Rooibos

Currently, rooibos tea is one of the most consumed infusions globally. There are those who believe that it is a variety of red tea because of its reddish color, but in reality it is not. It is not even in its strictest sense tea.

The rooibos comes from a different South African plant tea, Aspalanthus Linearis. The name comes from Dutch and literally means “red bush.” This drink has been used in South Africa for several thousand years for its great medicinal properties: calming the symptoms of fever , alleviating the signs of asthma , soothing sunburns, etc.

One of its main differences with traditional tea is that it does not contain caffeine and, in addition, its fluoride content is notably lower. Its flavor is sweet and fruity, suitable for both adults and children.

What is rooibos?

Rooibos is a South African drink that has become especially popular in the West in recent years. And it is that it offers a series of properties and benefits that take care of the body as a whole. Recent research has indicated that the therapeutic qualities offered by rooibos are far superior to those of any other infusion.

Its appearance is very similar to that of Chinese red tea . However, rooibos tea does not have caffeine in its composition nor does it inhibit the absorption of iron by the body, making it more beneficial and healthier. Experts point out that it has more than 200 active ingredients. In addition, it has a very sweet and pleasant taste, which is a great plus point.

Thanks to its many health benefits, rooibos is currently one of the most widely consumed beverages globally among people of all ages.

Components

This plant has many components that are very beneficial for both physical and mental health. First of all, it is very rich in vitamin C , which strengthens the immune system , thus reducing the risk of certain diseases such as the flu or cold.

Second, it is high in calcium , an essential nutrient for bone maintenance. Something especially important in the elderly to avoid disorders such as osteoporosis .

Third, rooibos is a great source of antioxidants like flavonoids and quercetin, so it’s helpful in preventing premature aging of skin and cells.

And finally, the drink is rich in the following components: potassium , fluorine, zinc and iron.

Story

Rooibos was discovered by the Western world in the 18th century at the hands of the botanist Carl Humberg . However, it was not until the early twentieth century that the Russian-born settler Benajim Ginsberg discovered the properties and therapeutic benefits of the shrub. It was he who began the export to the West. However, it was not until the 21st century when this drink has burst onto the world market with a great boom.

Rooibos properties

As for the properties of rooibos, the most important are the following. It is a drink with a great digestive action , so it is very beneficial for the digestive system as a whole. In addition, it has diuretic properties, preventing fluid retention and promoting the elimination of toxins from the body.

It also has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties . The first one is of great help to alleviate the symptoms of diseases such as arthritis . And, as for the second, it is a natural antihistamine.

Rooibos benefits

Protects the cardiovascular system

A recent study has shown that drinking six cups a day of this infusion helps keep your heart healthy . The reason is that rooibos prevents oxidative damage to fat molecules present in the blood while reducing blood cholesterol levels.

Avoid premature aging

One of the best known properties of rooibos is that, in the same way as green tea, it helps fight free radicals thanks to its high flavonoid content. Thus, it is very beneficial to prevent premature aging of both skin and cells.

Protects the liver

Rooibos is one of the best natural ingredients to combat the development of fatty liver , a relatively serious disease. It is characterized because, as its name suggests, fat accumulates in liver cells.

Fight allergy

Some research has shown that rooibos tea is a natural antihistamine as it increases the production of cytochrome P450. It is an enzyme that favors the metabolism of allergens.

Relieves stomach cramps

Rooibos is high in flavonoids , and especially quercetin. Thus, this drink is very effective both to avoid and to alleviate numerous digestive problems such as diarrhea or indigestion.

Helps the absorption of iron

Unlike other infusions, rooibos tea favors the absorption of iron by the body , thus helping to avoid diseases such as anemia. In addition, it contains less than 50% tannins than other drinks such as black tea.

Improves circulation

Thanks to its high content of antioxidants, especially cisoeriol, this drink significantly improves circulation , thus reducing the risk of suffering a cardiovascular accident such as myocardial infarction .

Calm stress

One of the most valued properties of this South African drink has to do with its relaxing properties . A moderate consumption helps reduce the levels of cortisol, the stress hormone , thus relieving anxiety levels.

Maintains normal blood sugar levels

Rooibos is said to be one of the best allies against diabetes . The aspalathin , a substance present in the infusion helps muscle cells set to use more effectively glucose, thus favoring the blood sugar levels are maintained at their proper levels.

Favors sleep

The insomnia is one of the major diseases of the XXI Century, both among adults and children. Well, rooibos tea is an excellent option to drink in the evening as it does not contain caffeine . In addition, in its composition there are several minerals that promote relaxation of the brain, thus helping to fall asleep and achieve a better rest.

Rooibos tea

To enjoy all the properties and benefits of rooibos, it is best to choose a 100% ecological and organic rooibos . It is of better quality and, in addition, it does not contain any type of toxic component, such as pesticides or herbicides.

To use it, you just have to prepare an infusion with its dried leaves. Thus, the first thing is to heat water in a saucepan. Just before it starts to boil, it is removed from the heat. Next, a teaspoon of rooibos is added to a cup and the water is added. Cover the cup and let it rest for approximately five minutes.

Before drinking, strain it and, if you want to sweeten, add liquid stevia extract . The rooibos infusion can be taken both hot and cold. In the first case, you just have to add a couple of ice cubes to the cup.

Contraindications and side effects

Although this drink is very beneficial for health, there are a number of aspects that are worth taking into account to avoid side effects and contraindications. The key, as with other foods and drinks, is in moderation.

Despite the numerous studies that have been carried out, to this day it is not exactly known what the long-term effects of rooibos tea consumption are .

As we have pointed out, one of the main properties of this plant is that it is very rich in antioxidants . Although initially this is beneficial to prevent premature aging of both skin and cells, it could also interact with the effect of certain drugs such as those given in chemotherapy.

In addition, some compounds in rooibos tea have estrogenic activity, thus stimulating the production of the female sex hormone.

Taking rooibos to lose weight

Rooibos has a series of qualities that make this drink a great ally when it comes to losing weight . Of course, it is not a miracle product. However, it has a series of properties, such as cleansing, that greatly help to lose those extra pounds.

First of all, it considerably speeds up the metabolism of cells thanks to its antioxidant properties . Second, it is worth noting that it is a natural diuretic, thus promoting the elimination of toxins and fluids from the body. Thus, it is very beneficial to say goodbye to cellulite and orange peel skin.

Third, rooibos helps the digestive system work better, thus preventing bloating in the lower abdomen. And finally, this South African drink improves intestinal transit , thus avoiding certain diseases such as constipation .

Where to buy rooibos

Rooibos is a shrub that can reach up to two meters high. It grows naturally on the southern South African coast , with a very characteristic climate: excessively humid winters and very hot summers. Currently, given the great worldwide demand for this drink, it has already begun to be cultivated in India.

The harvest occurs between the months of January and March. The procedure is as follows: the young branches are harvested with their leaves and, later, they are chopped and dried. Then, they are left to ferment for a couple of days, acquiring during this time the red color that characterizes them, as well as their fruity flavor.

Rooibos can be found in both health food stores and supermarkets. As for its presentation, the most common is in bags, in the same way as tea. However, it can also be purchased in bulk.

Conclution

In short, rooibos is a drink with a great selection of health benefits and properties. It is a natural antihistamine, so it is perfect for fighting allergies. In addition, it improves certain intestinal disorders and combats premature aging of both body cells and skin.