Benefits of Rooibos Tea

Rooibos tea is a beverage that has been enjoyed in the country of South Africa for over 300 years and it means ‘Red Bush’ in Afrikaans.

It’s a herbal tea that is not related to green tea or black tea and it is processed in a unique way. 

The herb grows on the South African coast and it is not uncommon for it to be consumed using some milk or sugar, just as black tea is. 

Rooibos tea is rich in an array of health benefits, similar to other herbal teas. We will look at these benefits in detail below as well as some potential side effects.

What is Rooibos Tea?

Rooibos tea is a red tea derived from the leaves of the Aspalathus linearis plant in South Africa.

It has a red appearance, with an earthy yet slightly sweet flavour. You can find out everything you need to know about Rooibos tea here.

What are the Benefits of Rooibos Tea?

Here are some of the benefits associated with Rooibos tea:

Antioxidant Properties

Rooibos tea is rich in antioxidants like aspalathin and quercetin, which help combat oxidative stress in the body. 

Antioxidants play a crucial role in maintaining overall health and well-being. These natural compounds are vital in neutralising harmful free radicals, which can damage cells and DNA, leading to various chronic diseases and premature ageing. 

Antioxidants help protect the body from oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and support the immune system. 

A study involving rats was conducted to see the effect Rooibos tea had on stress levels. It was shown that the rats who drank Rooibos tea had lower stress levels than those who were exposed to stress but did not drink Rooibos tea.

Caffeine-Free

Rooibos tea is naturally caffeine-free unlike its counterparts black tea and green tea. This makes it a suitable option for people who want to avoid or reduce their caffeine intake. 

Caffeine isn’t inherently bad but consuming too much caffeine can have adverse effects on your health.

Too much caffeine can disrupt sleep patterns, causing insomnia and restlessness. It can also lead to increased heart rate, jitteriness, and anxiety, exacerbating symptoms in individuals prone to anxiety disorders.

So those who want to consume as little caffeine as possible, or none at all, may find that Rooibos tea is the perfect choice for them.

Anti-Inflammatory

Polyphenols are found in Rooibos tea and they are a form of antioxidant, which are chemical compounds which help fight stress in the body.

One particular study showed that Rooibos tea may prevent DNA damage and inflammation due to its anti-oxidative activity. 

Anti-inflammatory properties are highly beneficial for the body as they help regulate its natural response to harmful stimuli, such as infections, injuries, or irritants. 

Inflammation is a vital part of the immune system’s defence mechanism. Although, chronic or long-term inflammation can lead to a range of health issues, including:

  • Chronic diseases 
  • Arthritis.
  • Cardiovascular issues.
  • Autoimmune disorders.

May Boost Heart Health

Heart health is something that is incredibly important, especially in today’s society where a portion of the population suffers from heart problems. 

Rooibos tea is a beverage that may actually support your overall heart health. For instance, the antioxidants that are prevalent in Rooibos tea are linked to supporting the cardiovascular system

Another study showed Rooibos’ ability to support healthy blood pressure levels, which is crucial when it comes to your overall heart health. 

ACE inhibitors are prescribed by physicians as a way to relax blood vessels. There are certain plant substances that act as natural ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors. 

Rooibos tea was used in a study and was shown to inhibit ACE activity for 30-60 minutes. Therefore reducing blood pressure and helping your cardiovascular system.

May Help With Weight Management

A 2014 study suggested that Rooibos tea might actually help with weight management by increasing leptin levels. 

It’s important to remember that Rooibos should not be your only choice when it comes to weight management. 

While not a magic weight loss solution, Rooibos tea can be used as part of a balanced diet and exercise routine due to its lack of calories and potential to boost metabolism.

May Improve Bone Health

Bone health is vitally important and according to some studies, Rooibos tea might improve the overall health of your bones.

Rooibos tea like other herbal teas is packed with minerals such as calcium, fluoride and manganese which are contributors to healthy bones.

These minerals increase the activity of osteoblast cells. These cells are responsible for building bone mass. 

A study conducted in 2016, showed that black, green and Rooibos tea improved osteoblast activity.

Get your Rooibos Tea from LEAF

Overall, Rooibos tea is a fantastic choice of beverage thanks to its unique flavour and abundant health benefits.  

We sell Rooibos loose-leaf tea as well as a variety of other high-quality loose-leaf teas. Our range is wide and varied so there is sure to be a flavour to your liking. 

So whether you would like to explore our extensive selection of loose-leaf tea flavours or our Rooibos tea bundles, please contact us and let us know.

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