{"id":6987,"date":"2019-05-29T21:20:22","date_gmt":"2019-05-29T21:20:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=6987"},"modified":"2021-11-09T16:22:06","modified_gmt":"2021-11-09T16:22:06","slug":"16-healing-powers-of-rooibos-tea","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/16-healing-powers-of-rooibos-tea\/","title":{"rendered":"16 Healing Powers of Rooibos Tea"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Rooibos tea contains chemical compounds, antioxidants, and enzymes that reduce inflammation while boosting the immune system. Rooibos tea is also known as bush tea, is made using the long needle leaves from the “Aspalathus linearis” plant, which turn red during the drying process. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The meaning of rooibos means red bush in Afrikaans, one of the 11-official languages of South Africa – and it refers to the vibrant, deep crimson color of rooibos tea. Rooibos plants grow in the mountainous Cederberg region of South Africa, in the Western Cape province, and the Aspalathus linearis plant contains high levels of polyphenols providing numerous health benefits. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rooibos tea has a sweet, nutty flavor with hints of caramel, vanilla, and smoky essence. The tea has a light mouthfeel that’s subtle and not overpowering. It brews into a reddish-brown hue that can be as visually stunning as it is tasty. Rooibos tea is caffeine-free, making it a delicious beverage at any time of the day, even before bed, and rooibos tea is excellent as a hot or iced tea.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Aids Weight Loss<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Drinking rooibos tea<\/a> is an excellent way to have a delicious beverage without putting on the pounds. Each cup of rooibos tea contains only 2 to 4 calories, and you can drink this delightfully smoky tea without worrying about putting on weight. Adding sugar, honey or other sweeteners increases the calorie count, so keep your additions to a minimum.  <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many people drink tea for its soothing properties and delicious taste, and each cup also contains many health benefits. Many types of tea are exceptionally high in beneficial compounds, as they have flavones and catechins, which aid in weight loss. Along with eating a healthy diet and taking regular exercise, a cup or two of rooibos tea helps boost weight loss and prevents the accumulation of adipose tissue. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Boil the kettle and let it cool for 3-minutes to ensure the hot water does not damage the antioxidants. Brew the tea for 5-minutes to release the beneficial polyphenols in rooibos. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2.<\/strong> Improves the Appearance of Skin<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Rooibos tea contains alpha hydroxy acid, one of the main ingredients in skin treatments<\/a>, including those chemical peels you get at your dermatologist’s office. Not particularly common in foods, the high concentration of alpha hydroxy acid found in rooibos tea aids in skincare routines, and helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rooibos tea has a soothing effect on the nervous system, reducing irritation and redness resulting in more even-toned Skin. Rooibos tea contains zinc, which has shown the potential to assist in the treatment of common skin conditions such as eczema and acne. The superoxide dismutase has anti-aging properties and helps to slow down the effects of the aging process. Superoxide dismutase, an enzyme that produces healthy cells works alongside other antioxidants in rooibos tea to fight the free radicals that accelerate aging. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you need a face wash or a body soak, make a pot of Rooibos tea using three cups of boiled water and two teabags and pour it into a bowl. Wash your face when it cools down, and use the tea bags as eye pads or gentle shower scrubs. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Alleviates Pain<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Besides its great taste, rooibos is an excellent alternative to regular teas, as it contains no caffeine<\/a>.  It is low in the potential irritant tannin, and it’s high in antioxidants – substances that protect the body from damage. Rooibos can benefit in warding off the symptoms of pain and swelling produced by many painful inflammatory conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rooibos tea contains antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties that reduce inflammation and aches and pains \u2014 the antispasmodic compounds in rooibos tea help to diminish abdominal pain by activating potassium ions throughout the body. By reducing inflammation, rooibos can also aid in treating the painful symptoms of arthritis. Rooibos tea is high in vitamin C, which repairs collagen and connective tissue in the joints. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rooibos contains a few different types of antioxidants, including quercetin, which has significant anti-inflammatory properties. For sensitive stomachs, rooibos will help especially with colitis inflammation, stomach cramps, and colic.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rooibos also contains antioxidants aspalathin and nothofagin, which help lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol and reduce anxiety.  Research is ongoing as to the tea’s potential benefits. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Allergies<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Taking a tea break is a health-enhancing activity that is not only relaxing but also rich in antioxidants. Redbush tea, a caffeine-free variety, known as rooibos, has been touted for its many health benefits. Drinking rooibos tea also relieves allergy <\/a>symptoms and is a natural, safe and healthy alternative to synthetic antihistamines found at the drug store.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Antihistamine properties called quercetin are from rooibos tea, and it curbs symptoms of allergies, such as congestion, a runny nose, and sneezing associated with hay fever and allergic rhinitis.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This South African brew also contains a bioactive flavonoid known as chrysoberyl, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Rooibos tea can help to relieve the feelings of wheezing and coughing that are caused by allergic rhinitis and asthma.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quercetin blocks mast cells, which are responsible for releasing histamine, the main element that triggers an allergic response. Rooibos tea does works as an antihistamine, without the drowsy side effects. While not a replacement for allergy treatments, drinking a few cups of rooibos tea every day can limit your body’s immune response that triggers allergies.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Helps Build Strong Bones<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Like many herbal teas and tisanes, rooibos tea contains minerals such as calcium<\/a>, fluoride, and manganese that help build strong bones. These minerals produce increased activity of osteoblast cells, which are responsible for building bone mass.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

