New research is examining Rooibos as a caffeine-free alternative that may support heart health, stress resilience and sleep quality as lifestyle-related disease risks rise among South African men.
As stress levels rise among South African men – driven by demanding work environments, shift work and lifestyle pressures – research is increasingly turning attention to everyday dietary interventions that may support long-term health. One of the most promising homegrown contenders is Rooibos, a caffeine-free herbal infusion rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that may help support cardiometabolic health, stress resilience and better sleep quality.
South African men face a significant and growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among these conditions, while diabetes prevalence continues to rise sharply, particularly among men aged 40 and older. At the same time, lifestyle-related stress and chronic sleep deprivation – especially among shift workers in transport, healthcare, mining and security sectors – are increasingly recognised as key contributors to hormonal imbalance, elevated inflammation and long-term disease risk.
