing

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It is Wednesday, August 12, 2026. Shortly after half past eight in the afternoon, the sunset light becomes strange, as a metal, the air suddenly cools and the birds are silent. From a hill of Burgos or a rock of Soria, thousands of people observe how the moon has completely covered the sun. Exactly one year is left to total solar eclipse that will obscure Spain for the first time in more than a century. World capital of astronomical tourism. The Eclipse of 2026 will mark the opening act of an unrepeatable cosmic carambola in several generations: the “Iberian trio”, a sequence of three solar eclipses (two totals and one annular) that They will cross the country in 2026, 2027 and 2028turning Spain, for three consecutive years, in the world capital of astronomy. The countdown for the first eclipse, which will bless the north of the country, has begun, and what is at stake goes beyond two minutes of shade. Emptied Spain, where hotels and light pollution is scarce equallyprepares to fill itself as never before. In Airbnb alone, searches have increased by 830%. “Especially in rural destinations such as Teruel and Ariza (in Aragon), Guadalajara (in Castilla-La Mancha), Reus (in Catalonia), sample of Los Olmos (in the Valencian Community) or Valldessa (in the Balearic Islands),” an Airbnb spokeswoman told Xataka. Eclipses hunters have already reserved. In Calatañazor, a small medieval Soriana villa that looks from the heights La Vega del RĂ­o Milanos, are “up to the eclipse”. The Casa del Cura told Xataka that the entire inn has been reserved for months by American and French clients. “They get to everything first.” Similar responses are repeated in much of the province, where the phase of the entire eclipse will last 1 minute and 42 seconds. “The first reservations are received last summer, two years in advance,” the Rural Hotel Pinares de Soria, in Molinos de Duero, told Xataka. Eclipses hunters choose Spain because alternatives are not so encouraging in clouds (Siberia, Greenland and Iceland). And the most early stay with the peoples of the Iberian for their low light pollution. Few rooms, triggered prices. With much less beds than coastal municipalities, the occupation in the villages of emptied Spain has shot, but also prices. Although it does not allow to reserve so in advance, the Castilla thermal Hotel in the Burgo de Osma has already been able to estimate its rates: the night in a double room for eclipse day will be around 500 euros, twice its current price. “The Solar Eclipse of 2026 is a unique opportunity that places the Spanish rural communities in the center of the world map,” summarizes Jaime RodrĂ­guez de Santiago, director of Airbnb in Spain. Meanwhile, in hotel Spain. While Airbnb has enormous penetration in the rental of rural houses and apartments in small villages, Booking.com still has its main strength in the hotel offer, concentrated mostly in cities. Unlike Airbnb, Booking has seen more growth in provincial capitals than in rural areas. Especially in Santiago de Compostela (+85%), A Coruña (+67%), Bilbao (+45%) and Zaragoza (+39%), according to the statements sent to Xataka by the platform. Luxury eclipse. The entire eclipse band will enter the Peninsula along the Asturian coast and will leave by CastellĂłn, passing, minutes before sunset, on the island of Mallorca. These coastal areas have emerged as “Premium” options to enjoy the astronomical phenomenon. Despite the Counterreloj career with sunsetMallorca has become the luxury option with 6,000 -euro tourist packages of 6,000 euros per person and suites at 1,700 euros the night that are already reserved. Hotels on the coast of La Tramuntana, such as the Port de SĂłller, They have already sold 65% of the accommodation For those dates. Everyone wants their piece of cake. And public machinery is already underway. Asturias will enjoy the maximum duration of the eclipse in national territory (1 minute and 48 seconds in Oviedo). The Principality has announced the elaboration of a map of insurance points to avoid agglomerations, ocular health campaigns and an international conference with NASA experts to position the region as a reference in the space industry. Under the motto “Burgos Te Eclipsa”, the DiputaciĂłn de Burgos has also presented today A 12 -month program of activities and a website. The web recommends six strategic observation zones in different regions (Merindades, Bureba, Demand, Arlanza and Ribera del Duero), remembering that King Alfonso XIII has already chosen the province to see the total eclipse of 1905. A stress test. Despite the good economic prospects, the eclipse of August 12, 2026 will not be a stress test for the country, especially in areas that are not prepared for the influx of so many tourists. The Government has created an interministerial commission To face possible challenges, such as road traffic and infrastructure overload such as water, light or mobile connection in rural areas. Not only the Sorian hoteliers of villages of 40 inhabitants are overwhelmed with so much called by the eclipse. The countdown for a historical eclipse has begun in much of the country. Image | Henar boats (Unspash) In Xataka | A third of Spain will be completely dark for one or two minutes. The astronomical event of the century is approaching

