Rooibos tea: SA's hidden health gem

ONE of the world’s top researchers into Rooibos tea, from Cape Peninsula University of Technology, has given insight into the international academic collaborations and 50 years of research into the indigenous brew.

- GENEVIEVE SERRA

According to Professor Jeanine Marnewick’s impressive profile, for the past 20 years she has focused her research on scientifically substantiating the bio-activities of two proudly South African herbal teas, Rooibos and honeybush. This is in a bid to understand how these can positively impact the prevention of non-communicable diseases, with a focus on cancer and heart disease.

Marnewick, the Institute Director and Research Chair for Biotechnology at CPUT, was joined by fellow CPUT Rooibos researchers and industry experts this week, where they unpacked the health benefits for heart health, brain function, gut biome, and sports performance.