September is Heart Awareness Month, find out why a cup of Rooibos tea is good for your heart.
Many South Africans would agree that nothing beats a comforting cup of aromatic Laager Rooibos tea. Fortunately, research reveals that the popular anytime beverage is not only packed with antioxidants but also boasts incredible benefits related to preventing heart disease and strokes.
According to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of South Africa, heart disease remains the leading cause of death after HIV/AIDS; 225 South Africans are killed by heart diseases every day and 10 people suffer from a stroke in South Africa every hour. Due to these alarming statistics, Heart Awareness Month (September 2019) is essential to help combat against this pressing issue.
Typically, during September, individuals are encouraged to eat healthy, participate in regular exercise, avoid smoking and reduce their alcohol intake to look after their hearts. While most of us have heard of a heart-healthy lifestyle, not many of us have heard about all the heart-benefits packed in a humble cup of Laager Rooibos tea.
The South Africa Rooibos Council (SARC) is currently investing over R4.5m into research around the benefits of Rooibos, with heart disease being a core focus. According to Joe Swart, Research Director of SARC and co-Director of Joekels Tea Packers who own the Laager Rooibos brand, “Heart disease is a growing concern in South Africa, and many South Africans aren’t equipped with the right education or medication to manage heart disease effectively. That’s why we are passionate about funding research in this area, and educating the public on the heart-healthy benefits of a product (Rooibos) that is so easily accessible”.
One of the clinical studies funded by SARC has shown that regular consumption of Rooibos tea reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease in adults*, with the findings recently being published in the South African Journal of Science.
The Heart & Stroke Foundation of South Africa has also approved Laager Rooibos tea as a heart-healthy beverage, with Laager Rooibos being the only Rooibos brand that carries the Heart & Stroke Foundation “Heart Mark” – a symbol which helps identify heart-healthy products for the South African shopper.
5 REASONS TO DRINK LAAGER ROOIBOS TEA:
- Antioxidants
Rooibos is a great source of antioxidants. The high levels of antioxidants in the tea boost the body’s internal defense systems against disease. It is also the only known source of a potent and rare antioxidant, aspalathin, which could play a role in tackling several lifestyle diseases, including heart disease.
- Caffeine Free
Rooibos is naturally caffeine free, which makes it suitable for children, breast-feeding mothers and for those who want to avoid the stimulating effects of caffeine.
- Heart Disease & Cancer-Fighting Properties
Rooibos contains polyphenols (active ingredients found naturally in the tea). The complex mixture of polyphenols in Rooibos may help protect against free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage the cells and lead to cancer. These free radicals can also oxidise cholesterol, leading to clogged blood vessels, heart attacks and strokes.
This miracle drink plays an important role in promoting overall heart health and preventing diabetes.
- Low amounts of Tannin
Rooibos contains low amounts of tannin (teas with high levels of tannins tend to taste bitter, and tannin tends to interfere with the body’s absorption of iron).
- No negative side effects
Despite centuries of use, no negative side effects of Rooibos have ever been documented. Some people have revealed that Rooibos helps to relieve allergies, headaches, digestive problems and sleep disorders.