There is a chatgpt fever among public officials. What we do not know is how it will affect us as users

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In the City of BĂ©tera (Valencia) they have turned Chatgpt into one more employee. He told so In the country Marcos Gallart, the Deputy Secretary of the Urban Planning Area of said town. According to him, AI saves “20% of the time in the writing of reports.” The OpenAI chatbot, like its rivals, allow it, of course to gain time to time, but there is a problem with that adoption. Or several. Be careful to save time. Although chatgpt can of course Help perform all kinds of administrative tasksGallart himself explained how formation, accompaniment and how far this type of tools can be used. And there is the problem, because the dimension and complexity of public administration makes this type of processes of adaptation and use of new technologies suppose a colossal challenge. There are no standards. Despite the EU regulatory obsession and Spain in the field of AI, there is no clear regulation that guides officials on how to use AI and how to manage data that are handled with it. Here teachers, health personnel or judges are included that are part of a huge group (1.6 million workers) who can of course use these tools, but very carefully. To tell the police. In recent months we have proven how the indiscriminate use of AI and confidence in these systems can be a real disaster. The National Police, for example, had been using ia for six years to detect false complaints, but The real reliability of the system was very debatable. In the recent ‘Ábalos’ an AI to transcribe the statements of witnesses and accused in the interrogations, but There were paragraphs that were a gallimatisms. Even more serious was what happened with the IA ViogĂ©n system, which was theoretically destined to solve cases of gender violence and It has ended up causing mortal tragedies. Spain wants in administration. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Function advertisement These days his intention to incorporate AI to the public administration. To do this, he raised a “sovereign platform of AI” with an investment of 14 million euros. His mission, among other things: to expedite procedures in the administration to provoke the one according to Minister Óscar LĂłpez will be “the biggest revolution of the general administration from the Internet.” A nightmare for privacy (and security). Someone asked ChatgPT about personal issues is already delicate for both the answer – which may not be accurate or even correct – and for the fact that the chatbot keeps that data. The thing is especially serious If an official introduces documents of all kinds in this or other chatbots to summarize or analyze them: if those documents contain sensitive or private data, they are under the control of these chatbots, which in fact They can filter them By mistake to other users. Citizens, possible victims. That makes AI become a double row weapon for public administrations and citizens. On the one hand they can help expedite efforts and even solve problems much more efficiently. On the other, a Incorrect use Chatgpt and its alternatives can make private and personal data They end where they should not, or even something worse: That the result of a management is wrong because an official used it and considered that it was correct without adequate supervision. Zero Data Retention. In this sense There are many services offered by plans without data retention. (ZDR, Zero Data Retention) This is: The data you enter will not be stored on the supplier’s servers. OpenAI It has it In its Chatgpt Enterprise service, a business version precisely designed so that professionals can use Chatgpt’s capacity without fear of data leaks. Microsoft It is another example. Public administration is more “released”. In March It was approved he Draft law for ethical, inclusive and beneficial use of AI. That document was an adaptation to our legislation of the European Regulation of artificial intelligence Approved in March 2024but there we found a contradiction. It was criticized that the law of AI It was too restrictive “The EU had to back down,” but the funny thing is that it was not with the public administration: there the regulation is warm, does not specify bad clear uses and only considers minor offenses those referred to the deployment and use of the systems (articles 25, 26 and 27). Image | Pickpik In Xataka | The EU regulatory obsession raises a world in which AI will have two speeds. And Europe will lose

