The red infusion from Africa is in vogue. With its sweet taste, the herbal tea is a favourable substitute for teas and coffee. Free of theine and caffeine, the Cape drink is nevertheless rich in antioxidants. The virtues of red rooibos for health are therefore numerous. Skin problems, cardiovascular health, allergies, cancer or colic — nothing seems to resist the red tea from South Africa. Discover more.
Uncover the origins of the benefits of African red tea
The medicinal properties of rooibos come primarily from the polyphenols present in their leaves. These molecules belong to the family of antioxidants. They therefore protect the body's cells from external aggressions. Many benefits are attributed to them.
To fully understand the virtues of rooibos, one must understand the properties of antioxidants. This family of molecules, of which polyphenols are a part, acts against free radicals. These radicals are responsible for cellular damage such as skin ageing and the onset of cancer. In this sense, rooibos could have health benefits.
However, be aware that, just like milk, rooibos interferes with iron absorption. People with anaemia (iron deficiency) should therefore limit their consumption.
Discover the virtues of the Cederberg drink
Among the commonly cited medicinal qualities of rooibos, we find:
- digestive properties;
- sedative properties;
- anti-allergenic properties;
- anti-ageing properties;
- anti-cancer properties.
Red rooibos is a plant studied for its effects on health. Most of the claims about this product come from its traditional uses. As with Chinese pharmacopoeia, scientists are today attempting to prove all of these claims.
Rooibos and digestion
No scientific study has been able to confirm the benefits of rooibos consumption for digestion. However, the widespread traditional use in Africa demonstrates the product's value in treating gastrointestinal disorders, including colic.
Rooibos and sleep disorders
Sleep disorders are often aggravated by coffee and black tea due to their caffeine and theine content. Rooibos herbal tea does not have this effect.
On the contrary, ancestral recipes seem to demonstrate a soothing effect conducive to falling asleep. In this case, spices such as vanilla are added to red rooibos herbal tea. Other plants such as verbena, linden or chamomile can also be blended into red tea infusions.
Rooibos and allergies
Rooibos infusion soothes atopic eczema, which is often a sign of allergy. According to scientific studies, it is the antioxidants that reduce the skin's reaction to allergenic substances.
Rooibos and ageing
Consuming a red African infusion is also beneficial for the skin. According to scientific trials, antioxidants limit cellular degradation. They therefore slow down the appearance of signs of deterioration in the skin and tissues.
Studies have recently shown that the plant's tissue-protective qualities could prevent strokes. According to observations, these teas may also limit the impact of neuronal damage.
Rooibos and cancer
At the current stage of medical knowledge, rooibos has not yet proven any notable effects on cancer. However, significant in vitro research demonstrates this type of activity on human skin cells. The drink therefore seems promising in this area.
Enjoy the benefits of organic red rooibos
It is at the heart of nature that the rooibos shrub draws all its strength. This wild organic plant, which only grows in arid mountains, produces a delicious drink. Its leaves are fermented in the open air to take on an intense red colour. There is also a green version, made with unfermented leaves.
To make the infusion, simply pour hot water over the plant leaves. Within a few minutes, the herbal tea is ready to enjoy.
Traditionally, rooibos infusions are drunk with milk. In the West, it is the plain version that is most popular. With just a little water, rooibos teas have a slightly sweet taste, like a lightly caramelised hazelnut.
To take care of their health, some Westerners add spices to the drink. Black pepper and vanilla seem to be the most popular. Hundreds of varied recipes exist for consuming rooibos. Each infusion then takes on an exotic, spicy or sweet flavour.
In the eyes of scientists, rooibos does indeed appear to possess interesting riches for the human body. All the studies carried out so far point in this direction. For food lovers, the choice is made. Rooibos advantageously replaces other hot drinks. It is first and foremost a moment of pleasure. The drink therefore has every advantage to become an essential part of your gourmet and wellbeing breaks.