Health Benefits of Red Rooibos Tea Nobody have Told You Before!

5 min read

Health benefits of red rooibos tea

Tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world and has many varieties available in different corners of the world. One such variety gaining popularity among tea lovers is Rooibos Tea. Rooibos tea contains a myriad of health benefits and has a smooth, aromatic flavor with a hint of vanilla in it. If you want to know about the health benefits of red rooibos tea, keep reading!

Drinking tea has been an age-old practice in India. This healthy beverage is prepared differently in different parts of India. Masala chai is most famous among all the other varieties made by mixing herbs, spices, cinnamon, and cloves. Green tea and herbal tea has been used in Ayurveda medicine and is a trendsetter for weightloss regimen. But aren’t you curious to know the mind-blowing benefits of red rooibos tea nobody had tell you?

Let’s dive straight!

What Is Red Rooibos Tea?

red tea rooibos hibiscus karkade glass cup teapot among dry tea leaf 117645 1883

Rooibos tea is also known as red tea or red bush tea is made using leaves of Aspalathus linearis shrub which is grown on the western coast of South Africa. This tea is famous in Africa and is on the verge of becoming a commonly consumed beverage on the planet after ordinary tea (Camellia sinensis).

The long needle-like leaves of the shrub are picked, bruised, and fermented thus giving the tea its characteristic red color. This led to the Afrikaans’ name rooibos, which means “red bush”. Green rooibos tea is also consumed, which is made using leaves that are not fermented. 

This type contains more levels of polyphenol antioxidants because red rooibos tea loses some antioxidants during the fermentation process. Green rooibos tea was developed to maximize the antioxidants levels in response to the recent interest in the health benefits that it provides. Unfermented rooibos tea has a tan/yellow color and it has a flavor similar to green tea. 

Uses Of Red Rooibos Tea

Fermented rooibos is used for the production of extracts which can be used predominantly in beverages and functional foods. Its aroma extract is used to flavor beverages. Some of the food and beverage products like yogurt, ice-tea, and jam contain rooibos extract. 

The higher levels of antioxidants in the green rooibos tea combined with its caffeine-free status make it popular in tea blends and cosmetic products.

How Does The Red Rooibos Tea Taste?

woman bathrobe holding cup hot tea outumn mood 273443 3100

Red and green rooibos tea are sold as organic or conventionally grown, loose or in tea bags, and plain or flavored. Based on cut length, flavor, and color, this tea is graded accordingly, with the highest grade labeled as “super grade”. The tea has a smooth, non-bitter flavor that is good hot or chilled.  

The unfermented type has a mild green tea-like taste; the fermented type has a bit varied taste, fruity, and stronger sweet. The variety of rooibos available in the market is not organic, however, some fruit juice or organic herbs and spices can be mixed to flavor the unflavored organic rooibos tea.

Pharmaceutical product application of rooibos has not been exploited yet but opportunities are likely to emerge because of the recent trend towards phytopharmaceuticals. Rooibos extract is usually combined with other ingredients and is available in pill form, which can be categorized as dietary supplements. 

Best Alternative For Caffeine

As rooibos tea is a caffeine-free herbal tea, it is the best alternative for people looking to avoid the intake of caffeine completely. Lots of caffeine consumption leads to sleep deprivation, increases anxiety, causes jitteriness, and heart palpitations. Due to this Rooibos tea can be consumed which is known to relieve stress and hypertension. Click to know more about onion peels tea!

Currently, rooibos tea is gaining popularity in the International market due to its antioxidant activity and pleasant flavor. Due to a large number of products competing in the market for their antioxidant levels, the rooibos tea market is now more interested in using polyphenol and antioxidant activity for marketing, also quality control of extracts for the nutraceutical and cosmetics market.  

8 Health Benefits Of Red Rooibos Tea

1.Powerhouse Of Antioxidants

health benefits of red rooibos tea
Rich In Antioxidants

Free radicals are unstable molecules that have the potential to damage DNA, leading to cancer, heart attack, and stroke. Antioxidants bind to these free radicals before they can cause any further harm to the cells. One group of antioxidants is called polyphenol because these substances contain a phenolic ring in their chemical structure. The polyphenol group is further divided into subgroups such as the flavonoids, and the flavonoid group can be broken down into yet more subgroups. There are many polyphenols present in rooibos tea as confirmed in certain laboratory studies.

Rooibos tea contains about 60 to 80 mg of polyphenols, which varies depending on the number of leaves used and the brewing time. Different types of tea contain different types of polyphenols. So the potential of each tea cannot be determined solely based on polyphenolic content. 

Red rooibos tea is packed with antioxidants like aspalathin and quercetin. The only natural source of aspalathin known today is in rooibos. These antioxidants protect cells from free radicals, eventually reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancer.

Aspalathin helps in reducing the risk of vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis.  

Although red rooibos tea is infused with many antioxidants, it is to be kept in mind that green rooibos tea has double the amount of antioxidants, as it does not undergo the fermentation process.

