The Noakes Foundation

07/08/2026

Diabetes is now South Africa's leading cause of death. But it doesn't have to be your story.

A recent News24 article featuring Karen Heath, Senior Researcher at The Noakes Foundation, shines a spotlight on the growing metabolic health crisis facing South Africans, and, more importantly, what we can do about it.

The message is one of hope:

✅ Small, sustainable lifestyle changes can make a meaningful difference.
✅ Eating more whole, minimally processed foods matters.
✅ Learn to read ingredient labels instead of trusting marketing claims.
✅ Know your blood pressure and blood glucose, even if you feel healthy.
✅ For some people, Type 2 diabetes can improve significantly, and in some cases reach remission under appropriate medical supervision.

Remission is not the same as a cure, and any treatment changes should always be made with a healthcare professional.

At The Noakes Foundation, we believe that education empowers people to make informed choices about their health. Every small step towards better metabolic health is a step towards a healthier future.

Read the full News24 article here (subscription or free trial may be required):
https://www.news24.com/life/wellness/body/diabetes-is-now-south-africas-biggest-killer-experts-share-tips-on-how-to-lower-the-risk-20260806-1094

07/08/2026

🌸 Celebrate Women's Day with Us! 🌸

The Noakes Foundation is proud to be joining the Perfect Health Women's Day Celebration tomorrow!

If you're in the Kuils River area, come and enjoy a morning dedicated to women's health, wellness, education, and community. Whether you're looking to learn something new, connect with like-minded people, or simply celebrate the incredible women in your life, we'd love to see you there.

✨ Best of all – it's FREE to attend!

📍 Perfect Health Gym
Ipic Soneike Shopping Centre, Kuils River

📅 Saturday, 8 August
⏰ From 7:00 AM

Bring a friend and come say hello to The Noakes Foundation team. Let's celebrate Women's Day together! 💜

07/08/2026

🌸 This Women's Day, give yourself permission to make your health a priority.

For generations, women have devoted themselves to caring for others, often placing their own wellbeing last. As we approach National Women's Day in South Africa, let's remember that caring for yourself isn't selfish; it's one of the greatest gifts you can give to those you love.

As Maria Emmerich reminds us:

"Metabolic health isn't built through perfection; it's built through the small choices you make every day. Prioritize protein, build muscle, eat real food, and give your body the rest it deserves."

At The Noakes Foundation, we believe that empowering women starts with empowering them with knowledge. Small, consistent changes can have a profound impact on metabolic health, energy, resilience, and long-term wellbeing.

This Women's Day, choose to invest in your health. Because when women are healthier, families are stronger, communities thrive, and nations prosper.

Join us at the World Nutrition Summit 2026 (14–16 October at Hazendal Wine Estate & Online), where leading experts like Maria Emmerich will share practical, evidence-based strategies to help you take control of your metabolic health.

🎟️ Secure your place today: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/361582-world-nutrition-summit-2026 #/

06/08/2026

06/08/2026

📢 We're now on Substack!

The Noakes Foundation is excited to announce that we've officially joined Substack!

If you're passionate about evidence-based nutrition, metabolic health, the latest research, and thought-provoking conversations that challenge conventional thinking, this is the place for you.

By subscribing, you'll receive:
🧠 Exclusive articles and insights
🔬 The latest research and commentary
🥩 Practical nutrition and health information
🌍 Updates on our projects, events, and community initiatives
💬 Be part of a growing community committed to improving health through science.

👉 Subscribe today and join us on our journey:
https://substack.com/

We'd love to have you as part of our community. Don't forget to subscribe, share with friends and colleagues, and help us spread evidence-based nutrition to more people around the world.

The Noakes Foundation is a South African non-profit advancing health through evidence-based nutrition research, education, and community outreach. Subscribe for science-backed insights and practical health advice.

05/08/2026

SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT

Meet Professor Tim Noakes of The Noakes Foundation, who will contribute to the Anaemia & Nutrition panel at the 5th Edition of the Arise Women of Africa Symposium.

Professor Noakes is an internationally recognised scientist in exercise science, sports medicine and nutrition. He is a former A1-rated researcher, co-founder of the Sports Science Institute of South Africa and a recipient of the Order of Mapungubwe, Silver, for his contribution to sport and exercise science.

With more than 750 scientific publications and several influential books to his name, he continues to advance research and public dialogue on nutrition, health and wellbeing.

Join the session as we explore why anaemia, nutrition and wellbeing are central to improving opportunities and outcomes for women and girls.

📅 21 August 2026
📍 Artscape Theatre Centre, Cape Town

Meet the speaker and secure your seat through the link in our bio or below:
Register: https://sscnafrica.org/arise-woman-of-africa-5th-symposium/

05/08/2026

🌍 Where Has Your TNF Merch Taken You? 🌍

We're incredibly proud and privileged that our very own Dr Karen Heath will be presenting at the Symposium for Metabolic Health in San Diego this August! 🎉 Her dedication to advancing metabolic health and representing The Noakes Foundation on the global stage continues to inspire us all.

And that got us thinking...

📸 Where has your Noakes Foundation merch taken you?

Whether it's to the top of a mountain, your local parkrun, another country, the gym, or an iconic landmark like the Statue of Liberty, we'd love to see it!

💬 Share a photo in the comments and tell us where your TNF adventure has taken you. Let's celebrate our amazing community and see just how far The Noakes Foundation's message has travelled around the world.

🎟️ As we get ready for the World Nutrition Summit 2026, you can order your official TNF merchandise when purchasing your summit ticket.

👉 Book your ticket here: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/361582-world-nutrition-summit-2026 #/

👕 Wear the message.
🌍 Share the journey.
🚀 Let your next adventure begin with The Noakes Foundation!

04/08/2026

💙 Don't forget to keep moving!

A huge thank you to everyone who participated in Sweat for Science. Every step, every workout, and every minute of movement helped support a greater purpose while celebrating the power of health and science.

Your enthusiasm, commitment, and energy made this initiative a wonderful success, and we're so grateful that you chose to be part of it.

Remember, the challenge may be over, but your health journey continues. Keep moving, keep making healthy choices, and keep inspiring those around you.

From all of us at The Noakes Foundation, thank you for making a difference! 💪🧠

04/08/2026

🧠 Can nutrition play a role in mental health?

Groundbreaking new research has just been published: the first randomized controlled trial investigating a ketogenic diet in people living with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders and bipolar I disorder with psychosis.

The findings are promising:
✅ Improved metabolic health
✅ Reduced insulin resistance
✅ Improvements in depressive symptoms
✅ Better cognitive performance
✅ Improvements in both positive and negative psychiatric symptoms

Importantly, the researchers found that the benefits were associated with ketosis itself, not simply weight loss.

This study adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the exciting field of Metabolic Psychiatry and highlights the need for further research into nutrition as an adjunctive approach to mental healthcare.

Read the full study here:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42415343/