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The health benefits of Rooibos tea are no joke, as it’s chock-full of body boosting benefits and antioxidants.

But it turns out, Rooibos tea which is already considered a favourite beverage has another pro to it. Here is why you should be drinking more of it.

In a recent study, conducted by the SA Medical Research Council. Researchers found that Rooibos tea has the ability to delay and prevent the onset and progression of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Currently more than 3.5 million South Africans suffer from the condition. Scary, eh?

Drink Up

Professor Christo Muller, Chief Specialist Scientist at the SAMRC, conducted a number of research projects focusing on the effectiveness of Rooibos. His findings confirmed that Rooibos has the potential to help control diabetes, in conjunction with healthy lifestyle changes, of course.

Here is what’s so alarming- “Diabetes is amongst the most prevalent diseases of lifestyle of our time, with about one in 14 South Africans between the ages of 12 and 79 suffering from the condition. In some cases, many are unaware that they have diabetes, which could result in a heart attack or stroke.

Read More: FYI-Groundbreaking New Meds in SA For Type 2 Diabetes

Reap the Benefits

As Rooibos is a unique South African plant, which provides countless of health benefits. How lucky are we that it grows exclusively in the Cederberg region, situated in the northern part of the Western Cape.

Here are some of the benefits that may be derived from drinking Rooibos tea:

1. Improved insulin sensitivity
2. Reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes
3. Reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes associated cardiovascular disease
4. Maintaining healthy blood pressure
5. Preventing blood cots

Fun Fact:

The month of November is recognised around the world as Diabetes Awareness Month, which focuses on creating public consciousness of the signs and symptoms, and prevention of this condition.

Looking for more on diabetes? Here are seven healthy diabetic food swaps.