2. Helps In Managing Diabetes

Health benefits of red rooibos tea
Prevent Diabetes

One of the most useful health benefits of Rooibos tea is that it keeps blood sugar levels under control. The antioxidant aspalathin has antidiabetic potential. It helps balance blood sugar and also improves insulin resistance and glucose absorption by the muscles. Therefore being an ideal defensive shield against developing type 2 diabetes. 

A patent application was filed in Japan for use of rooibos extract as an anti-diabetic agent.

3. Good For Skin

Health benefits of red rooibos tea
Health benefits of red Rooibos tea- Good For Skin

Rooibos tea can improve skin appearance and texture. It contains alpha hydroxy acid which can be a beneficial aid in a skincare routine and also help in reducing wrinkles. This is one of the most proven health benefits of red rooibos tea.

This tea also offers a soothing effect thereby reducing redness and rashes on the skin giving a more even-toned skin. 

Rooibos tea also contains zinc which has the potential to cure eczema and acne. 

Furthermore, superoxide dismutase enzyme is present in this tea. It has anti-aging properties and helps to slow down the development of wrinkles, thereby producing healthy skin cells that can make you look younger. 

Superoxide dismutase and antioxidants together are a powerful combination that can help to fight free radicals, which can accelerate the aging process. 

4. Alleviates Pain

 

Health benefits of red rooibos tea
Prevent Abdominal Cramps

One of the health benefits of Red rooibos tea is that it has anti-inflammatory properties. The anti-spasmodic compounds present in the tea can help in reducing abdominal pain like stomach cramps. It acts by activating potassium ions throughout the body. Rooibos tea can be an effective home remedy for treating cramps during periods.

5. Controls Allergies

Health benefits of red rooibos tea
Prevents Allergies

Additionally, Rooibos tea contains a bioactive flavonoid named chrysoeriol which has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects. This tea also contains a flavonoid called quercetin which helps in preventing allergies from triggering. 

6. Heart-Friendly Properties

Health benefits of red rooibos tea
Keeps Heart Healthy

Rooibos tea has beneficial effects on maintaining blood pressure. It does so by inhibiting the Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). This enzyme causes blood vessels to contract and blood pressure to rise. It may also boost heart health by improving cholesterol levels.  

7. Free Of Oxalic Acid And Low In Tannins

 

Health benefits of red rooibos tea
Prevents Kidney Stones

Red rooibos contains no oxalic acid so it can be consumed without any worry of kidney stone occurrence.  Also, rooibos tea has a low amount of tannins. Tannins are polyphenols and are responsible for color and some of the flavors in tea. They are normally found in the roots, leaves, and fruits of plants. This natural compound interferes with the absorption of certain nutrients like iron. As rooibos tea contains a lower amount of tannins, it can be consumed freely.

8. Improves Bone Health

Health benefits of red rooibos tea
Improve Bone Health

Additionally, Rooibos tea contains lots of minerals like magnesium which is essential for the nervous system, calcium, and manganese which is required for strong teeth and bones.

It contains zinc which is essential for metabolism and immune system, and iron which helps blood and muscles get oxygen to all cells. 

This tea is rich in calcium and manganese which assists in the formation of good bone structure and the growth of strong teeth. This can further help reduce the chances of arthritis, osteoporosis, and chronic joint pain. 

A study published in the Royal Society of Chemistry journal, proved that effect of black, green, and rooibos tea on osteoblast activity. The outcome was that it improved osteoblast activity and may benefit bone health. 

Conclusion

To conclude, red rooibos tea and hibiscus tea are excellent alternatives to black and green tea, as it contains no caffeine. As it is caffeine-free, it does not have to undergo the decaffeination process and therefore does not lose any of its polyphenol content. Zero caffeine also means that it can be enjoyed by those who want to avoid the stimulating effects of caffeine completely.

This deep crimson red-colored tea is super rich in polyphenols which aid in boosting the immune system. So whether it be to alleviate pain or to lower stress, a nicely brewed cup of red rooibos tea do all the wonders!

Reference Links:

Elakeya I am a young Physician Associate by career but always love to write! I expertise in medical writing, nutrition, cooking, and even travel and food.
Elakeya I am a young Physician Associate by career but always love to write! I expertise in medical writing, nutrition, cooking, and even travel and food.

Parental Guide: 7 Steps To Give Baby Bath And…

Having passed this stage myself, I have explored the entirety of the above inquiries from a dermatologist perspective and condensed them in this article....
Kaaveri
1 min read

Parental Guide: 5 Methods To Treat Diaper Rash

Being a dermatologist and a mother, I comprehend that each phase of bringing your youngster rises in another test; from battling through restless evenings...
Kaaveri
1 min read

5 Main Causes Of White Hair

Due to stress physical and mental pressure and stress can cause turning of grey hair. 1. Prescriptions: Premature turning grey of hair can be...
Kaaveri
27 sec read

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *