I was never a fan of tea. Firstly, I’m allergic to caffeine and most teas contain caffeine. So, I naturally pulled away. However one day I decided to have a cup of Rooibos tea and I have never looked back.

Not only is Rooibos tea actually pretty amazing in taste, it also has terrific health benefits.

What is Rooibos tea?

Rooibos tea is only found in South Africa. It comes from the Rooibos bush on the slopes of the Cederberg Mountains. The tea itself is made from the fermented pine needle-like leaves of the Rooibos bush. Locals have enjoyed Rooibos tea for thousands of years.

What are the benefits of drinking Rooibos tea?

1. Fights inflammation

Inflammation is the root cause for most diseases. Rooibos contains compounds that can fight off unwanted inflammation. It contains three compounds called aspalathin, quercetin and nothofagin. These compounds reduce inflammation in the body.

2. It is a powerful antioxidant

Besides inflammation, free radicals are another cause of chronic. Free radicals cause significant damage to cells. Antioxidants protect your body from damage caused by free radicals. Rooibos tea is packed with antioxidants. Fun fact: Rooibos tea contains 50% more antioxidants than green tea.

3. It can prevent and treat diabetes

As earlier mentioned, Rooibos tea contains aspalathin. Aspalathin has positive impact on type 2 diabetes by regulating your blood sugar levels. Aspalathin prevents blood sugar spikes. However, Rooibos tea is not sufficient on its own to treat diabetes, it may be a helpful treatment and prevention, but it is not effective on its own for treatment.

4. It lowers blood pressure and supports a healthy heart

Rooibos tea can significantly lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. Rooibos tea contains a bioactive flavonoid called chrysoeriol, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood circulation.

5. It helps with weight loss

Rooibos tea can suppress food cravings. This is because drinking rooibos tea increases the body’s leptin secretions. Leptin is a hormone that is responsible for letting your brain know that you’ve had enough to eat. Rooibos tea can be a replacement for over indulging in snacks.

6. Strengthens bones

Rooibos tea contains minerals (manganese, calcium, magnesium and fluoride) that are essential for healthy bones and teeth. Manganese stimulates enzymes in the body that are used to help build bone and cartilage. Magnesium is required for bones to absorb calcium.

7. It brings relief to allergies

Rooibos contains quercetin can prevent immune cells from releasing histamines. Histamines are the chemicals that are released during an allergic reaction. Histamines are the causes behind itchiness, red and swollen allergic reactions. Rooibos with honey will give you an extra boost against seasonal allergies.

8. It promotes healthy skin

Rooibos tea contains alpha hydroxyl acid. Alpha hydroxy acid is commonly found in upper-end cosmetic products because it’s effective at reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Chemically-derived alpha hydroxy acid can cause skin discoloration, irritation, and swelling. However, when alpha hydroxy acid is in its natural form, it doesn’t have those side effects. Skin cream that contains rooibos extract is effective at reducing skin wrinkles by up to 10%.

9. It reduces toothache

You can use a tea bag as a compress to ease your toothache. Soak it in hot or warm water, then apply to the sore tooth. The astringency in the tea’s tannins will help relieve swollen gums and reduce pain. (I’ve tried this and it worked for me!)

10. Improves sleep, digestion and circulation

Rooibos improves sleep quality, digestion, and circulation. It is possible that Rooibos tea can improve sleep quality and help with digestion because it contains magnesium. Rooibos tea can also help with issues such as restless leg syndrome, because of the quercetin that helps regulate circulatory system.

It is amazing how the food we drink and consume can either be harmful to our bodies or have surprisingly great health benefits. Rooibos tea, home-grown can turn out to be a great lifesaver.

Did you know you are what you eat? Read here to find out more.

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