Rooibos tea has been around for centuries, but health experts are finding out more about its benefits lately.
Rooibos tea, pronounced "ROY-boss" tea, was most popular in Africa for some time. It was most commonly known as red tea or red bush tea. People make it by crushing the leaves of a shrub, said an article from The Healthy.
Red rooibos tea is fermented and has a sweet taste that is like honey. Green rooibos tea, on the other hand, is almost bitter and grassy in flavor, like green tea. It is also greenish-brown in color.
Many advocates have told it can combat cancer, heart disease, and stroke, as reported by the Healthline. But many still wonder if these benefits are backed with evidence.
This article will explore five health benefits of drinking this kind of tea.
According to Medical News Today, rooibos is a caffeine-free tea that makes a good option for pregnant women, children, and those who are sensitive to caffeine.
Even though caffeine has some health perks, not everyone is going to take it well or safely. For some, it can boost performance, focus, and mood.
For others, it can block sleep, worsen anxiety, and cause some physical effects like heart problems. If you're looking for ways to reduce your caffeine intake, this tea is the way to go.
One of the many benefits of rooibos tea is its ability to reduce inflammation, helping people who have aches and pains. It is also helpful for people who have rheumatoid arthritis.
A 2014 study of rats published in PLoS One said rooibos tea might also help protect people from stress-related free radicals. These play a role in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's.
Rooibos tea contains several antioxidants, especially the green variation. Antioxidants are good for health because they help fight off free radicals that damage cells in the body.
In the long run, their effects can also reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. Evidence shows that rooibos tea can increase antioxidants in the body, especially in the liver. But the increase may be small and doesn't last long.
On the contrary, other research efforts suggest that the tea does not affect antioxidant levels in the blood.
Rooibos tea, if not yet fermented, can also help lower glucose levels. The effects have been verified in a study in mice published by Phytomedicine.
With this evidence, it can likely help people with type 2 diabetes. It can help control blood sugar levels, and therefore lower the risk of complications.
The aspalathin in this tea will help people reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, which plays a role in the development of heart problems.
Rooibos tea has antibacterial compounds, vitamins, and minerals such as fluoride, iron, manganese, magnesium, and many others. These compounds help improve skin texture, quality, health, and elasticity.
People who suffer from acne and eczema sometimes find that rooibos tea helps improve their skin condition.
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