“I’ve seen just how overwhelming nutrition advice can feel, especially when it’s not made with our people, our food, and our realities in mind.”
Renowned South African dietitian Mbali Mapholi is committed to improving the lives of everyday South Africans with accessible, affordable, and practical nutritional advice. Her drive to boost heart health has seen her become the Laager Rooibos ambassador, the only Rooibos tea that carries the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa Heart Mark. And now, Mbali is bringing this life-changing advice to more people with the launch of her book, Inkonjane: A Nutrition Guide to Heart Health.
“The book was borne out of my personal experiences at home and my clinical work as a dietitian, and is a heart-first guide to everyday eating that supports better cardiovascular health, rooted in African heritage and community,” she explained.
“After years of working with patients, brands, and communities, I realised what people really need is connection, representation, and simplicity – something that feels like it was made for them. I was inspired by the idea that I could create something I wished my family had when I was 11 or 12 years – a guide that could have helped us understand food, health, and heart care in a way that felt close to home.”
With a deep connection to her heritage, Mbali said the book is a tribute to her hard-working parents, who ensured her bright future, and to her grandmother, who ‘raised me with prayer’: “Inkonjane is my way of saying: to anyone who grew up like I did – you can do it too. Your story matters.”
Nourishing meals for all South Africans
Rather than a recipe book, Inkonjane is a practical guide filled with tips, formulas, and ways to use what readers already have in their homes to make nourishing meals.
“It’s not about perfection, expensive ingredients or restrictions,” continues Mbali, “it’s about helping you understand nutrients, knowing where to find them in everyday foods, and then simply standing up, opening your cupboard, and creating something that supports your health. It’s made for real life. Whether you’re living with high blood pressure, caring for someone, or just wanting to eat better, Inkonjane is here to make nutrition simple, personal and possible.”
Mbali’s love for the Laager Rooibos flavour and dietary benefits has seen it included in the book as a heart-friendly drink: “It’s naturally low in sodium, full of antioxidants, and can be used as a healthier swap for salty stock or sugary drinks. It’s also part of recipes and tips that support calm, rest, and staying hydrated —all important for heart health.”
She said this ties in with her ongoing work as a Brand Health Partner for Laager Rooibos, which includes creating the Heart Health Calendar, a simple, practical tool to help South Africans take better care of their hearts using everyday habits.
What Will Readers Get from the Book?
“This is the kind of book that makes you feel like you’ve just had a one-on-one consultation with me in your own kitchen!” she says, adding that readers will benefit from:
- The fundamentals of nutrition with practical principles anyone can use.
- How to build a heart-healthy plate using the 7 colours tradition.
- Guidance on reading food labels, managing blood pressure, and understanding cholesterol.
- A deeper understanding of the emotional and cultural connection people have with food and how that shapes health.
- A mix of real-life case studies, food rituals, and reflections that make healthy eating feel natural, not clinical.
Who Will Benefit from Reading the Book?
Mbali adds that this book is for anyone who wants to take care of their heart — without losing the joy, culture, or comfort of food. It’s ideal for
- Anyone wanting to protect their heart health or support a loved one.
- People living with high blood pressure, cholesterol, or a family history of heart disease.
- South Africans looking for real, relatable nutrition guidance rooted in a South African food culture.
- Health professionals, caregivers, or brands working in wellness.
- Corporates looking for a meaningful, accessible way to support employee wellness and kickstart healthier habits.
Buy the Book!
Inkonjane: A Nutrition Guide to Heart Health will be available for purchase via www.mbalimapholiinc.co.za (direct orders) or Takealot.com at a cost of R350. Bulk orders (10 books or more) will receive a discounted rate on request.
Follow Mbali on social media (@urbandietitian) for more accessible and relevant information on nutrition and heart health. Find out more about Laager Rooibos, including health tips and fantastic Rooibos-infused recipes, by visiting www.joekels.co.za or following @LaagerRooibosTea on Facebook and Instagram.
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