You may have noticed that lately, the world is going crazy about rooibos tea. If you had asked someone a couple of years ago whether or not they enjoyed rooibos tea, they likely would have questioned what it even was.
Now, people are finally recognising just how delicious and nutritious rooibos tea is. At Leaf, we are glad that more and more people are discovering the power of rooibos. In this blog, we will provide a detailed explanation of the benefits of rooibos tea and answer any questions you may have.
What is Rooibos Tea?
Rooibos is a herbal tea infusion made from the leaves of the Aspalathus linearis shrubby plant, a native of South Africa. It is well known for its deep red colour and sweet, nutty flavour.
Rooibos undergoes a fermentation process, during which it undergoes oxidation and gains its distinctive bold red colour. Rooibos teas come in a range of flavours, making it a fantastic option, no matter your taste.
In addition to its health benefits, rooibos tea is known for its natural, caffeine-free qualities, making it a popular option for people of all ages and preferences.
The History of Rooibos Tea
As you already know, rooibos tea originates from South Africa, but it goes even deeper than that. Rooibos originates from the Cederberg Mountain, home to South Africa’s First Nation people.
The use of rooibos tea dates back thousands of years, with archaeological evidence suggesting that indigenous tribes used it for medicinal purposes.
The first documented use of rooibos in Europe dates back to 1772, when botanist Carl Humberg popularised it. During the 20th century, tea merchant Benjamin Ginsberg started exploring tea’s potential.
Ginsberg is credited with the rooibos tea curing process, which is still widely used today. This process involves bruising the leaves and allowing them to ferment. Through this process, he discovered that he could enhance the tea’s natural colour and taste.
During World War II, imported tea became scarce, which led to the growth of the popularity of rooibos tea, which only grew as the world became more aware of rooibos tea’s benefits.
Does Rooibos Tea Have Caffeine?
One of the reasons that rooibos tea is so popular is that it is a natural caffeine free alternative. Though traditional teas, such as black and green teas, are delicious, they are high in caffeine, so there are limitations on when you can drink them without disturbing your sleep.
Rooibos is a fantastic option for anyone looking to cut their caffeine intake or simply prefers a cup of tea without the caffeine intake side effects.
Is Rooibos Tea Safe For Pregnancy?
Due to the caffeine-free properties of rooibos tea, it is generally considered to be safe to drink during pregnancy. Caffeine can have adverse effects on a baby’s development, which is why pregnant women are advised to avoid it.
Rooibos is recognised for its antioxidants and micronutrients, making it an excellent choice for your diet during pregnancy, and even as a long term healthy drink option
The Benefits of Drinking Rooibos Tea
Now that you know more about the history and properties of rooibos tea, let’s discuss some of its benefits.
Rich in Antioxidants
Rooibos tea is well known for its high antioxidant content. It is particularly rich in aspalathin and quercetin, making it incredibly beneficial for promoting overall health. Antioxidants protect your cells from free radicals and damage, reducing the risk of certain chronic conditions and improving overall health.
Because rooibos is so packed with antioxidants, it is considered to be an immune system boosting tea.
Improved Heart Health
Regularly drinking rooibos tea can positively impact your heart health. Rooibos has been suggested to improve blood pressure by reducing the constriction of blood vessels and improving overall blood flow.
Rooibos tea supports cardiovascular health through its anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce oxidative stress and promote healthy blood vessels in the heart to assist with things like heart disease.
Blood Sugar Control
Rooibos is a popular tea option among those who struggle with diabetes because it can help to balance sugar levels and reduce insulin resistance. The astaxanthin found in rooibos has been proven to reduce insulin resistance, making it a fantastic option for those who struggle with spikes in their blood sugar levels.
Aids Digestion
Because rooibos contains antispasmodic compounds that relax the digestive system, it can be a great digestive aid. These compounds relax the stomach, making it an excellent tool for easing stomach cramps and pain.
Its anti-inflammatory properties can also be fantastic for fighting issues such as IBS. If you are looking to detox after a busy period or holiday, the relaxing properties of rooibos can help detox your digestive system.
Supports Sleep
Because rooibos tea is naturally caffeine-free, it is a great choice for a bedtime drink. There is nothing better than a warm drink for easing yourself into a night of sleep, but rooibos goes the extra mile.
Rooibos contains compounds like quercetin and luteolin that relax the nervous system and promote deeper sleep. It is also rich in calcium and magnesium, which contribute to improved sleep quality.
Improves Skin Health
We all want great skin, and many invest hundreds, if not thousands, every year to secure a moisturised and clear complexion. Rooibos has been proven to support collagen production while also fighting the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Because rooibos is rich in antioxidants, it can protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, pollution and UV radiation.
How Often Should You Drink Rooibos Tea?
Rooibos can and should be enjoyed as part of your daily routine. Even enjoying one cup of rooibos a day can provide health benefits. It is so easy to brew and can be enjoyed both hot and cold, so it can be enjoyed no matter the weather or your plan for the day.
Because rooibos has no caffeine, it can be enjoyed when and as often as you like, without worrying about the drink keeping you up or causing health concerns.
How Else is Rooibos Tea Used?
Rooibos is an incredibly versatile tea with many uses outside of drinking. Some of these uses include:
Skin Care
As previously discussed, rooibos is exceptionally high in antioxidants and possesses anti-inflammatory qualities that have been demonstrated to calm the skin and reduce the appearance of redness and inflammation.
Renowned skincare brands like Clarins and Kiehl’s incorporate rooibos tea in their products to enhance their anti-ageing benefits. Rooibos is featured in various products, from moisturisers to face masks, showcasing the ingredient’s effectiveness.
Natural Dye
Red Rooibos tea is well known for being a strong, natural dye. Due to its vibrant red colour, it is often used as a fabric dye or dye for paper. Rooibos is growing in popularity for DIY projects, as it is usually more accessible and more effective than synthetic dyes. It is also popularly used to give products more of an ‘aged look’, which is another reason it is growing in popularity.
Cooking
Another area where the use of rooibos is growing in popularity is cooking. Rooibos can be used for infusions, broths, marinades and many other delicious recipes. At Leaf, we love to use rooibos to make a delicious blueberry jam, as rooibos adds a truly unique and distinctive flavour.
To incorporate rooibos into your cooking and enjoy its health benefits, try simple modifications like replacing water with rooibos in your recipes.
Unlock the Power of Rooibos Tea With Leaf
Through this blog, we hope to have brought attention to the tea that we love so much. Rooibos is a versatile, beneficial and delicious tea that is slowly gaining popularity, which is why we are so proud to provide such an extensive range of flavoured and non-flavoured rooibos teas.
If you have any questions about rooibos or would like to learn more about the range of flavours available, don’t hesitate to contact us.
