Rooibos tea comes from Rooibos plant, A
linearis, which grows only in Western Cape Province of South Africa. Other names for this tea are Red Tea, red rose tea, red diamond tea and red clover tea. Rooibos tea has many health benefits as we shall find out in this article.
Health Benefit 1: Free Caffeine
Unlike other products which have to undergo processes of chemical removal of caffeine, rooibos tea is free from caffeine. As such, you can gulp several cups of Rooibos without fearing about effects of caffeine. It is also safe for children as well as pregnant women.
Health Benefit 2: Rich in antioxidants
There are two polyphenol antioxidants, namely Aspalathus and nothofagin, both of which combat free radicals .Free radicals destroy healthy cells in the body, causing diseases such as cancer. The anti-inflammatory properties in Rooibos tea is a plus.
Health Benefit 3: Anti- cancer Properties
The anti-oxidants in Rooibos tea contain anti-mutagenic qualities which safeguards body cells and DNA against cancerous cells. It has been observed that taking this tea reduces the number of cancerous cells in the body.
Health Benefit 4: Mineral Rich
Rooibos tea contains various mineral elements such as calcium, manganese, magnesium, iron and zinc. These minerals play various important roles in the body. For instance, calcium assists in bone formation; zinc in metabolism whilst iron promotes blood production and distribution of oxygen. Manganese on the other hand enhances strong bones and teeth. The body requires magnesium for a healthy, functioning nervous system.
Health Benefit 5: Promotes Circulation
The anti-oxidant chysoeriol assists in circulation by blocking the enzyme that causes cardiovascular diseases. This is also important in reducing cholesterol as well reducing cholesterol.
Health Benefit 6: Treats Stomach
Rooibos tea is rich in quercetin flavonoid which eases abdominal diseases such as cramps, indigestion and diarrhea.Additionally, it relieves symptoms of inflammation, spasm, colic in infants and allergies.
Health Benefit 7: Iron Absorption
Whilst other teas such as black tea block iron absorption due to tannin compounds, rooibos tea has lower levels of tannin, hence promotes iron absorption.
Health Benefit 8: Alleviates Skin Conditions
Studies have demonstrated Rooibos curative properties on the skin, making it look shiny and healthy. Rooibos tea contains phenyl pyretic acid, which alleviates eczema, acne, psoriasis among other skin conditions.
Health Benefit 9: Brain Health
By warding off lipid peridoxation, rooibos tea prevents brain cell damage occasioned by free radicals. Lipid peridoxation refers to invasion of healthy brain cells by free radicals, leading to degenerative brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Drinking Rooibos tea regularly can protect against a process known as lipid peridoxation.
Health Benefit 10: Fights Insomnia
If you experience sleepless nights, consuming Rooibos tea before retiring to bed will assist in preventing insomnia. This is mainly due to the fact that it is caffeine free.
Health Benefit 11: Boost Immune System
The antigen-specific antibodies in Rooibos tea has been found to play a role in enhancing the immune system in response to diseases such as HIV AIDs. They have been found to ward off HIV-induced cytopathicity as well as raising the levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2) in the body.