While many teas contain these minerals that help protect healthy bones and prevent diseases such as arthritis and osteoporosis, rooibos contains two other compounds that are more beneficial to bone health. It includes the flavonoids luteolin and orientin, which have been shown to have the potential to increase mineral content in bones. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A study published found that drinking tea regularly, over a long period increased bone density in women by an average of 5-percent. When drinking tea, it has high fluoride content. Remember that fluoride is toxic and accumulates in your bones and joints, thus affecting bone density. Boiling the water increases fluoride concentration.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Choosing organic tea reduces harmful effects. Instead of adding sugar to your tea, add alkalizing bone-healthy stevia or honey.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6.<\/strong> Streamlines Digestion<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some people have the misfortune of battling digestive problems. The increasing incidence of illnesses such as chronic acid reflux, and celiac disease<\/a>, show no signs of stopping. However, there is increasing support for the digestive benefits of drinking tea with your meals. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rooibos tea contains nutrients that are antispasmodic, which in turn helps to prevent stomach pains. A study showed that compounds such as orientin, quercetin, and vitexin helped to relax the digestive system while relieving feelings of discomfort. The same study demonstrated that tannins in rooibos tea had the potential to reduce symptoms of diarrhea.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rooibos tea also has beneficial effects on our immune system. It’s full of vitamins and minerals that help support immune function and fend off invading pathogens that can make you sick. Rooibos may be useful in eliminating pathogens that cause stomach upset and diarrhea. For digestive problems we recommend you drink at least three cups of rooibos tea a day.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Control or Prevent Diabetes<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Drinking rooibos tea can help keep diabetes in check or prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes<\/a>. A 2013 study showed that polyphenols in rooibos tea work to regulate blood sugar levels and increase glucose tolerance. Even though the drink won’t cure diabetes, it can help decrease insulin resistance and improve symptoms. Rooibos tea has the potential to delay, prevent, and reduce the progression of Type-2 diabetes.   <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Diabetes is among the most prevalent diseases of our time. Roughly one in 14 people aged between 21 and 79 suffer from this condition. Some people are unaware that they have diabetes and live with high blood sugar levels, which increases the likelihood of developing diabetic complications.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The research found that aspalathin-enriched extract of green-rooibos lowered blood glucose levels. Aspalathin, a phenolic compound found in the rooibos plant, has been shown to contribute to the biological benefits of rooibos. It has tremendous value to diabetics as it could help reduce the risk of developing Type-2 diabetes and diabetes-associated cardiovascular disease. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8.<\/strong> Supports Heart Health<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Rooibos tea is excellent for the health of your heart. It helps to keep blood circulation at optimal levels. Rooibos contains the chrysoberyl flavonoid <\/a>that is a bronchodilator. This compound is an active agent for increasing blood flow and lowering high blood pressure. The relaxing effects of rooibos tea open blood vessels while antioxidants work to lower bad cholesterol.  <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A 2015 study credits aspalathin with regulating symptoms of diabetes and could prevent dangerous illnesses including cardiovascular disease and heart attacks. Aspalathin reduces the risk of hypertension through hormone regulation. This polyphenol helps to prevent vascular inflammation that restricts blood flow to the heart. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a study, 40 people at risk of coronary heart disease drank six cups of rooibos tea throughout the day.  After six weeks, several blood tests showed improvements. Blood levels of the cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol, the “bad” cholesterol had decreased, while levels of HDL-cholesterol “good” cholesterol had increased. These changes are associated with reducing the risk of developing heart disease.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. No Stimulatory Effect on the Nervous System<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It might surprise you to learn that tea has a higher caffeine content than coffee. The caffeine in tea has more of a subtle effect on your body than coffee, but it does stimulate the central nervous system<\/a>. A few cups of tea at night can keep you awake like a cup of coffee if you have a low caffeine sensitivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rooibos tea doesn’t contain any caffeine like other breakfast tea brands. However, it makes an excellent breakfast tea. Serve it black with no milk or sugar, and enjoy the natural flavor of the “Red Bush.” If you like things sweeter, add some raw honey to suit your taste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rooibos is one of the few herbal teas that work with milk, and adding a few South African “rusks” to a cup of milky rooibos tea is a local staple in its country of origin. If you have caffeine sensitivity, try rooibos tea as an alternative for your breakfast or afternoon tea break.