The Health Benefits of Rooibos Tea

What is rooibos tea?

Rooibos tea is a herbal tea made from the leaves of the shrub Aspalathus linearis. It is grown in South Africa (Rooibos means ‘red bush’ in Afrikaans), and is specifically grown in the Cederberg mountains. It has a taste similar to that of hibiscus tea. 

What health benefits does rooibos tea have?

• It’s rich in antioxidants. This means that it may help protect against damage from free radicals that can cause cardiovascular problems and possibly cancer.
• It has anti-inflammatory properties. This is beneficial for regulating cholesterol and can help prevent heart disease.
• It contains polyphenols, which have shown to help prevent diabetes. The tea may also help balance blood sugar levels, and there has been some research to show it helps lower insulin resistance, though more studies need to be conducted on this. 

Should you be drinking rooibos?

It’s a mild and very pleasant tea, and given some of the health properties it may be a good idea to start drinking the stuff. In any case, like most herbal teas, it can ensure you are staying hydrated, and being uncaffeinated is a great drink to have before bed. 

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