6 Rooibos Tea Benefits: Antioxidants and More
Rooibos is native to South Africa’s Western Cape region, where it is still primarily grown today. Dutch for “red bush,” rooibos is sometimes also called red tea or red bush tea. Although rooibos is an herbal tea, it has a similar taste and body to that of a black tea, with a bit of additional natural sweetness.
Beloved for its antioxidant properties as well as for its lack of caffeine, rooibos is a great alternative for those looking to move away from caffeinated tea or coffee. We’ll cover some of the benefits of rooibos tea, along with how to choose the right blend for you.
Benefits of rooibos tea
Some of the benefits of rooibos tea include high antioxidant levels, heart-healthy properties, anti-inflammatory properties, and more.
1. Caffeine-free
One of the main draws of rooibos is that it’s naturally caffeine free. This means that rooibos is a great alternative to black tea. Rooibos even comes in flavors similar to popular black tea blends, like Rooibos Chai and Vanilla Bourbon Rooibos. Many people who are trying to switch from coffee to tea or cut caffeine out of their diet find that rooibos is a delicious caffeine-free alternative.
2. Good for sleep
Since rooibos contains no caffeine, it’s also a good choice for winding down with in the evening. Blends like Vanilla Bourbon Rooibos and Rooibos Chai are warming, soothing, and relaxing. During warmer weather, rooibos blends also make excellent iced teas for cool off with at night.
3. High in antioxidants
Rooibos tea is high in antioxidants. Antioxidants are known for mitigating oxidative stress, and can help to protect the body against illness and disease. In some cases, antioxidants can even contribute to preventing certain cancers and neurodegenerative conditions.
4. Good for your heart
A cup of rooibos tea can also increase your heart health! Studies have shown that rooibos may have beneficial properties for people at risk of cardiovascular disease. While studies concerning rooibos and the cardiovascular system are still ongoing, drinking rooibos tea is still a simple way to give your heart a little boost.
5. Good for your bones
Rooibos tea may even help to improve your bone health. Studies suggest that drinking teas like rooibos tea, green tea, and black tea can also help to strengthen your bones.
6. Anti-inflammatory properties
Drinking rooibos tea can also help to reduce inflammation. Rooibos has anti-inflammatory properties that can assist in soothing pain from minor injuries and inflammatory conditions.
How to prepare rooibos tea
Like herbal teas, rooibos teas should be prepared using boiling water with a temperature of around 212 degrees. Use one teaspoon of tea leaves for every four ounces of water. Infuse the tea for five or more minutes, then remove the leaves and enjoy!
