5 Reasons You Should Drink Rooibos Tea
Rooibos is a tea that is rapidly growing in popularity — and for good reason. It's rich in vitamins and minerals, naturally sweet, and completely caffeine free. But there's so much more to this remarkable botanical than meets the eye.
What is Rooibos Tea?
Rooibos is an herbal tea that originated in South Africa and has a naturally sweet and earthy flavor. There are two kinds of rooibos: green and red. They come from the same plant and share many of the same healthful properties, but what differentiates them is their curing process. Red rooibos is oxidized, while green rooibos is dried right after it is picked. Both are exceedingly rich in antioxidants, which bring a wide range of benefits to the body.
5 Reasons to Drink Rooibos Tea
At Seelect Tea, the benefits of rooibos are something we've long appreciated. Here are a few that we think you'll find particularly relevant to your own wellness journey.
Rooibos Tea for Weight Management
Rooibos tea is naturally sweet, making it a wonderful alternative for those looking to reduce their sugar intake. It's low in calories and caffeine free, which may help reduce the stress hormones in your body that can trigger hunger and fat storage. Green rooibos in particular supports the digestive and gastrointestinal system, promoting a healthier gut and easing bloating and constipation.
Rooibos Tea for Your Hair
Rooibos is rich in minerals including copper, zinc, calcium, and potassium — all of which are beneficial to hair health. These minerals help strengthen hair roots, support healthy growth, and copper in particular has traditionally been associated with slowing the onset of gray hair.
Rooibos Tea for Your Skin
Zinc, alpha hydroxy acid, and superoxide dismutase are among the minerals found in rooibos that are known for their anti-aging properties. Zinc and alpha hydroxy acid help rejuvenate and strengthen the skin, while superoxide dismutase supports healthier skin cell production. Red rooibos in particular, with its high levels of flavonoids, has traditionally been used to help with skin conditions such as eczema and acne.
Rooibos Tea for Your Immune System
Rooibos contains anti-inflammatory properties and a high level of antioxidants. Polyphenols — part of what gives rooibos its anti-inflammatory character — may help lower inflammation associated with heart issues and other conditions, support healthy cholesterol levels, and help maintain healthy blood pressure. Its antioxidants also help keep free radicals in check, which is important for long-term wellness.
Rooibos Tea for Pregnancy
Calcium, magnesium, and a wealth of antioxidants make rooibos a popular choice among expecting mothers. These minerals have traditionally been associated with easing acid reflux, nausea, and constipation — all common during pregnancy. And because rooibos is completely caffeine free, it's a tea that mothers can feel good about enjoying throughout their pregnancy.
Additional Benefits
Rooibos has long been used as a folk remedy to help reduce anxiety and stress, relieve allergies, treat asthma, improve bone strength, and support restful sleep. While clinical studies on humans are still limited, the science behind the minerals that make up rooibos suggests that this remarkable tea has significant potential to support your overall health and wellbeing.
How to Brew Rooibos Tea
Brewing rooibos is simple. Boil 8 ounces of water, add 1½ teaspoons of rooibos tea leaves, and let it steep for 4 to 5 minutes. Stir well and strain into your cup. Because rooibos is naturally sweet, we recommend tasting it before adding any sweeteners — you may find you don't need them at all.
Are There Any Side Effects of Drinking Rooibos Tea?
As with anything, moderation is key. Rooibos contains minimal amounts of phytoestrogens, which mimic the female hormone estrogen, and may not be suitable for those with estrogen-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer. Excessive consumption has also been associated with increased liver enzyme activity in some cases. As always, we encourage you to drink responsibly and consult your physician before adding any new supplement or herbal tea to your routine, particularly if you are taking medication.
