Tea can lower anxiety to improve mental and physical health during COVID-19 pandemic:
Every society across the globe is being impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak, with the effects being felt across every sector of life. The heightened levels of anxiety – whether conscious or not – are detrimental to health and wellbeing, impacting coping strategies during these challenging times. Joekels, one of South Africa’s leading tea manufacturers, is highlighting how the simple act of having a cup of tea can alleviate anxiety and improve overall health.
“There’s a reason so many people turn to a ‘nice cuppa’ during times of stress,” explained Laager Rooibos Marketing Manager, Candice Sessions. “The act of drinking tea, in itself, is a soothing activity. Add to this the health benefits associated with our Rooibos and herbal tea options, and this is a really easy, yet effective way to lower anxiety levels during these uncertain times.”
According to an article by Harvard Medical School, our ‘fight or flight’ response induces feelings of anxiety, but when the feeling persists without any need to flee or fight, then our physical health is undermined. Left untreated, this can lead to chronic illnesses including heart disease, chronic respiratory disorders, and gastrointestinal conditions.
Another publication, Medical News Today, outlined research conducted by Dr Malcolm Cross and Rita Michaels, psychologists at the City University London, on whether tea reduces stress. The results indicated lowered anxiety levels, not only related to the tea drinking, but also merely the act of making and having tea.
Significant health benefits of Joekels range
Three teas renowned for their calming effects are Green Tea, Rooibos and Chamomile. Joekels offers a flavourful fusion of these popular teas among its brands. The Tetley Pure Green Tea is a refreshingly light option, rich in antioxidants and linked to a reduction in blood pressure and associated heart disease. This is available in a refreshing mint flavour, zesty lemon flavour and aromatic apple flavour.
The health benefits of Rooibos are well known – it is naturally caffeine-free and restorative of body and mind. The South African Rooibos Council has noted the tea’s bronchodilator benefits, relieving respiratory conditions and reducing high blood pressure. It is also rich in antioxidants, including the rare Aspalathin which balances blood sugar, reduces insulin resistance and increases glucose absorption in muscles. Rooibos is also known to fight inflammation and boost circulation, improving overall health.
The Laager range includes Citrus Ginger-flavoured Green Rooibos, as well as the Laager Cranberry Wild Cherry-flavoured Rooibos suited to different tastes. And for another anxiety-reducing option, Laager has the Mint-flavoured Rooibos Chamomile tea which infuses the soothing benefits of Chamomile. This particular extract is believed to alter the levels of cortisol – a stress-related hormone – thereby easing anxiety and inducing sleep.
“Whether it’s a consistent sense of anxiety that we’re not always actively aware of, or a moment of panic, the stress we’re all feeling can be detrimental to us in the long run,” explained Sessions. “Often something as simple as taking a break with a cup of antioxidant-enriched tea is enough to re-set our bodies and minds.”
For more information on Rooibos’ benefits, visit www.sarooibos.co.za. For a range of tasty tea recipes and tips, visit the Laager Rooibos Facebook or Instagram pages (@LaagerRooibos), the Tetley Facebook or Instagram pages (@TetleyTeaSA) or www.joekels.co.za
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Quick Durban KwaZulu-Natal Fact: The Story of Huberta – Huberta was a hippopotamus and one of the most famous animals in South African history. In November 1928, Huberta left her waterhole in the St. Lucia Estuary, in Zululand and set off on the 1600km journey to the Eastern Cape, a journey which would take her three years. In that time Huberta became a minor celebrity in South Africa and attracted crowds wherever she went. She was initially thought to be a male and was nicknamed Hubert by the press. She stopped for a while at the mouth of the Mhlanga River in Natal and a failed attempt was made to capture her and put her in Johannesburg Zoo. After this, she headed south to Durban, where she visited a beach and a country club. Moving on to the Umgeni River, she became revered by Zulus and Xhosas alike. Finally she arrived in East London in March 1931. Despite her having been declared Royal Game (and thus protected) by the Natal Provincial Council, she was shot by hunters a month later. After a public outcry, the hunters were arrested and fined £25. Huberta’s body was recovered and sent to a taxidermist in London. Upon her return to South Africa in 1932, she was greeted by 20,000 people and can now be seen in the Amathole Museum, in King William’s Town.
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