Rooibos is a caffeine-free drink of African origin widespread all over the world. It helps with weight loss and is great for relaxing, digesting, and fighting allergy symptoms. Let’s find out what the properties are, prepare them, and where to buy them. Rooibos is mistakenly called red tea because its preparation is identical to the well-known drink so loved by the British. In reality, it is an infusion also known as African tea.
The properties of Rooibos had been made known since the early 1900s when a massive production began with the consequent exportation worldwide. Since then, its characteristics have been appreciated not only for its pleasant sweet taste, which does not require the addition of sugar or sweeteners but also, from a medical point of view, for the considerable benefits it brings to the body. The high presence of antioxidants makes African tea a beneficial drink for the heart and the skin’s beauty, and even for losing weight.
Rooibos Tea: Properties And Benefits
Rooibos is obtained from the fermentation of the leaves, which, through this process, take on a red-brown color; there is also the green Rooibos which are less common and whose leaves are not fermented. But let’s see the many properties of African red tea and why it is good for you.
It Does Not Contain Caffeine
The very first advantage of Rooibos is that it is entirely free of caffeine which often prevents those suffering from high blood pressure and the anxious from enjoying a tea or coffee for fear of side effects or forces them to use products that are chemically deprived of theine and caffeine. It, therefore, represents a valid alternative to coffee, to be sipped in the morning or during an afternoon break.
It Is Packed With Antioxidants
The real treasure contained in the leaves of this plant is given by the fact that Rooibos Tea is rich in antioxidants such as quercetin polyphenols, flavonoids, vitamin C, and many minerals such as zinc, magnesium, calcium, and iron. In particular, it contains the plant’s name, the palatine, a powerful antioxidant of which it seems that Rooibos is the exclusive holder. It is present in more significant quantities in green Rooibos. Consuming Rooibos increases the level of antioxidants in the body, helping to prevent various forms of cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Rooibos For Weight Loss
Drinking red rooibos tea helps to lose weight, thanks to polyphenols, more particularly the flavonoids present in all fat-burning foods. The slimming properties of Rooibos are also due to leptin, also known as the satiety hormone, which is stimulated by the consumption of this drink. Leptin helps you feel full immediately and therefore blocks the sense of hunger. Regular intake of African tea fights the imperfections of cellulite, promotes the elimination of liquids ( water retention ), helps stimulate the metabolism, and blocks the formation of fat cells.
Digestive And Antispasmodic
Rooibos tea has digestive properties and is also used to solve intestinal problems and cramps. Its primary use is to relieve colic in babies. In case of diarrhea, it is also helpful to ease the ailment and abdominal pains.
Antihistamine
Quercetin and rutin help relieve the peak periods of seasonal allergies, runny noses, and watery eyes. It also reduces discomfort such as itching (including eye itching) and eczema. It also appears to be beneficial for asthma and food allergies.
Calming
The combined action of vitamin C, a natural anxiolytic, and magnesium, which has a relaxing effect on the central nervous system, make Rooibos tea particularly suitable for states of anxiety and insomnia. Being caffeine-free, it can also be consumed in the evening to achieve calming and relaxing effects and help you sleep.
Lower Cholesterol
The infusion of Rooibos tea helps to stimulate the secretion of bile and calls up the LDL cholesterol present in the blood, lowering its level. Therefore, it is ideal for those suffering from high cholesterol and to prevent heart attacks and strokes. At the same time, it has been shown to help raise HDL levels in the blood.
Antitumor
Quercetin is always the protagonist of this benefit. It inhibits the enzymes involved in the proliferation of cancer cells and carries out a protective action against free radicals. However, there are still ongoing studies on the anticancer properties of rooibos tea.
Strengthens Teeth And Bones
Rooibos tea acts as an excellent reinforcer, especially for teeth and bones, thanks to the presence of calcium, magnesium, and fluoride. These benefits are also given by two flavonoids, orient, and luteolin, which increase the mineral content in the bones, strengthening them and supporting their growth. Therefore, it is suitable for those suffering from calcium deficiency, menopausal women, and sportsmen.
Rooibos Tea: How To Prepare It
Its preparation is effortless and takes a few minutes. It can be found, in fact, both in ready-made sachets and in dried leaves (a teaspoon is enough for each 230 ml cup of water) to infuse. In both cases, just 10 minutes of infusion in boiling water is enough to obtain a drink with a veiled taste of hazelnut and mallow. Rooibos tea, low in tannins, has a sweet taste and, therefore, can be drunk naturally without sweeteners; however, you can add a slice of lemon to make it fresher. It can also be prepared pure, therefore with only rooibos leaves or flavored, adding your favorite spices such as cinnamon, ginger, or cloves.
Rooibos: Contraindications
As you can understand, Rooibos tea has many peculiarities that make it inviting from many points of view. It is excellent to start the day with a burst of energy, enjoy it as a hunger breaker during the day, and have a relaxing herbal tea before bed. It has no contraindications when taken in regular doses; it is not recommended in case of liver problems or during chemotherapy but can produce side effects only if consumed in large quantities.
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