Interested in learning more about rooibos tea benefits on health and wellness? Check out what I found about this lovely and delicious tea! Keeping reading to learn more.
I’ve recently been really digging the Starbucks TAZO vanilla rooibos tea. I needed a decaf tea when I went to the store and I wasn’t in the mood to get my usual Refresh. I asked what other decaf teas they had and vanilla rooibos was one of them. I decided on it. I’ve been in love ever since. This brings me to this post – I don’t know anything about Rooibos tea, so I thought it’s a perfect opportunity to learn a bit more about the tea and share what I’ve learned with you guys as well!
What is rooibos tea?
Rooibos Tea is sometimes called: red tea, bush tea, or redbush tea. The herbal tea made from rooibos has been a popular drink in Southern Africa for generations. The plant, Aspalathus linearis, is grown only in a small area in the Western Cape province of South Africa, but during recent years rooibos has become popular in other parts of the world as well. Though not technically a tea, the infusion made from oxidised rooibos leaves is commonly referred to as rooibos tea.
Nutritional facts about Rooibos tea:
- Naturally caffeine-free
- High level of antioxidants
- Low tannin levels (substances present in the seeds and stems of grapes, the bark of some trees, and tea leaves. They are described as interfering with digestive processes)
- Contains a number of phenolic compounds (additional antioxidant activity)
Photo: Wikipemore effective synthetics were found, were used to tan animal hides and turn them into leather.)
Rooibos Tea Benefits:
- cancer fighting benefits of the various types of antioxidants present
- may lower blood pressure
- may help with diabetes
- improves glucose tolerance
- aids in liver tissue regeneration after intoxication (good hangover tea, eh?)
- rooibos tea extract may improve immune defects such as HIV
- prevents DNA damage
- may help prevent/lessen brain damage caused by aging
The health benefits of rooibos tea seem to be mostly due to the flavonoids aspalathin and nothofagin, although other compounds in rooibos may also play a part. Sounds like a good thing. Good to know 🙂 It’s nice to drink rooibos tea then, as it may help with some aging damage which is especially beneficial to older adults. Plus it tastes delicious. Or at least the Starbucks TAZO vanilla rooibos tea does. I’m gonna have to get myself a box of the tea bags for home!
