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Suffuse Rooibos herbal tea is more than just a refreshing beverage with an enticing aroma. In fact, the health benefits of rooibos tea are so incredible that we have decided to draw up a list of them for your convenience:
1. Keeps you hydrated. First and foremost (aside from being a good way to warm your hands on a cold day), a cup of Rooibos tea counts towards your body's daily fluid intake. We all know we are supposed to consume at least eight glasses of water per day, right? Well, Rooibos tea (without added milk and sugar) is a flavorful substitute for plain water that can be enjoyed any time of the day. It's caffeine-free, low in tannin, high in disease combating antioxidants, contains nine essential minerals and is naturally sweet tasting.
2. Contains powerful antioxidants and flavonoids. Antioxidants help the body defend against free radicals - unstable molecules that can wreak havoc to our cells if left unchecked. Did you know Rooibos contains the unique aspalathin flavonoid (known as a chalcone) which is found nowhere else in nature and that its antioxidant activities are said to be comparable to that of Vitamin E? Rooibos tea is a great-tasting way of making sure your body gets the help it needs.
3. Great for your skin. Rooibos works both internally and externally, giving your skin a youthful glow. Applied topically to the skin (as in a cream or by popping a tea bag into your bath water), studies conducted in South Africa suggest that rooibos helps relieve skin complaints such as acne, eczema and psoriasis. It's even used in nappy (diaper) rash balms for babies and in shaving lotions. Drinking it helps your skin from the inside-out!
4. Keeps your heart healthy. The polyphenols and flavonoids that are found in rooibos tea have been shown to improve blood vessel functioning, which modulates the blood pressure and so protects the heart. Research has also shown that rooibos potentially protects the heart against oxidative stress and inflammation. Oxidative stress is defined as an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants. An excess of oxidants can damage important cellular components such as lipids, proteins and DNA, leading to the development of degenerative diseases.
5. Virtually calorie-free. If taken without added sugar or milk, Rooibos tea contains virtually no calories, which makes it a great liquid option for individuals who wish to reduce or maintain their body weight.
6. Protects your teeth. Tea is a great source of fluoride and calcium - trace minerals that are required for healthy teeth and gums. Did you know that the flavonoids in tea have the potential to inhibit the formation of plaque?
Southern Africa's indigenous tribes realized the therapeutic value of rooibos and introduced it to the Dutch settlers who also went on to use it as a home remedy for everything from headaches, poor digestion and allergies to skin problems. It was even given to babies to relieve colic and sleeplessness. Even today, nursing sisters at State Hospitals and Clinics in South Africa encourage mothers to give their babies rooibos tea, especially those crying from cramps or lack of sleep, but also for healthy babies to ensure they're getting extra antioxidant protection and nutritional benefits with their milk.
A multi-faceted beverage, African rooibos tea is a great-tasting way to incorporate these health benefits into your daily routine and that of your family's.
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