The festive season is a time for family fun, connection, and delicious food, but it can also lead to overindulgence. Given the prevalence of heart disease in South Africa, Laager Rooibos partner dietitian Mbali Mapholi shares five essential tips to ensure a heart-healthy festive season.

Enjoy a Heart-Healthy Festive Celebration

"The festive season often sees diets and healthy eating plans abandoned," explains Mapholi. "But for South Africans living with heart conditions, overindulgence can have serious consequences. With a little creativity and mindful choices, you can enjoy festive celebrations without compromising heart health. The best gift you can give your family is the gift of health."

1. Cook a Variety of Heart-Healthy Dishes

Create a festive table filled with colourful salads, grilled vegetables, and lean proteins like chicken (without skin) or fish. Complement these with whole-grain sides and finish the meal with fresh fruit salads. A variety of healthy options ensures everyone can enjoy something while nourishing their hearts.

2. Balance Your Meals

Reduce cholesterol and blood pressure risks by limiting saturated fats, salt, and added sugar.

• Replace salt with herbs, garlic, and chilli flakes for seasoning.
• Use healthier cooking methods like grilling, steaming, or roasting.
• Avoid sugar in butternut, cream in spinach, and baking powder in green beans.

3. Limit Salty Snacks and Sauces

Excess sodium increases blood pressure, a major heart disease risk. Replace salty snacks with healthier alternatives like:

• Unsalted nuts, homemade popcorn with herbs, or veggie sticks with dips.
• Create yoghurt-based dips, such as honey-flavoured for sweet snacks or garlic and herbs for savoury ones.
• For road trips, pack healthy snacks for a heart-friendly "padkos" experience.

4. Stay Active, Even While Celebrating

Physical activity improves circulation and strengthens the heart. Make exercise enjoyable by:

• Dancing to favourite songs or taking family walks after meals.
• Playing outdoor games to stay active and create memories.
• Walking safely whenever travelling.

5. Stay Hydrated with Heart-Friendly Drinks

Sugary and alcoholic beverages can strain the heart. Instead, try:

• Laager Rooibos tea, served warm or iced, infused with lemon, mint, and fresh berries for a refreshing and festive alternative.
• These low-calorie drinks add festive cheer and offer the heart-health benefits of Rooibos tea.

For recipe ideas, visit www.joekels.co.za or follow @LaagerRooibosTea on Facebook and Instagram.

The Heart-Health Benefits of Rooibos Tea

Rooibos tea is celebrated for its many health benefits, especially for heart health. Recent research by Prof Jeanine Marnewick and the Applied Microbial and Health Biotechnology Institute highlights Rooibos’ ability to modulate cardiovascular risk factors through advanced diagnostic methods.
Key compounds like aspalathin and nothofagin act as potent antioxidants, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, significant contributors to heart disease.

“Each new study reveals more about the health benefits of Rooibos tea,” notes Candice Sessions, Laager Marketing Manager. “Adding Laager Rooibos to your festive celebrations is a simple and effective way to stay hydrated and protect your heart health while enjoying the season.”

Press Release Submitted By

Company Name: Laager Rooibos
Contact Person: Mbali Mapholi
Website: www.joekels.co.za

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Show Your Heart Some Love This Festive Season

Stay heart-healthy this December with Laager Rooibos and 5 simple tips for enjoying the festive season responsibly.

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