Rooibos Tea - The Healthy Drink
Nicky Pilkington
This article presents the health benefits of rooibos tea, a refreshing herbal tea indigenous to South Africa.
Rooibos (or red bush tea as it is also known) is not a true tea, but rather is an herb that is indigenous to South Africa. Because of its widely publicized health benefits rooibos tea has grown into a billion dollar export industry.
Rooibos tea has no caffeine and only half the tannin of ordinary tea. Not only is rooibos tea refreshing to drink, it has the advantage of containing minerals and powerful antioxidants.
Japanese scientists studying rooibos tea in the 1960's discovered that it contains a powerful antioxidant that could retard aging, and quercetin, which is believed to have potent anti-inflammatory properties. Rooibos tea also contains aspalathin, which counteracts the atherosclerotic processes that result in heart disease. Marketers in Japan promote rooibos tea as an anti-aging tea and import large quantities.
South Africa researchers found that the polyphenol content in rooibos tea is similar to that of green tea. Polyphenols help protect your body from damage by free radicals.
Rooibos tea helps with general health problems. It relieves digestive problems, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and constipation. The calming effect of rooibos tea alleviates irritability, insomnia and depression. Both pre natal and breast feeding mothers can supplement their intake of manganese, calcium and fluoride by drinking rooibos tea.
Preparation of rooibos tea is the same as ordinary tea. First warm the tea pot with boiling water and then place one teaspoon of rooibos tea or one rooibis tea bag per cup required in the pot. Pour over boiling water and let infuse for a few minutes. The longer it is left before drinking the more antioxidants the tea will contain. Rooibos tea can be served plain, with hot or cold milk or lemon. It can be lightly sweetened with honey or sugar or just left without any sweetening. Rooibos tea also makes a wonderful ice tea.
Next time you are in your health shop or in a department store stocking specialty teas, why not pick up some rooibos tea and try it out?
Additional Resources
From the Author
Find out more about herbs and remedies at Health and Finesse.
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