Made as a tea infusion, Roobios imparts a herbaceous and slightly sweet after taste.
What is rooibos tea?
The word rooibos, rooibostee or rooiboshtee is Afrikaans for ‘red bush tea.’ This is a herb that grows in South Africa that gives a caffeine-free reddish or honey-coloured tea. Rooibos tea has grown very popular for making iced teas and lattes. This tea is popular with people who prefer caffeine-free beverages. It contains fewer tannins than other teas making it less astringent. But rooibos tea contains high levels of antioxidants commensurate with green teas.
Rooibos tea is prepared by fermentation by the leaves which gives the reddish tea. It can also be prepared from unfermented leaves. Rooibos tea is sweet and fruity with a flavour that is almost similar to that of vanilla. The subtle nutty taste makes it ideal for adding some milk, while the sweet flavour makes it tasty enough to drink without sugar though honey is very popular.
Rooibos tea Australia packages are now available from the Tea Leaves Australia Company. Any orders above $75 are delivered for free anywhere in Australia.
What are the health benefits of rooibos tea?
Rooibos tea has high levels of antioxidants including dihydrochalcones (aspalathin and nothofagin) and flavonols (quercetin-3-O-robinobioside, isoquercitrin, rutin). Among other health benefits you will get from regularly drinking this herbal tea include;
- Boosted immunity – The high antioxidant levels make rooibos tea very effective in controlling harmful free radicals in the body. This, in turn, lowers the risk of developing different cancer because radicals are what trigger cell mutations and cancerous growths. Studies in mice have shown Rooibos tea boosting the production of enzyme Q10 which is very useful in inhibiting the growth of cancerous cells.
Aspalathin and nothofagin have antiinflammatory properties which are very useful for people with healing injuries and have a soothing effect for chronic muscular pain. Quercetin is a well-known immunity booster for fighting common ailments like common colds.
- Lowered diabetes risk – Aspalathin helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels and reduces insulin resistance. This means a lowered risk profile for developing type-2 diabetes.
- Weight management – The antioxidants in rooibos tea help in keeping down hunger pangs and accumulation of fat cells. The compounds in rooibos tea are also helpful in controlling the secretion of leptin, which is the hormone that tells you when to eat and when you are sated. This is especially useful if you are trying to fight sugar cravings (the biggest contributor to obesity). You will see better weight control results combining rooibos tea drinking with a healthy diet and exercise.
- Better respiratory function- Rooibos tea was a popular herbal remedy for people with respiratory problems. This is because it contains Chrysoeriol, which is a compound with bronchodilator effects in animals including humans. This means your airways expand for better breathing.
- Good for your face – Drinking rooibos tea regularly will restore a glow to your skin, making it look younger and fuller. Rooibos tea contains ascorbic acid which is useful in reducing skin hyperpigmentation, aging and wrinkling. Ascorbic acid is useful in the production of collagen, which is useful in skin cells regeneration, making your skin fuller. The antioxidants in the tea are also helpful in destroying the free radicals that damage your skin cells.
Does rooibos tea make you sleepy?
While rooibos herbal tea does not have caffeine, it also does not make you sleepy. It inhibits the production of stress hormones, which means you can sleep better. You can safely take a cup of rooibos tea before bed.
How cups of rooibos tea can you drink per day?
You can take up to 6 cups of rooibos a day without any complications. It is advisable to avoid excessive consumption of rooibos tea. 4 cups spaced during the day are ideal.
How much caffeine is in rooibos tea?
Rooibos tea is a herbal tea that is completely caffeine-free. This makes it good for people with high blood pressure. This tea can also be taken by people living with type-2 diabetes since it has no adverse diuretic effect like caffeine.
How long should rooibos tea steep?
Rooibos tea leaves can be steeped for longer since they do not contain tannins, caffeine and EGCg which make other teas bitter when steeped for long. You can prepare it with boiling water and let it steep for 5-8 minutes.
Can I add sugar or milk to rooibos tea?
Rooibos tea is naturally sweet; you can drink it without sugar. Its nutty vanilla-like flavour goes well with milk, so you can add some to make it feel fuller. However, like any other tea, you will better appreciate the rooibos aroma and flavour when taken without extras.
