Rooibos tea could mitigate effects of heavy boozing

After consuming copious amounts of alcohol during the festive season, it might do the majority of the population good to follow the recent trend in the UK, where an increasing number of Brits have swapped booze for healthier beverage options, such as tea, for an entire month. This is known as ‘Dry January’.

‘Dry January’ is a relatively new custom, which was first registered as a trademark by the UK charity, Alcohol Concern, in 2014. Over 17 000 Britons stopped drinking alcohol that month. A survey found that six months afterwards, more than 72 per cent of them had kept harmful drinking episodes at bay. The concept has also gained traction in the United States, and attempts to get people to rethink their relationship with alcohol.

Some people, however, believe that home-grown Rooibos could, to a certain extent, lessen the effects of heavy drinking that is typically associated with the holidays.

Ernest du Toit, director of the SA Rooibos Council, says it’s probably not possible to completely reverse the damage caused by heavy drinking, but Rooibos is likely to aid in mitigating some of the adverse effects.

“According to scientific research, heavy drinking can increase your risk of serious health problems like liver disease, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and peptic ulcers, among others. On the other end of the scale, knocking back a cup of Rooibos tea fights inflammation and protects us from chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.

“In general, incorporating Rooibos tea into your diet is a good way to maintain health, since it is rich in antioxidants. These vital substances keep the body functioning optimally as they eliminate free radicals that place the cells of the body at risk of damage or destruction,” he said.

Ernest explained further that while moderate drinking (no more than one glass of red wine a day) could protect some people against heart disease, scientists aren’t sure if those healthy effects come from red wine or from other good lifestyle choices that light drinkers make, since a healthy diet and exercise provide many similar benefits. In contrast, the health advantages of Rooibos tea have been found to be conclusive.

“Rooibos tea can be enjoyed by everyone and in many different guises. In fact, people living with existing heart conditions, high blood pressure, diabetes, a history of stroke or high cholesterol are encouraged to drink Rooibos tea as a way to better manage their condition, along with making other lifestyle changes. Swapping alcohol for a cup of Rooibos tea might just be the best new year’s resolution you can make,” Ernest concluded.

For more information about the advantages of drinking Rooibos tea, visit www.sarooibos.co.za or share your experience with Rooibos tea on https://www.facebook.com/rooiboscouncil/.

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