More than 200 South Africans die from heart-related disease every day, and yet, with the right diet and lifestyle habits, 80% of these deaths are preventable. A new study has revealed that two easily accessible and affordable food products are considered key to protecting the heart – and with September being Heart Awareness Month, now is the ideal time to incorporate them into one’s diet!
Impact of Heart Disease in South Africa:
225 South Africans die from heart disease every day
10 South Africans suffer a stroke every hour
80% of heart disease and strokes can be prevented
*Source: Heart and Stroke Foundation of South Africa
Internationally recognised biochemist, Dr Sinenhlanhla Mthembu of North-West University, recently released a study that shows everyday foods - like broccoli and rooibos tea - could help protect the heart from cardiovascular diseases. This was revealed through her PhD study, which explored plant-based compounds that can help counter heart damage caused by metabolic disorders.
She revealed that natural compounds – such as aspalathin from rooibos and sulforaphane from broccoli - can restore antioxidants, improve energy metabolism, and shield heart cells from oxidative damage – thereby improving outcomes for patients facing cardiovascular complications.
“Heart health begins on your plate. Simple choices like adding rooibos tea and broccoli to your diet can make a life-saving difference,” said Dr Mthembu.
Candice Sessions, Laager Marketing Manager, added: “Both of these ingredients are natural, affordable, and readily available, making them the perfect choices for South Africans wanting to look after their hearts. The heart health benefits of Laager Rooibos have long been established, with ours being the only rooibos tea bag endorsed by the Heart & Stroke Foundation of South Africa. It’s fantastic to see further studies underscoring the benefits of rooibos, particularly as we enter Heart Awareness Month.”
How to Maximise the Heart Health Benefits
Impact of Heart Disease in South Africa:
225 South Africans die from heart disease every day
10 South Africans suffer a stroke every hour
80% of heart disease and strokes can be prevented
*Source: Heart and Stroke Foundation of South Africa
Internationally recognised biochemist, Dr Sinenhlanhla Mthembu of North-West University, recently released a study that shows everyday foods - like broccoli and rooibos tea - could help protect the heart from cardiovascular diseases. This was revealed through her PhD study, which explored plant-based compounds that can help counter heart damage caused by metabolic disorders.
She revealed that natural compounds – such as aspalathin from rooibos and sulforaphane from broccoli - can restore antioxidants, improve energy metabolism, and shield heart cells from oxidative damage – thereby improving outcomes for patients facing cardiovascular complications.
“Heart health begins on your plate. Simple choices like adding rooibos tea and broccoli to your diet can make a life-saving difference,” said Dr Mthembu.
Candice Sessions, Laager Marketing Manager, added: “Both of these ingredients are natural, affordable, and readily available, making them the perfect choices for South Africans wanting to look after their hearts. The heart health benefits of Laager Rooibos have long been established, with ours being the only rooibos tea bag endorsed by the Heart & Stroke Foundation of South Africa. It’s fantastic to see further studies underscoring the benefits of rooibos, particularly as we enter Heart Awareness Month.”
How to Maximise the Heart Health Benefits
- To enjoy the full benefits of broccoli and get the highest amount of sulforaphane, Dr Mthembu says it’s best to eat broccoli raw or lightly steamed for a few minutes: “This is because broccoli contains a chemical called glucoraphanin, which is converted into sulforaphane by an enzyme called myrosinase. Too much heat destroys this enzyme, reducing the beneficial effects. Sulforaphane is the compound that supports heart health.”
- When preparing rooibos tea, it’s best to drink it without sugar - or to sweeten it with honey. To enjoy the maximum health benefits of rooibos, drinking a minimum of 6 cups a day is recommended. Laager Rooibos can also be enjoyed as an iced tea or included as a heart health-boosting ingredient in a variety of recipes.
Celebrate Heart Health Month with Laager Rooibos Iced Tea
To help enjoy the recommended 6 cups of rooibos a day with ease, Laager Rooibos suggests making a refreshing jug of iced tea to sip on throughout the day. Here are their simple tips for creating delicious iced tea at home:
To help enjoy the recommended 6 cups of rooibos a day with ease, Laager Rooibos suggests making a refreshing jug of iced tea to sip on throughout the day. Here are their simple tips for creating delicious iced tea at home:
- Add 6 to 8 teabags of your favourite flavour of Laager Rooibos tea to a large jug.
- Top up with boiling water and allow to infuse for 5 minutes before removing the teabags. Laager Rooibos has a naturally sweet taste, but if you prefer a sweeter flavour, stir in some honey. Leave to cool.
- Allow the Laager Rooibos tea to cool fully before adding ice and fresh fruit.
- Store in the fridge and enjoy throughout the day!
Bonus Tips:
- You can pre-make Laager Rooibos ice cubes by pouring brewed Laager Rooibos into an ice tray and freezing. This will ensure that you don’t dilute your iced tea. You can also add fruit to your Laager Rooibos ice cubes for enhanced flavour and visual appeal.
- Try out different combinations of fresh fruit to add variety to your iced teas. For example, add sliced lemon and mint to the Pure Rooibos blend; add sliced orange and fresh berries to the Laager Cranberry & Wild Cherry Rooibos blend; and top off the Laager Citrus & Ginger Green Rooibos with slices of lemon and orange.
Find out more about Laager Rooibos, including health tips and fantastic Rooibos-infused recipes, by visiting www.joekels.co.za or @LaagerRooibosTea on Facebook and Instagram.
