For more info on Rooibos visit www . sarooibos . co . za oxidative damage ; prevent and / or manage inflammatory bowel syndrome ; protect the heart from oxidative stress ; reduce allergic rhinitis and ; counter cardiometabolic diseases like heart attacks , strokes , diabetes , insulin resistance etc .
The funding has been made available through the Sector Innovation Fund ( SIF ) – a programme launched by the DSI in 2013 to increase the competitiveness of various sectors in the economy by way of incentivising increased investment into research , development and innovation ( RDI ).
In addition to the funding provided to the SARC through SIF , the DSI has also strengthened the Rooibos and Honeybush sectors through support provided to community growers in the Western Cape and the Eastern Cape .
The SARC responded to the call with a proposal seeking to establish a scientific evidence base for the health benefits of Rooibos and was one of six proposals that were approved for funding in this phase of the SIF programme .
Joe Swart , Research Director for the SA