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Stops Systemic Inflammation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Systemic inflammation starts in the digestive system. When we eat foods consisting of refined carbohydrates <\/a>and bad fats, they create inflammation in the digestive system. As a result, the intestinal wall expands, and harmful cytokines escape the digestive system where they create inflammation all over the body. The increase in inflammation also triggers autoimmune disorders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have an autoimmune disorder, eating a diet high in refined carbs and unhealthy fats increases the frequency and intensity of your attacks of disease. People who reduce their consumption of these foods drop digestive inflammation, resulting in lower systemic inflammation and fewer autoimmune disease episodes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adding a few cups of rooibos tea to your daily diet reduces digestive inflammation, reducing systemic inflammation levels across the body. Change your diet and start drinking a cup of hot rooibos tea with your meals\u2014the polyphenol antioxidants in the rooibos tea aid with digestion, preventing the onset of inflammatory disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Prevents Constipation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Around 4-million people across the United States are dealing with constipation <\/a>at any given time. Constipation is the most common digestive complaint in the US, with more complaints than any other chronic digestive disorder. Constipation happens to everyone at some point in their life. However, some people find they have to deal with frequent bouts of the conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Certain digestive disorders make individuals more prone to constipation than others. Adding rooibos tea into your diet can reduce digestive and systemic inflammation levels, relieving the effects of constipation in affected individuals. The polyphenol antioxidants found in rooibos tea aid with digestion and proper function of the GI tract.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, if you deal with frequent constipation, try adding a few cups of rooibos tea to your diet. If you’re feeling constipated, try brewing a strong batch of tea. Rooibos has a light flavor, and brewing a strong batch with a few teabags gets more of the polyphenols into the tea without making the flavor intolerable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Cancer-Fighting Properties<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

According to data from Cancer.gov, doctors across the United States will diagnose more than 1.8-million cases of cancer in 2021. The organization expects more than 600,000 cancer-related deaths to occur in 2021. Of all the types of cancer<\/a>, colorectal cancer is most prevalent in men, and it’s the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death in the US.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Colorectal cancer is challenging to identify. By the time doctors diagnose it in patients, it’s usually in the later stages of the disease, making treatment complicated for the affected individual. Colorectal cancer causes massive amounts of pain and inflammation in the digestive system and it’s often fatal if not detected early.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is convincing research showing the polyphenol antioxidants in rooibos tea provide a protective effect against the formation of colorectal cancer. A study by Stellenbosch University published in 2014 shows people exposed to the sun’s UV rays for large portions of the day can benefit from using a moisturizing cream containing rooibos extract. The antioxidants in the cream provide a protective effect against the formation of skin cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Maintain Mineral Balance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your nervous system relies on a delicate mineral balance for optimal function. When the mineral balance experiences a disruption, it can lead to severe adverse health effects like seizures<\/a>. We get minerals from the food we eat. However, many of us are deficient in critical minerals tanks to a fast-food diet and an unhealthy lifestyle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, changing your diet to include healthy options can bring your mineral balance back into the optimal range. Rooibos tea is rich in magnesium, and calcium, which is essential for mineral balance and maintains bone density and muscular response to the nervous system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rooibos is also rich in zinc, which is a potent immune-booster. The tea also contains high iron levels, allowing for optimal blood flow and circulation throughout the body. Most black teas contain tannins that prevent the body’s absorption of iron. However, rooibos has half the tannins of other dark teas, allowing for better absorption of the iron in the tea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Protects the Liver<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People who have liver problems should consider adding rooibos tea to their diet. When the liver <\/a>experiences elevated enzyme levels, it leads to the start of fatty liver disease in the affected individual. Fatty liver disease is a potentially life-threatening condition if the affected individual doesn’t change their lifestyle and seek treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If left untreated and unmanaged, fatty liver disease can progress into liver cirrhosis or the formation of cancerous tumors. Patients with fatty liver disease require treatment using a blend of herbal supplements and pharmaceutical medications. Treatment could take a few weeks or a few months, depending on the severity of the condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fortunately, rooibos tea helps to restore and regenerate liver cells. Since the liver is a regenerative organ, adding rooibos tea to your diet will speed your liver’s recovery to normal function. Rooibos tea can also act as a preventative measure against liver disease and dysfunction. The tea polyphenols help optimize organ health, ensuring your liver copes with your body’s demands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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15. How to Brew Rooibos Tea<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

To brew rooibos tea, you can purchase processed tea in quantity or individual teabags. Some of the more popular South African brands include Freshpak and Five Roses. Boil your kettle and let the water settle for three minutes to cool. Pouring boiling water on the rooibos tea might result in it damaging the polyphenol <\/a>antioxidants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After adding the water to the tea, leave it to steep for two minutes for a medium-strength brew. Steeping the tea for three to five minutes creates a much stronger flavor profile and aroma to the tea. We recommend trying the tea black. It has a naturally sweet flavor and light taste that clears your mind and rejuvenates the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rooibos also makes a fantastic cold tea. Add it to the ice with some lemon slices, and enjoy the tasty beverage. Infuse other fruits like peaches and berries into the tea to create different flavor profiles to suit your taste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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