Red Rooibos Tea-Good For You?
There’s something about that mid morning moment, when you need to take a break, stretch, breath and refocus. I love brewing a cup of tea that is caffeine free yet energizing. One of my go to teas is Red Rooibos Sunshine Herbal Tea Blend
Rooibos tea, pronounced Roy-boss, may be less well known than its true tea cousins, but it offers excellent health benefits and a delicate, smokey, sweet, and aromatic flavor. This tea contains antioxidants, enzymes, and chemical compounds that have many positive health benefits. Is it good for you? Let’s take a look at the following benefits.
Health Benefits of Red Rooibos Tea
Stress RelieverSupports Heart HealthHigh in AntioxidantsAnti-inflammatory PropertiesGood for Your BonesCaffeine FreeAids in Allergy ReliefCan Help Relieve Digestive IssuesPromotes Healthy SkinSupports Weight LossMay Help Reduce the Risk of CancerMay Help Balance Blood Sugar
1. Stress Reducer
Rooibos tea has been shown to help regulate cortisol levels in the body. Studies have found that consuming Rooibos tea can lead to a decrease in cortisol production, helping to alleviate stress-related symptoms. The exact mechanisms behind this effect are not yet fully understood but may be attributed to the presence of certain bioactive compounds in Rooibos tea.
In addition to its potential role in reducing cortisol levels, Rooibos tea also contains other compounds that may contribute to its stress-relieving properties. For example, it is rich in antioxidants such as aspalathin and nothofagin, which have been shown to have calming effects on the nervous system. These antioxidants help protect cells from oxidative damage caused by stress and promote overall well-being.
2. Heart Health
Red Rooibos offers potential benefits for overall heart health due to its natural compounds called polyphenols, that have the ability to lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels. By reducing blood pressure, rooibos may help prevent the damage to blood vessels and arteries that can lead to heart disease, stroke, and heart attacks. Additionally, its impact on cholesterol levels can aid in maintaining a healthy balance between LDL and HDL cholesterol, reducing the risk of blocked arteries and related health concerns.
3.Antioxident Powerhouse
Red Rooibos is loaded with naturally occurring compounds known as polyphenols. known for their antioxidant properties. One of the main types of polyphenols found in tea is catechins. Catechins belong to a subgroup of polyphenols called flavonoids. They have been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Antioxidants help protect the body's cells from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals. By neutralizing these free radicals, catechins may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and certain types of cancer.
4. Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Red rooibos contains a variety of polyphenols, including aspalathin, nothofagin, quercetin, luteolin, and orientin. Research has shown that these polyphenols can help reduce inflammation in the body by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory molecules. Red rooibos has been found to inhibit certain enzymes that are involved in the inflammatory process. By inhibiting these enzymes, red rooibos can help alleviate inflammation.
Red rooibos also has immune-modulating properties, meaning it can help regulate the immune system's response to inflammation. It has been found to modulate the production of cytokines, which are signaling molecules involved in immune responses. By balancing the immune response, red rooibos can help reduce excessive inflammation.
5. Healthy Bones
Red Rooibos Tea is rich in minerals like calcium, manganese, and fluoride, which play a crucial role in the development of strong bones. These minerals stimulate osteoblast cells, responsible for building robust bone mass. While many teas contain these essential minerals that contribute to maintaining healthy bones and preventing conditions such as osteoporosis and arthritis, rooibos tea offers additional compounds that are particularly beneficial for bone health. The flavonoids luteolin and orientin present in rooibos have demonstrated the potential to enhance the mineral content in bones.
6. No Caffeine
Reducing caffeine intake can have several potential benefits for overall health and well-being. Improved sleep quality, reduced anxiety and jitters, balanced energy levels (no “Crash”), improved hydration and reduced dependency on caffeine. By gradually reducing caffeine intake, individuals can break the cycle of dependency and potentially reduce withdrawal symptoms, such as headaches and irritability.
7. Histamine Blocker
Allergic rhinitis and asthma are conditions characterized by an overactive immune response to certain allergens. Rooibos tea contains another flavonoid called Quercetin, which plays a role in preventing the triggering of allergies in the first place. Quercetin acts by blocking mast cells, which are responsible for releasing histamine, the primary element that triggers an allergic response.
Rooibos tea can be considered as a natural antihistamine without the drowsy side effects commonly associated with many over-the-counter allergy medications.
8. Healthy Tummy
One of the notable properties of rooibos tea is its antispasmodic effects, which can help prevent stomach pains and provide relief from discomfort. The antispasmodic properties of rooibos tea are attributed to the presence of certain compounds, such as quercetin, orientin, and vitexin. Quercetin is a flavonoid that possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These properties can help prevent stomach pains and provide relief from discomfort. The presence of tannins in rooibos tea suggests its potential to alleviate symptoms of diarrhea. Additionally, the immune-boosting properties of rooibos tea make it a valuable beverage for supporting immune function and combating pathogens that may lead to gastrointestinal issues.
9. Hello Beautiful Skin
Rooibos tea contains various beneficial compounds for skin health. Sipping and doing a facial tea steam could give your skin a healthy glow. One of these compounds is alpha hydroxy acid, which is not commonly found in foods. Alpha hydroxy acid in rooibos tea can be advantageous for your skincare routine as it has the potential to reduce wrinkles. This acid works by exfoliating the skin, promoting cell turnover, and improving the overall texture and appearance of the skin.
Rooibos tea also contains zinc. Zinc has been shown to have potential benefits in treating common skin conditions such as eczema and acne. It’s anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe irritated skin and reduce redness and inflammation associated with these conditions.
Another beneficial component found in rooibos tea is superoxide dismutase. This enzyme has anti-aging properties and plays a role in slowing down the development of wrinkles. Superoxide dismutase works by promoting the production of healthy skin cells, which helps maintain a youthful appearance for longer periods. Furthermore, it collaborates with other antioxidants present in rooibos tea to combat free radicals that can accelerate the aging process.
10. Supports Weight Loss
Red Rooibos Tea is high in antioxidants that help reduce inflammation. By reducing inflammation, the body's metabolism can function more efficiently, which may contribute to weight loss. Additionally, antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals, which can damage cells and contribute to weight gain. Red Rooibos tea has been associated with stress reduction due to its calming properties has been found to have potential benefits in regulating blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels can lead to increased hunger and cravings for sugary foods, which can contribute to weight gain. By helping to stabilize blood sugar levels,
Red Rooibos tea may help control appetite and reduce the likelihood of overeating. Red Rooibos tea is naturally low in calories and sugar, making it a suitable choice for those watching their calorie intake. Staying hydrated is an essential aspect of maintaining a healthy weight. Drinking Red Rooibos tea can contribute to overall hydration as it is a liquid beverage. Proper hydration helps to regulate metabolism, aids digestion, and supports the body's natural detoxification processes. By replacing sugary drinks or calorie-dense beverages with Red Rooibos tea, individuals can reduce their calorie intake and potentially support weight loss.
11. Anti-Cancer
Red rooibos tea has been found to have numerous health benefits, including its ability to prevent cancer. The antioxidants present in the tea, such as aspalathin and nothofagin, have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
One study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that aspalathin inhibited the growth of human breast cancer cells and induced apoptosis (cell death) in those cells. Another study published in the journal Nutrition and Cancer found that nothofagin inhibited the growth of colon cancer cells and reduced the formation of blood vessels in tumors.
Additionally, red rooibos tea contains a compound called polyphenol, which has been shown to have anti-cancer properties. Polyphenols are powerful antioxidants that can neutralize free radicals and protect cells from damage.
12.Balanced Blood Sugar
One of the potential benefits of red rooibos tea is its ability to help prevent diabetes. Several studies have suggested a positive association between the consumption of this tea and a reduced risk of developing diabetes.
Red rooibos tea contains various bioactive compounds that may contribute to its potential anti-diabetic properties. These compounds include aspalathin, nothofagin, and polyphenols, which have been found to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Antioxidants help protect the body against oxidative stress, which plays a role in the development of diabetes and its complications.
Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties of red rooibos tea may help reduce inflammation in the body, which is associated with insulin resistance and diabetes. Red rooibos tea has been shown to increase insulin sensitivity by activating the insulin receptor and improving glucose uptake in the body. This helps to regulate blood sugar levels and prevent spikes in blood sugar.
Over all, I would put Red Rooibos Tea in the Good for you column that can be enjoyed as part of a healthy balanced diet and lifestyle!
Note: As with all herbal teas, if you are taking any medication, have any medical conditions, are pregnant or nursing, PLEASE consult your health care professional before drinking. This post is not meant to diagnose or treat any disease.
Do your research, there are many good reliable sources to verify and cross reference. A few of my favorite are:
Herbal Academy www.theherbalacademy.com
Herbal Remedies Journalwww.herbalremediesjournal.com
National Center for Biotechnology Information www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Mayo Clinic www.mayoclinic.org
