Rooibos is attracting growing interest for its potential benefits in combating obesity and associated conditions like type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). In a groundbreaking study, researchers will investigate the effects of real-world Rooibos consumption in human subjects.
Prof Elmarie Terblanche, a leading researcher from the Department of Exercise, Sport and Lifestyle Medicine at Stellenbosch University, is spearheading a groundbreaking study to explore these benefits in depth. “Our study aims to investigate the health effects of Rooibos consumption in women who are overweight or obese,” she explains. “We are particularly interested in examining changes in body composition, inflammation, glycaemic control, and cardiovascular fitness.”
The study is meticulously designed, involving four distinct groups: (1) Rooibos only, (2) exercise only (3) Rooibos plus exercise; and (4) a control group
In the study, participants in the two Rooibos groups will drink six cups of Rooibos daily for eight weeks. Meanwhile, those in the exercise group will engage in supervised high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions three times a week without consuming Rooibos. “Each exercise session lasts about 20 minutes and is just as effective in enhancing cardiovascular fitness as traditional 60-minute low to moderate intensity workouts,” explains Prof Terblanche.
The first phase of the study, which recently commenced, includes women aged 18-40. The second phase, expected to conclude by mid-2025, will concentrate on women over 40 who are pre-diabetic or diabetic.
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