Rooibos is a caffeine free herbal tea with a remarkably smooth and slightly sweet flavor. It has a robustness typically not found in caffeine free blends, which makes it a popular tea and coffee substitute.
This South African plant is also rich in antioxidants, low in tannins, and is also a source of certain trace minerals. In South Africa, the plant has many traditional medical uses, and is still used today for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Antioxidants
Rooibos contains a different class of antioxidants than the ones found in green tea. The polyphenols in rooibos remove free radicals from the body. Free radicals can damage the DNA in cells, leading to cancer, and they can oxidize cholesterol, leading to clogged blood vessels, heart attack, and stroke.
Caffeine Substitute
If you’re having trouble kicking coffee or tea, rooibos makes a great substitute. This makes it an ideal candidate for nighttime consumption. Its low tannin content makes it safe on the stomach.
Cardiovascular Health
Quercetin is an antioxidant in rooibos with numerous heart health benefits. It has an anti-inflammatory effect, and promotes an increase in HDL cholesterol while inhibiting LDL cholesterol from binding to arteries and blood vessels.
Diabetes
Aspalathin, an antioxidant found in rooibos, can help regulate blood sugar, improve insulin resistance and glucose absorption by muscles, and boost insulin secretion from the pancreas. This helps prevent the onset of type II Diabetes and protect against spikes and drops in blood sugar for those who already have diabetes.
Bone Health
Rooibos is a natural source of fluoride,and manganese. A 200ml serving contains a daily value of 5.5% Flouride, and 1.7% manganese. Manganese is an essential mineral for bone growth. Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay, just make sure to keep the sugar out!
Skin Health
Rooibos contains alpha-hydroxy acids, which makes it ideal for the skin. A rooibos infusion can be applied directly to the skin. As always, test a small area to make sure you don’t have a reaction.
Antispasmodic
Rooibos has antispasmodic agents, which can ease stomach cramps and abdominal pain.
Adverse Effects
People who have a history of hormone driven cancers should consult a physician before consuming rooibos on a regular basis. In the June 2006 issue of “Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin” a report of 25 rooibos compounds showed that three demonstrated estrogenic activity.
Summary
Rooibos is a naturally caffeine free beverage and a rich source of antioxidants you might be lacking in your diet. It’s a great way to keep your heart healthy, your blood sugar balanced, and help keep the stomach cramps at bay. Try drinking rooibos later in the day to keep from staying up all night.
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Resources
- Erickson, Laurie. Rooibos Tea: Research into Antioxidant and Antimutagenic Properties. HerbalGram. 2003; 59:34-45 American Botanical Councilhttp://cms.herbalgram.org/herbalgram/issue59/article2550.html?ts=1379490923&signature=891f7b84f6aeb058eb97de268a0e013c
- Goepp, Julius: Quercetin: Enhanced Antioxidant Protection Against Heart Disease, Cancer, Allergies, and More. Life Extension Magazine
- Kawano A, Nakamura H, Hata S, Minakawa M, Miura Y, Yagasaki K. Hypoglycemic effect of aspalathin, a rooibos tea component from Aspalathus linearis, in type 2 diabetic model db/db mice. Department of Applied Biological Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan.
- Gilani AH, Khan AU, Ghayur MN, Ali SF, Herzig JW. Antispasmodic effects of Rooibos tea (Aspalathus linearis) is mediated predominantly through K+ -channel activation. Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan University Medical College, Karachi 74800, Pakistan.