SCIENTISTS IDENTIFY SIMPLE RITUALS LIKE TEA DRINKING TO HELP REWIRE FOCUS IN A DISTRACTED WORLD

In a world of endless notifications, relentless multitasking and constant information overload, the ability to focus is slipping through our fingers. Research suggests the human attention span has shrunk dramatically over the past two decades, with a widely cited Microsoft study putting it at just eight seconds today, down from 12 seconds in 2000. That’s shorter than the attention span of a goldfish.

AS EXPORTS GROW ROOIBOS MAINTAINS COURSE AMID CLIMATE AND TRADE PRESSURES

Following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address, which highlighted agriculture as a rapidly expanding export sector and reaffirmed government’s commitment to infrastructure and global market expansion, the Rooibos industry enters 2026 navigating climatic uncertainty, shifting global trade dynamics and heightened regulatory scrutiny.

HEALTH EXPERTS PUSH BACK AGAINST THE NEW YEAR DETOX CRAZE

Each January, detox diets surge as part of the annual post-holiday reset. A US study published in Nutrients found that around 26% of consumers have tried a juice cleanse or detox programme, underscoring how entrenched detox culture has become. Although the data is US-based, experts suggest the trend mirrors behaviour seen in many countries with comparable wellness and diet industries, including South Africa.

LET ROOIBOS BRIGHTEN UP YOUR FESTIVE SUMMER SEASON SPREAD

With the festive season in full swing, Rooibos is finding new life across the summer table – from chilled drinks to flavour-packed starters, mains and desserts. Once a familiar comfort, it’s now proving itself to be one of the season’s most versatile ingredients.

WHY ROOIBOS IS THE UNOFFICIAL FUEL OF SA’s OCEAN ENDURANCE ATHLETES

With the open-water season now underway, endurance swimmers are gearing up to test their limits once more – facing icy swells, strong currents and unpredictable weather. As they take on South Africa’s toughest stretches, from Dassen Island to False Bay, Rooibos is emerging as an unlikely performance ally. Long seen as a comfort drink, research suggests its unique antioxidant makeup can help manage oxidative stress, enhance hydration and aid recovery.

AN EXPERT CHEMIST’S GUIDE TO BREWING THE PERFECT CUP OF TEA

When it comes to crafting the perfect cup of tea, lovers of the brew know it’s as much about flavour and ritual as it is about comfort and connection. From black to green, oolong to herbal, every cup tells a story. But what if we told you that behind the soothing steam and fragrant leaves lies a world of chemistry – one that can actually help you brew a better, more flavourful cup?