| Health Benefits
The enormous health
potential of Rooibos tea is becoming increasingly evident through studies
done by the AICHI Medical University, Japan; the University of the Orange
Free State Department of Chemistry, South Africa; and the University of
Stellenbosch Department of Food Science, South Africa.
According to various
studies, Rooibos contains 37 natural anti-oxidants, minerals, Vitamin C,
alpha-hydroxy acid and no caffeine, and has a very low tannin content.
Since Rooibos contains no
oxalic acid, it can be enjoyed by people suffering from kidney stones.
Scientific research and
controlled case studies have shown that many of the processes leading to
ageing and disease are associated with toxic free oxygen radicals. It has
been found that Rooibos tea contains a substantial amount of Super
oxide Dismutase (SOD), an enzyme which is a prime fighter of Free
Radical Damage. SOD is also capable of preventing fats from changing into
harmful lipid peroxide.
But did you know that Rooibos
tea is an ideal antidote to today's stressful lifestyle? Professional
people daily drink Rooibos tea – either hot or cold – to soothe the
central nervous system, relieve stress and enhance concentration.
Rooibos tea is a perfect
pick-me-up in the morning, a superb thirst-quencher during the day
and at night it helps you to relax and sleep well.
Sports enthusiasts
Sportsmen and women benefit
from drinking Rooibos tea as it replaces essential minerals such as iron,
potassium, zinc and sodium. The alpha-hydroxy acid and zinc in Rooibos tea
promotes a healthy and glowing skin.
Children
Rooibos is excellent for
hyperactive children and at the same time relieves insomnia as it contains
no caffeine. Rooibos tea is a good source of vitamins and minerals. It can
be used as a natural supplement as it contains calcium, magnesium and
fluoride which are essential for the development of strong teeth and
bones. The minerals build healthy strong blood vessels, aid digestion and
prevent tooth decay.
Rooibos is
also an excellent thirst quencher for school children: add it to different
fruit juices for your kids to enjoy throughout the day.
Infants
Babies love the natural
sweet taste of Rooibos tea. Rooibos tea is in fact often given to infants
who are prone to colic and stomach cramps as it is considered to have
significant antispasmodic properties.
The anti-allergic
properties of Rooibos relieve skin irritations such as eczema, nappy rash
and acne.
Anemia is a common problem
during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Rooibos contains low levels of tannin
-- the ingredient in other teas that prevents your body from absorbing the
iron you need. Rooibos therefore increases iron absorption and also
contains iron, potassium and copper - all vital for metabolic functions.
Anti-oxidants
The flavonoids or
anti-oxidants quercetin, luteolin and rutin found in Rooibos are ascribed
with some of the following physiological and therapeutic properties:
anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombosis, anti-viral, anti-neoplastic,
anti-mutagenic, inhibits skin tumor formation and inhibits lipoxygenase.
Incidentally, the flavonoid "aspalathin" is found only in Rooibos
tea.
Herbs containing flavonoids
have traditionally been used to treat capillary and venous disorders,
tiredness of legs, cramps and various skin and circulatory disorders.
Research by Japanese
scientists have also shown beneficial effects relating to constipation,
liver function, blood sugar levels, skin diseases, depression and anxiety.
Low tannins,
caffeine-free
The health properties and
healing power of Rooibos are furthermore ascribed to the low tannin
content and the variety of minerals it contains. A low tannin content
helps to improve iron absorption.
Caffeine
free Rooibos has a soothing effect on the central nervous
system and is therefore strongly recommended for people suffering from
irritability, headaches, disturbed sleeping patterns, insomnia, nervous
tension, mild depression or hypertension.
Soothing effects
Stomach and indigestion
problems like nausea, vomiting, heartburn, stomach ulcers and constipation
are said to be relieved by drinking black Rooibos tea. Its anti-spasmodic
properties seem to relieve stomach cramps and colic in infants.
It also has a soothing
effect on the skin, relieving itching and certain skin irritations like
eczema, nappy rash and acne when directly applied to the affected area.
Those on a
calorie-restricted diet can enjoy its goodness without adding additional
kilojoules.
Since Rooibos contains no
oxalic acid, it can be drunk freely by people suffering from kidney
stones.
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