Did you Know?
Rooibos (pronounced ROY-boss) is a herbal tisane rather than a tea. It has excellent benefits which many people are unaware of and this herb can also take additional flavours and blends really well with other ingredients, allowing you to try many different Rooibos blends whilst also enjoying all of the health benefits that come with it! Win-Win!
Where is it from?
Rooibos, also known as 'red bush' tea, is unique in that it is grown mainly on the African continent. It is made using the leaves of the Aspalathus linearis plant which is is native to South Africa. It is made using the long needle leaves of the plant, which are green when still growing on the plant and turn red during the fermentation process.
It contains high levels of polyphenols that provide an array of health benefits.
Rooibos is grown mainly in the mountainous Cederberg region of South Africa in the Western Cape province.
What does it taste like?
On its own, it has a delicate flavour that is sweet and aromatic. At Happy Leaf, we have many different blends of Rooibos, giving you the fabulous health benefits of the Rooibos whilst enjoying new flavours with the added health benefits of the blended ingredients.
How is Rooibos Good for me?
Rooibos contains antioxidants, enzymes, and chemical compounds that help skin look youthful, reduces inflammation, and prevent serious illness. It also contains polyphenols such as aspalathin (which is not found in other foods), which is a natural product with potential to reverse hepatic insulin resistance by improving energy metabolism. With powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, drinking a cup of tea every day can help you stay healthy.
It also contains vital minerals including calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc and alpha hydroxy acid. As with most true teas and herbal teas, it also contains high levels of vitamin C along with powerful antioxidants and polyphenols that help to fight free radicals, keeping your body healthy and ready to tackle the day.
What are the Health Benefits of Rooibos Tea?
1-Weight Issues
Like green tea and black tea, drinking rooibos tea is a good way to enjoy a delicious beverage without packing on the pounds. Keep in mind that adding sugar, honey or other sweeteners can rack up the calorie count, so keep additions to a minimum if your goal is to lose weight.
2 - Skin Health
Rooibos tea contains alpha hydroxy acid, which is one of the main ingredients in skin treatments such as chemical peels. Not particularly common in foods, alpha hydroxy acid in rooibos tea can aid in your skincare routine and help to reduce wrinkles. It also contains zinc which can help treat common skin conditions such as eczema and acne.
It contains superoxide dismutase, which has anti-aging properties and helps to slow down the development of wrinkles. This enzyme works to produce healthy skin cells that keep you looking young longer. It also works alongside other antioxidants in rooibos tea to fight free radicals that can accelerate the aging process. While more research is needed, there is evidence that drinking a cup or two of rooibos tea per day can keep skin looking even and youthful.
3 - Anti Inflammatory
Rooibos tea contains antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce inflammation and feelings of aches and pains. The anti-spasmodic compounds in rooibos tea can also help to alleviate abdominal pain such as stomach cramps by activating potassium ions throughout the body. Rooibos is high in vitamin C, which further helps to repair collagen and connective tissue in the joints.
4 - Allergies
Rooibos contains bioactive flavonoids which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Helping to prevent allergies from being triggered in the first place. It can work as an antihistamine, without the drowsy side effects. While not a replacement for medication, drinking a few cups of rooibos tea every day can limit your body's over-reactive immune response that triggers allergies.
5 - Strength
Like true teas and many herbal tisanes, rooibos tea contains minerals such as calcium, manganese and fluoride that help build strong bones. The flavonoids luteolin and orientin, contained in rooibos, have been shown to have the potential to increase mineral content in bones.
6 - Digestion
With the growing issues of digestive problems due to poor diet, there is increasing support for the potential digestive benefits of drinking tea.
Rooibos contains several nutrients that are antispasmodic, which help to prevent stomach pains.
Rooibos tea also has beneficial effects on the immune system. It is bursting with vitamins and minerals that help support immune function and fend off pathogens that can make you sick and may also be effective in eliminating pathogens that cause stomach upset.
7 - Diabetes
Drinking rooibos tea may help to keep diabetes in check or to prevent the onset of Type 2 Diabetes. A 2013 Tokyo animal study showed that polyphenols in rooibos work to regulate blood sugar levels and increase glucose tolerance in diabetic mice. Even though rooibos tea won't cure diabetes, it may help decrease insulin resistance and improve symptoms when consumed regularly.
8 -Love your Heart!
Rooibos is excellent for heart health and helps to keep blood circulation healthy & could help in lowering high blood pressure and increasing circulation. The relaxing effects of rooibos tea help to open up blood vessels while antioxidants work to lower bad cholesterol and prevent plaque buildup.
There are lots of exciting flavours and blends of Rooibos at Happy Leaf - Rooibos Classic, Mint Choc Rooibos, Chocolate Lemongrass Rooibos, Lemon Twist Rooibos, Amaretto Coffee Rooibos, and Earl Grey Rooibos. Plus new additions always pop up!
So - what are you waiting for? Try something new today or if you are already a Rooibos fan, try one of my amazing Rooibos blends.
If you are local then you can pop over and see me at one of my markets (check instagram for details) and look and smell the delicious blends and have a chat about tea! Feel free to message me via my website happyleaf.co.uk or at hellohappyleaf@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram @hellohappyleaf to keep up to date.
As with any Tea or Herbal Tisane - please always speak to your GP if on any medication.
