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One of South Africa’s experts on Rooibos, Dr Jeanine Marnewick from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, is leading the field in research into the health benefits. She has looked into the effect of the high levels of antioxidants and polyphenols in Rooibos on a condition called “oxidative stress” in the cells of the body. Oxidative stress is essentially an imbalance between the production of free radicals – an unstable molecule of oxygen – and the ability of the body to use antioxidants to counteract or detoxify their harmful effects. The more free radicals that are active, the greater the likelihood of developing diseases, such as heart disease, inflammation, chronic fatigue and cancers.

Rooibos, particularly the green extract used in African Extracts skin care, is extremely high in antioxidants. Dr Marnewick’s research led to a finding that drinking six cups of rooibos tea a day would help reduce heart disease, while other recent findings in Spain show that antioxidants in rooibos help prevent the storing of fat cells in and around the liver and other organs.

While very few human trials have been done on the effects of rooibos extract on the skin, research findings at Stellenbosch University have shown that green rooibos extract plays a role in preventing the development of skin cancer and delays the onset of malignant tumours. Dr Tandeka Magcwebeba, who conducted the study as part of her doctorate in Biochemistry, found that rooibos extracts help stop the multiplication of cancerous cells and cause them to become inactive.

Dr Marnewick, speaking at the launch on African Extracts Advantage range, says there’s no reason why the benefits of drinking Rooibos tea should not extend to use on the skin. She recommends this remedy for sunburned skin: Run a lukewarm bath and throw in a handful of Rooibos teabags. Wait several minutes for the Rooibos to infuse the water and relax while this South African treasure works its magic.

Congratulations on your big and extremely special day wife-to-be. The stress and excitement of planning your wedding should be the best experience of your life and you deserve every minute of it. From venue booking and decor arrangements to picking bridesmaids and choosing a cake, the adrenaline keeps intensifying. The last thing you need to stress about is the state of your hair too. So, here’s a quick guide to ensure while you take care of the necessary wedding preparations that your precious tresses are well maintained and beautiful on your big day.

1. It is important to take excellent care of your hair before your trial and wedding day. This will ensure that your hair is shiny and healthy before having to endure numerous salon services like chemical or thermal styling which might compromise the health of your hair. Hairhouse Warehouse’s OSMO range is a good place to start searching for salon professional at-home treatments to try out.
2. Give yourself enough time to plan your best wedding hairstyle. This means a few months before your wedding. Book your hair services in advance especially if you are getting married in peak wedding season. Stylists might be fully booked if you wait until too late to get a booking. This will also be the perfect time for you to start collecting photographs of your wedding hairstyle too.
3. About four to six weeks before your wedding, book your hair trim. Avoid going for a dramatic change right before your big day. The last thing you need is the disappointment of not being able to go for the hairstyle of your choice. Remember, if you professionally straighten or curl your hair to do it at least a month before your wedding. This will give it ample time to relax and be wedding day hairstyle ready.
4. If you thinking when’s the right time to touch-up on your colour and cover that grey hair, if you have any, it is at least two weeks before you walk down the aisle. On your trial and wedding day ensure you have clean and dry hair with no product build-up. Avoid using leave-in conditioner especially on that morning. You would also like to stay away from any product that might weigh your hair down.
5. Make sure you have allocated plenty of time for your stylist to work his or her magic on your wedding day, especially if you have long hair. You might take this lightly, but remember to wear a button front shirt or dress before going for your final wedding hairstyle. You’ll thank yourself for not risking any damage to your best hairdo, ever!

London was in awe , as South Africa scooped the winner chair at the Miss World pageant yesterday. The excitement felt by million of South Africans all over the world over the win was ernomous, and for the first time contributory to show how supportive the country has been in all competition sphere.

Miss South Africa, 22-year-old Rolene Strauss, was crowned Miss World 2014 at the pageant’s final in London on yesterday, with an estimated billion viewers watching on television around the globe. It’s been about 40 years, but once again South Africa can lay claim to being home to the fairest of them all, Miss Hungary, Edina Kulcsar, was the runner-up and Miss United States, Elizabeth Safrit, came third in the 64th annual competition, contested by women from 121 countries.

Strauss showed her excitement when she applauded herself in surprise and was presented with the sash by the outgoing Miss World, Megan Young of the Philippines.
The medical student from Bloemfontein, South Africa sat in the winner’s throne as the 2013 champion put the glittering crown on her head before a fireworks finale went off at the ExCeL exhibition centre in east London. “South Africa this is for you,” Strauss said afterwards. “I think I will brace myself for what’s about to happen. It’s a huge responsibility.”

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Rolene Strauss
Originally from Mpumalanga, Rolene is currently living in Bloemfontein, studying medicine at the University of the Free State.

Combining her two passions, she says: “Miss South Africa is all about giving. One of the greatest gifts anyone can receive is the gift of a healthy life. With my passion for giving, people and health, I will be able to contribute to one of the most important things any country desires: health for all.”

Rolene finds inspiration from Professor Jonathan Jansen, the rector of the University of the Free State. “He is not afraid to stand for what he believes in, he loves what he does and gives of himself to his students. I can testify that he wants the best for his students and supports them in all they do. We can all learn from Prof Jansen. Love what you do, stay humble and let the light shine on others.”. – MissSA