The month of November, dubbed Movember, will see thousands of men growing moustaches and beards to raise greater awareness of often ignored diseases that impact men’s health.

The top diseases experienced by South African men include hypertension, cardiovascular disease and stroke, type 2 diabetes, obesity, liver disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, depression, as well as lung-, prostate-, testicular- and colorectal cancers.

To live happy and healthier lives, it’s becoming imperative for men to make better lifestyle choices. Preventative measures, regular check-ups and a healthy lifestyle consisting of a balanced diet, regular exercise, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake are essential for reducing the risk of these conditions.

READ MORE | Movember Helping Men Win The War Against Cancer

Fancy a cuppa?

Interestingly, scientists are now also touting tea as an important factor for longevity. According to findings published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, those who drink more than two cups of tea a day are more likely to live longer and healthier lives than those who don’t.

Researchers found a decreased risk of dying from all causes by up to 13% among regular tea drinkers. Their risk of dying from coronary heart disease, stroke and cardiovascular diseases in general also decreased significantly.

Another study published in Nutrition, Malnutrition and Heart Disease showed similar results with habitual tea drinkers having a 39% lower risk of heart disease and stroke, 56% decreased risk of fatal heart disease and stroke, and 29% lower risk of all-cause death compared to never or non-habitual tea drinkers.

READ MORE | Buchu Properties Promote Men’s Health, Reveals New Research

Mighty Rooibos

Adele du Toit, spokesperson for the Rooibos Council, says men who are looking for natural ways to boost their health can turn to Rooibos.

She says the tisane is particularly good for men who are looking to improve heart- and prostate health, digestion and muscle recovery.

“One of the biggest benefits of drinking Rooibos is the advantage that it holds over alternative beverage options. Drinking the occasional beer, glass of wine, soft drink or fruit juice have their place, but it’s really about what you drink the most.

“If you drink Rooibos regularly, you’re going to reap the rewards of drinking a beverage with multitude health benefits, plus it’s caffeine-free.”

While longevity and a healthy lifestyle are the result of a combination of factors, and no single dietary element alone can guarantee a longer life, here are some ways in which drinking Rooibos could benefit men:

  • Rooibos is known as a bronchodilator, which may relieve respiratory conditions
  • Anti-inflammatory properties may help to maintain prostate health.
  • High antioxidant levels may support male reproductive function and skin health.
  • Quercetin, a powerful antioxidant found in Rooibos, has been linked to the prevention of a wide variety of heart conditions.
  • Free-radical fighting antioxidants help may slow the ageing process and assist with improved recovery after exercise.
  • Another antioxidants found only in Rooibos, Aspalathin, may help to better regulate glucose metabolism.
  • Research conducted at the SA Medical Research Council found that in combination with a healthy lifestyle, both green (unfermented) and traditional (fermented) Rooibos, significantly inhibits the growth of cancer cells.
  • Rooibos is known for its calming and stress-relieving properties, which can also be beneficial for mental well-being.
  • Tisane aids digestion and can alleviate abdominal discomfort, which is beneficial for overall gastrointestinal health.

Du Toit says the protective effects of Rooibos are most pronounced among those who drink it habitually.

“Studies have suggested that the main bioactive polyphenolic compounds in Rooibos are not stored in the body long-term, therefore frequent intake over an extended period may be necessary for it to have the desired effect.”

She says the growing interest in tea among men worldwide is encouraging and points toward a more health-conscious outlook.

Rooibos comes in a wide range of flavours, from robust and bold to delicate and aromatic offering male consumers a diverse and delicious sensory experience.