Besides being the perfect sidekick to a good book; a break after a long day’s work and accompanying many a sweet delight, tea is just as good for the body as it is for the soul. We look at different types of herbal teas and their health benefits. 

Rooibos
Tasty, healthy and native to South Africa. Like green tea, you can enjoy a delicious cup with or without milk and sugar. Brewed using leaves from the Rooibos plant, it’s packed with antioxidants and is low on tannin. This sweet-tasting herbal tea is also caffeine free – which means children and breastfeeding mothers can drink it.   

“Rooibos and honeybush teas provide a natural, rich source of compounds beneficial to your health and people should see these herbal teas as part of a healthy, sensible lifestyle that could alleviate the risk of cancer, and reduce its possible extent,” says Dr Jeanine Marnewick, Cape Peninsula University of Technology.  

Ginger tea
Made from aromatic spice, ginger tea is delicious and a trusted go-to when you want a remedy for motion sickness and nausea. According to registered dietician, Brigitte Zeitlin, ginger root has medicinal properties and drinking ginger tea can bring forth alleviating properties as well.   

Ginger tea also helps with inflammation. “Drinking ginger tea can be wonderfully soothing, as it may not only help alleviate nausea, but it can also help control inflammation in the body because it contains the substances gingerol and shogaol,” says plant-based registered dietitian, Amy Gorin. 

Peppermint tea
Who needs coffee when you can sip a refreshing cup of peppermint tea? This delicious beverage, which can be enjoyed hot or cold, is made from the dried leaves of peppermint plants. One of its many benefits is the relief of headaches. “The type of headaches that peppermint tea usually helps with are those caused by poor eating habits or daily stress. In these cases, these headaches typically restrict the number of blood vessels that go to the brain, and peppermint tea has the ability to open them up, which can relieve the tension causing the headache,” explains certified holistic health coach Bianca Kamhi.   

Does a cup of mint tea keep the dentist away? Apparently so! According to Kamhi, peppermint tea can also curb bad breath. “Peppermint holds a number of antibacterial properties which can kill germs in your mouth. This – along with its pleasant and fresh smell – may help freshen your breath,” she says. 

Chamomile tea
Ready for a good night’s rest? Chamomile tea is known to help you relax and fall asleep easier. “Chamomile is a very gentle, supportive herb for all ages that you can consume daily,” says nutritionist and herbal educator, Lindsay Kluge. “The caffeine-free herb is an ideal sleep support because it doesn’t force your body into anything; it doesn’t knock you out, sedate you, or make you drowsy,” she further explains. So, snuggle up with a cosy blanket in bed and enjoy your warm cup of chamomile tea to kickstart your restful night. 

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There are certain parts of an animal that people are often afraid to cook and eat. Case and point: offal. But this is most likely because we focus on textures and the thought of what offal is without regarding the health benefits of eating offal. 

What exactly is offal?
‘Offal’ is used to describe the internal organs and other tissues of animals. It includes the liver, heart, tongue, pancreas, kidneys and feet (especially chicken feet). Admittedly, these don’t sound very appetizing, but hear us out! When prepared properly, it is absolutely delicious and may very well become some of your favourite dishes. One example is the less familiar type of offal: tripe. Cut from the stomach lining of ruminants like cows, pigs, sheep and goats, trip – amongst other forms of offal – is enjoyed as delicacies all over the world.  

Organ meats are a fantastic source of nutrients and is beneficial to incorporate more of in your diet (moderately, of course). Here are four health benefits of eating offal:  

1. A rich source of protein
Stay fuller for longer when you eat this high-protein organ meat. Of the organ meat, the liver and heart have the highest protein content. A Bonus? It’s low in carbohydrates! 

2. Increases your iron levels
Offal consumption is especially beneficial for those who have an iron deficiency. Iron is needed to produce haemoglobin; a protein used to carry oxygen throughout your body. Offal meats like chicken livers contain heme iron – the easiest form of iron for your body to absorb.  

3. Improves skin, hair and nail health
By slow cooking your bone broth, essential vitamins and minerals like magnesium, Vitamin A, potassium, zinc and Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids are released from the marrow bones and connective tissue of animals. The bone broth is also rich in protein collagen, which improves skin, hair and nail health. So, drink up for shiny hair and strong nails! 

4. Great for brain, muscle and liver health
Organ meat is a fantastic source of choline. Choline is an important nutrient that aids your brain, muscle and liver health. 

When you’re done scrunching your nose to the thought of offal, have a gab at trying out some recipes that include them. Plus: you can save a penny or two on those expensive supplements at the pharmacy!

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Let’s get down to the root, and dig into why root vegetables are so good for our bodies. Plus, learn the best way to cook with them.

1. TURNIPS 
For cooking
Enjoy this veggie in salads and stir-fries, or roasted or steamed.
For your body
A fantastic source of vitamin C, an immune- boosting agent and essential dietary requirement.

2. GARLIC
For cooking
Its intense flavour complements most dishes.
For your body
It is said to lower blood cholesterol and prevent plaque build-up in arteries.
Did you know?
It’s a natural antibiotic.

3. ONION
For cooking
As with garlic, its a base for most dishes.
For your body
It lowers cholesterol, prevents diabetes and maintains skin health.
Did you know?
The outer layers of the onion contain the most nutrients.

4. TURMERIC
For cooking 
Used in curries and spice mixes.
For your body
It contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory effects and is a strong antioxidant.

5. CARROTS
For cooking
Wonderfully versatile option for many dishes and recipes.
For your body
They contain an incredible amount of the antioxidant beta-carotene and vitamin A, the minerals responsible for keeping your skin and eyes healthy.

6. BEETROOT
For cooking
The perfect side to meats or as added flavour in a salad.
For your body
It aids blood circulation and contains minerals such as iron, calcium, folate and potassium.
Did you know?
It has the highest sugar content of any veg.

7. FENNEL
For cooking
With its aniseed flavour and scent, it is often used in herb and spice mixes.
Did you know?
It’s one of the oldest cultivated vegetables.

8. POTATOES
For cooking
Everything, all day, any day!
For your body
High in potassium and low in sodium, while providing your body with a high source of energy.

9. RADISHES
For cooking
Sweet, pungent and peppery, these can be enjoyed cooked, raw or pickled.
For your body
A powerful detoxifier that assists with gut-related issues, weight loss and urinary disorders.

Words: Staff writer
Photography: Unsplash

Want to cook a curry at home, but don’t know where to start? Here’s our guide to essential curry spices that will help you understand how the flavours work.

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