Rooibos Tea: 20 Health Benefits of the Red Bush Herb

From the land of the wild, South Africa, comes an unassuming yet salutary herbal tea made from the stems and leaves of the rooibos plant, also known as the red bush. Conventionally, rooibos is a legume, but people commonly consume it the form of tea. Though initially popular only in South Africa, the demand for rooibos tea is increasing immensely in other parts of the globe with every passing day, owing to its pleasant taste, distinctive flavor and copious health benefits.

Rooibos Tea Benefits For Health – Top 20:

Rooibos tea is famous for its myriad health benefits across the world. The greatest benefit of rooibos tea is that it is caffeine-free and thus is free from the common side-effects – such as insomnia, anxiety, mood swings, acidity, and an elevated heart rate – of caffeine-rich beverages. Whether you want to consume rooibos tea with milk or without milk depends on your choice. While you enjoy the revitalizing dose of your rooibos tea cuppa, rest assured that your mind and body are also experiencing a remarkable nutrient boost.

Here are some of the health benefits of rooibos tea:

1. It Reduces The Risk Of Cancer Due To Its High Antioxidant Content:

A study conducted by Nutrition and Cancer in 2011 discovered the cancer preventive ability of unfermented rooibos when it helped reduce the size of papilloma esophageal in rats.

This protective benefit of rooibos is due to the counteractive activity of its flavonoid groups on cancer cells. Rooibos also contains antioxidants that protect the body cells from oxidative damage and hence lower the risk of cancer.

2. It Delays Aging By Lowering Oxidative Stress:

Drinking rooibos tea helps you in staying young and energetic. Though one cannot stop the biological clock from ticking, healthy habits can surely prevent premature aging. The antioxidants present in rooibos tea prevent oxidative stress, one of the biggest causes of premature aging.

3. It Boosts The Immune System Due To Its High Antioxidant And Low Caffeine Content:

Here’s another benefit of the high antioxidant content in rooibos tea. Being rich in immune-boosting antioxidants like vitamin C and E, along with antioxidants like aspalathin, chromium and nothofagin, rooibos tea helps keep infections at bay. In addition to being caffeine-free, rooibos tea also has very low levels of tannin. Together, these properties help a great deal in boosting the immune system.

4. It Helps Treat Gout By Lowering The Activity Of Xanthine Oxidase:

Here’s something that may help treat gout and relieve you of the acute pain! Rooibos can lower the activity of xanthine oxidase in the body, which is responsible for converting purine to uric acid. Excessive build-up of uric acid can lead to gout.

5. It Heals Sunburns Because Of Its High Dose Of Alpha Hydroxyl Acid And Zinc:

Though basking in the sun may feel great sometimes, it can also be one of the worst things you can do to your skin! Too much exposure to the sun can make you susceptible to sunburn and even skin cancer. Rooibos tea contains high doses of alpha hydroxyl acid and zinc. When applied topically, both help in soothing inflamed skin caused due to sunburn, eczema and acne.

6. It Treats Scars By Increasing The Flow Of Blood To The Skin:

Acne can be a nightmare! Even when it does go, it leaves its mark(s) (quite literally!) behind. Rooibos tea, when applied topically, helps to treat and reduce scars. Its high antioxidant content increases blood flow to the skin, thereby speeding the healing process. Its anti-inflammatory properties also help in soothing inflamed skin.

7. It Relieves Nervous Tension By Creating A Systemic Balance In The Brain:

Rooibos tea also helps relieve nervous tension because of the presence of magnesium, zinc and iron in it. These minerals help to create a systemic balance in the brain. It thus promotes improved functioning of the nervous system. Rooibos has mild sedative properties that can help you sleep. It is often prescribed as an anti-depressant due to its nerve-calming benefits.

8. It Counters Bronchial Allergies By Improving Airflow To The Lungs:

Rooibos tea is also a natural bronchodilator, a substance that dilates the bronchi and bronchioles, thus improving the flow of air to the lungs and making it easier to breathe. Rooibos, therefore, helps counter the symptoms of asthma and reduces the severity of the condition.

9. It Combats Oxidative Stress Due To Its Antioxidant Activity:

Oxidative stress is the cause of many health hazards, including heart diseases, cancer, diabetes, and other neurodegenerative disorders. Rooibos tea contains antioxidants and polyphenols that help combat oxidative stress and prevent the formation of free radicals. A study by the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that the consumption of fermented rooibos tea can help improve lipid profile and redox status.

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