Rooibos Tea

A powerhouse of health benefits or world’s healthiest tea? Yes, there is the latest addiction and addition in the world of tea, all the way from South Africa. We are talking about the Rooibos tea (pronounced as ROY-boss).

Obtained from Aspalathus Linearis, a shrub native to the Cape of Good Hope. Also known as African red tea, each cup of Rooibos tea is packed with healthy flavonoids. Rooibos tea has50 times more antioxidants than green tea, caffeine-free, low in tannins, contains no fats or proteins and no kilojoules. The warm, rounded, nutty, sweet and often rich flavor of rooibos tea makes it a great choice for herbal blends and caffeine-free teas.

Has Powerful Ingredient – Aspalathin

Our body systems may be supported by Aspalathin- a unique flavonoid that can be obtained solely from rooibos tea. It’s most widely known for its potential to prevent type-2 diabetes, reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and alleviate feelings of stress. It can benefit the body, especially the immune system. Though it remains to be seen if aspalathin itself has any harmful effects when consumed in excess, rooibos tea is not recommended for individuals with hormone-sensitive diseases.

Since aspalathin is a flavonoid, it has antioxidant effects that can protect the body from diseases. Antioxidants are most known for eliminating harmful free radicals and preventing them from damaging cells, and aspalathin is no different. Moreover, aspalathin has anti-inflammatory properties that greatly benefit the body overall and make aspalathin one of the best nutrients to take in for a healthy and well-functioning immune system.

How to make? Experts say that six cups of rooibos tea a day is the recommended amount, but we think even one cup will do good! The best way to drink rooibos tea is to simply add boiling water and leave to brew until it is at the strength you are looking for.

Health benefits:

• Good for Immune system: Free radicals attack healthy cells, resulting in an ageing and weakening of our immune systems.The antioxidants present in rooibos tea slow down the human aging process and boost the strength of the immune system, resulting in a more energetic, healthier and younger self.
• Better than green tea: Because rooibos tea is naturally caffeine-free, it’s an excellent alternative to black or green tea. Rooibos also has lower tannin levels than regular black or green tea. Compared to regular black tea or green tea, rooibos is lower in tannins, free from caffeine and oxalic acid.
• Good sleep: Rooibos also contains magnesium and calcium, both minerals which play a role in a good night’s sleep. With rooibos, the opposite is true. The more you drink, the better you will sleep. Drinking rooibos tea supplies your body with all the nutrients it needs for a peaceful night’s rest.
• Powerful nutrients: Rooibos tea contains small amounts of iron, phosphorus, sodium chloride and potassium. Has benefits for skin irritations and contains cancer fighting properties.
• Helps in Constipation: Helps skin maladies and has been used as a syphilis treatment. Drop a bag into hot water, let it steep for seven minutes and you’ll be drinking a caffeine-free antioxidant that cleanses your liver, fights your ever-worsening syphilis, helps you poop, purifies your blood and strengthens your locks.
• Good for skin: Rooibos is rich in alpha hydroxy and zinc which are both important nutrients for healthy skin. Drinking and/or applying rooibos tea to your skin will improve the skin in the most natural way.
• Weight loss: Rooibos contains polyphenols, including flavonoids, which are directly linked to combatting obesity. A study suggested the tea may have potential to speed up weight loss by increasing levels of leptin. The tea contains aspalathin, an antioxidant linked to weight loss.
• Diuretic and Anti-Inflammatory: Rooibos tea has diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it a stimulator for the excretion of toxins and hence is deemed safe for kidney stone patients.

African Rooibos Tea Side Effects (how to reduce)

Excessive consumption has been linked to several side effects which are given below:

• Heart Palpitations: Heart palpitations are the worst symptom you can get from rooibos tea… if you’re allergic to it. It’s rare but it could happen. If you’re allergic to rooibos, you might notice itching, discomfort in your stomach, difficulty breathing, trouble swallowing and swelling wherever the tea came into contact with your body. It’s very rare to have an allergic reaction to rooibos, but if you do experience one you should take it seriously! Seek medical help immediately and avoid rooibos teas altogether in the future.
• Excess Estrogen: The compounds in rooibos tea can increase the levels of estrogen in your body. Excess estrogen can be a problem for people with breast cancer or hormone-related diseases/conditions. For men, high levels of estrogen can cause erectile dysfunction and a range of other complications.You may consult your doctor if you have the above medical conditions.
• Liver Problems: On the flip side, some studies show how rooibos tea can promote your liver enzymes and even treat existing liver damage. It’s all about consuming a healthy amount of tea and not going overboard with it.
• Iron Deficiency: If you’re anaemic, then consuming a lot of rooibos tea regularly after your meal could cause you some problems but compared to black or green tea, it’s not at all noticeable and there is nothing you should worry about.

How much to drink to reduce side effects?

Anything in excess is bad for sure and maintaining balance is the key to health. How much tea you should drink depends on your diet, lifestyle, and needs. Drinking rooibos all day every day will be detrimental to your health no matter how healthy and beneficial rooibos tea is.

Stick to one or two cups a day. A moderate amount consumed regularly can benefit your health, but don’t be afraid to shake up your routine with other types of teas, drinks, and foods.

Try green teas, black teas, and other herbal teas when you get sick of rooibos or just to switch things up. The antioxidants and tannins in rooibos have the same benefits as tea, so you can still enjoy the health benefits while changing the flavor of your daily drink.

The idea is to drink your rooibos in moderation and just sip your cuppa without worrying about the side effects but also to take care of your other diet, lifestyle and limiting your caffeine intake.