National Rooibos Day is in full swing, and what better way to celebrate it (besides our roundup of rooibos recipes) than bringing awareness to its amazing health benefits?
It’s one of South Africa’s favourite drinks, and it has quickly gained popularity in international waters, too. With many advocates claiming major health benefits, like being a major antioxidant that can decrease risks of and protect against cancer and heart disease, we thought today is the perfect time to iron out these claims.
Health benefits of rooibos
1. Free from caffeine
Rooibos is naturally free from caffeine, making it the perfect alternative to black or green tea. Moreover, rooibos has lower tannin levels than many other teas. Tannins interfere with the absorption of certain nutrients, such as iron.
2. Jam-packed with antioxidants
Rooibos has high levels of health-promoting antioxidants, aspalathin and quercetin. Studies have shown that these and other antioxidants may reduce the risk of certain chronic conditions, like heart disease and cancer. More evidence has highlighted rooibos’s ability to increase antioxidant levels in your body; however, more research needs to be completed.
3. Prevents the growth of ACEs
Studies have found that rooibos tea may prevent the growth of angiotensin converting enzymes (ACEs). ACEs directly increase blood pressure by causing your blood vessels to contract, potentially leading to heart disease. Consistently drinking rooibos tea may help prevent the growth of these and keep your heart healthy.
4. May reduce the risks of cancer
The antioxidants present in rooibos tea may help prevent cancer cell growth. A 2020 test-tube study on advanced prostate cancer found that green rooibos tea may reduce the migration and invasion of cancer cells. However, more human studies are still needed to understand the full effects of rooibos and its potential benefits for cancer.
5. May benefit people with type 2 diabetes
Another benefit of rooibos’s high antioxidant levels is that it may be beneficial in reducing symptoms of diabetes. A study revealed that rooibos contains flavonoids and aspalathin that may help to lower blood sugar levels. However, more research is needed to understand the exact effects.
Even though more studies need to be done to understand the full effects rooibos has, its definitely a healthy, tasty, and impressive plant! Enjoy a nice hot cuppa with a dash of honey and lemon, or use it to make unexpected dishes for your next dinner party.
Also See: A survey finds that South African men prefer rooibos tea more than beer
A survey finds that South African men prefer rooibos tea more than beer
