In order to be healthy, we need to manage our body the right way. Drinking herbal teas is a healthy practice. Of the numerous herbal teas available, rooibos is one of the most remarkable. Rooibos offers health benefits that will surely amaze you. Read on to find out.
Rooibos, also known as red bush tea, or red tea, is made from the asphalatus linearis plant. Technically, rooibos is not considered as tea since it does not come from the tea plant, camella sinensis. However, the word “tea” has been used to describe herbal infusions or “tisanes” so many people have been calling rooibos tisane as rooibos tea.
Just like green tea, rooibos also contains antioxidants. Rooibos contains chemicals unique to plants called flavonoids, which are responsible for its antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help fight the damaging effects of free radicals in our body. Having antioxidants in our diet puts us at lower risk for developing age-related degenerative diseases and cancer.
Rooibos can help us manage our blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Studies show that rooibos has similar effects to the antihypertensive drug class ACE inhibitors (examples are captopril and enalapril) and it also improves glucose tolerance and lowers fasting blood glucose levels.
In South Africa, rooibos has been used to treat infant colic and allergies. This is supported by studies which reveal that rooibos has antispasmodic and bronchodilating effects. Drinking rooibos can help alleviate coughing caused by allergies and bronchial asthma. Skin allergies and common skin infections such as acne and eczema can also be treated with rooibos. Just apply a cooled teabag to the affected areas and it will help alleviate skin inflammation. Stomach cramps, diarrhea and indigestion can also be relieved by drinking rooibos due to its antispasmodic properties.
Unlike other teas which contain caffeine, rooibos is caffeine-free. Drinking rooibos can help you manage your sleep and rest. It makes you feel calm and relaxed. Drinking rooibos before bedtime can help prevent insomnia and disturbed sleep patterns.
The health benefits of rooibos are one of the reasons why this beverage is becoming famous to people all around the world. Not to mention that this beverage has a mild sweet taste that everyone will love. To manage your health effectively, try drinking rooibos and make it a part of your healthy habit.
Many people might not be familiar with the health benefits that rooibos can provide, however the world is quickly warming up to the drink known as red tea.