What’s behind the fever for drinking electrolytes every day

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During a trip to Mexico, the heat passed me an invoice. She was soaked in sweat, exhausted, with dry mouth, despite not stopping drinking water. At that time, a friend offered me a drink with electrolytes. I tried it, without many expectations … but the truth is that something changed. I felt better. It was the first time I tried something like that. Since then, I have asked myself: did you really need those electrolytes or was it pure placebo effect? What are exactly? To understand it easily, electrolytes are minerals such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium or chloride. However, there is a superlative difference that makes it different: they are electrically loaded. In other words, they play a fundamental role in processes such as heart rate regulation, muscles contraction, nerve function and liquid balance in the body, According to Medlineplus. And how do you lose them? They leave with sweat, with urine, and also when you are sick and your body loses liquid quickly. In such cases, replenishing them is not a whim, but a necessity. Dr. Javier Marhuenda, nutrition expert, He has warned at the Spanish Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in losing too many can have serious consequences: from fatigue and spasms to heart problems or seizures. Should we replenish them daily? The short answer is: not necessarily. And for most people, it is not recommended either. In a report for The New York Times They have pointed out That there is a belief that we need to replace electrolytes constantly, even in moderate training or in everyday life. However, this theory does not have as much scientific support as it seems. “Everyone believes that they need to replenish lost electrolytes immediately,” Dr. Tamara Hew-Boutler, a scientist of sports medicine at Wayne State University, said for the New York environment. It is easier to find them. Actually, a balanced diet already provides the necessary electrolytes. According to nutritionist Heidi Skolnik cited in the same mediumit is not necessary to resort to supplements to obtain electrolytes: everyday foods such as bananas, nuts, legumes or dairy products already provide minerals. Only in specific cases: a dehydration caused by severe diarrhea, high fever, very prolonged exercise sessions or intense exposure to heat, makes sense to use specific drinks with electrolytes. In these scenarios, isotonic drinks can be useful because they usually contain more sodium and potassium than conventional sports options. Optimized water. Social networks have turned “improved” water into a welfare ritual. Electrolyte mixtures, superfoods, adaptogens, natural caffeine and vitamins parade each morning in Stanley vessels and Owala bottles. In an article for glamor They have summarized it In a very ironic way: “The water alone is out of fashion.” Danika Daal, Content creator that shares hydration routines in ASMR, He has commented In the fashion magazine: “The videos about electrolytes have had excellent performance. It is a recent trend and there is still little information available.” In this way, electrolytes have thus added to a broader wave of supplements turned into lifestyle: Collagen milkshakes, Tinuras, vitamin envelopes and “loaded waters” that combine multiple ingredients to achieve functional and tasty well -being. According to Stacie Stephenson, an expert in functional medicine interviewed by glamor: “If the taste helps a person drink more water, welcome. But there is nothing wrong with classical water.” But is there any risk? The electrolyte content in these products is not usually so high as to cause hypernatremia (too sodium) or hyperkalemia (too potassium), although it is important to check tags: some drinks contain Both sugar and a soda. In addition, like most supplements, They are not regulated with the same rigor as medications. Another risk is to drink too much water without replenishing sodium. This imbalance, known as hyponatremiA, it is uncommon but it can be serious, especially in athletes that train for many hours. So, I need them or not? The answer is not black or white. As Marhuenda has summarized: “A person must use these drinks based on their individual needs and their level of activity.” A yoga class is not the same in the park as a triathlon in summer. For those who do intense exercise, they work in the sun or are sick, electrolytes can be useful, even necessary. But for the general population, with a balanced diet and an active lifestyle but not extreme, water – yes, only water – remains enough. Between fashion and physiology. That day in that town in Mexico, the bottle of electrolytes was my relief. Did you really need those minerals or was it the power of salty flavor and autosugestion? Maybe both. The truth is that, beyond marketing, science insists that hydration begins with water. As Dr. Kenefick has detailed to The New York Times: “Many drinks are marketed using electrolytes as a marketing tool.” And while the market bombards us with promises of optimized hydration, the most effective recommendation remains that your mother repeated again and again: drink water. Image | Unspash Xataka | Heat ravages: there are people freezing mandarins and clementines to eat them later as a “ice cream”

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