Page 41 - Waterfall City Issue 2 February 2024

“There’s something special about a
symbolic oath taken as a resolution at
the start of each new year, which we
shouldn’t lose sight of.”

Here’s how incorporating Rooibos into
your New Year routine can indirectly
support and contribute to achieving
your resolutions for 2024:
• A healthy body houses a healthy
mind: Rooibos contains antioxidants
that have been linked to various
health benefits, including a reduced
risk of certain chronic diseases, like
cardiovascular disease, diabetes,
hypertension and neurological
disorders, like Alzheimer’s disease and
dementia. The unique combination
of antioxidants found in Rooibos
helps combat oxidative stress and
inflammation in the body, making you
less susceptible to disease.
• Hydration: Staying hydrated is crucial
for maintaining good health. When
consumed without adding sugar,
Rooibos can contribute to your daily
fluid intake, aiding healthy hydration.
• Digestive health: Herbal teas like
Rooibos, ginger and peppermint are
known for their digestive benefits.
A healthy digestive system can
contribute to your overall wellbeing
and help you feel more comfortable
while working towards your PHOTO BY KATIE AZI
resolutions.
• Replacing unhealthy habits: For
those resolving to cut down on
unhealthy habits like excessive intake effects of tea, especially herbal tea, • Caffeine control: If your resolution
of sugary beverages, substituting on mental health. Researchers found is to cut down on caffeine, opting for
these with Rooibos can be a healthier that frequent tea consumption has Rooibos, which is naturally caffeine-
alternative. Rooibos is naturally sweet, a strong linear relationship with free, can help in reducing your caffeine
so there is no need to add sugar. reduced rates of depression. One intake.
• Mindfulness and relaxation: study determined that for every three
Some resolutions involve practicing cups of tea consumed a day, the “Ultimately, while tea drinking can
mindfulness, reducing stress, or relative risk of depression decreased complement a healthy lifestyle and
improving mental health. Taking a by 37%. Rooibos contains two rare indirectly support resolution-keeping
moment to prepare and enjoying antioxidants, namely, Aspalathin and efforts, success in maintaining goals
a cup of Rooibos can serve as a Nothofagin, which interfere with depends on various factors, including
mindfulness practice, providing a the production of cortisol – a stress commitment, planning, consistency,
calming ritual that helps you to relax hormone secreted by the adrenal and a holistic approach to health and
and focus. gland. Along with its stress-lowering wellbeing. Including a daily cup of
• Lower risk of depression: In recent effect, it is likely that other healthy Rooibos can be a supportive element
years, the role of nutrition in mental compounds in Rooibos stimulate within a broader framework of healthy
health and preventative medicine, a positive response in the gut and habits that can set you off on the right
has prompted explorations into the brain, which also improves mood. path,” says du Toit.

Waterfall City Issue 2 2024 39