Rooibos tea is less popular when compared to its tea counterparts, but it has gained more popularity in recent years. There are numerous excellent health benefits of rooibos tea, and it comes with a delicate flavor that's aromatic and sweet. 

Rooibos tea, also called red tea, is unique. And that's because it's mainly grown on the African continent, specifically on the slopes of Cape of Good Hope, South Africa. Also, the drink contains polyphenols like aspalathin, which you can't find in other foods. 

With rooibos tea's powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, a cup of this drink each day can help you maintain your health. Let's find out more health benefits of rooibos tea. 

What Is Rooibos Tea? 

You may get black tea instead of rooibos tea when you order red tea at your favorite tea shop. But that depends on the place or region you find yourself in. That's because the term "red tea" in China refers to the traditional black tea. 

Generally speaking, though, red tea in the Western red refers to rooibos tea. Now, rooibos tea is not a true tea because it doesn't contain any Camellia sinensis.

Related: Red Tea: The Fascinating Tea with Two Different Origins 

Origin Of The Rooibos Tea 

Rooibos tea, also referred to as African red tea or red bush tea, is a herbal tea prepared using Aspalathus linearis plant leaves. Rooibos stands for "red bush" in Afrikaans and references rooibos tea's deep, rich crimson. 

The beverage is made using the plant's long needle leaves, which are green when they still grow on the plant. But it turns red when the fermentation process begins. 

The Aspalathus linearis plant is found in South Africa and contains high polyphenols, just like most teas. And these polyphenols come with numerous health benefits. For example, rooibos tea comes in two forms: green rooibos and red rooibos. 

Red rooibos drink is oxidized, and the taste is similar to oolong tea and black tea. On the other hand, green rooibos beverage is not oxidized and has a similar taste to green tea. 

Health Benefits Of Rooibos Tea 

1. The Benefits of Rooibos Tea Give the Body a Boost

If you've ever suffered from skin issues, asthma, insomnia, eczema, hypertension, or bone weakness, consider drinking rooibos tea. Taking rooibos tea every day can decrease the risk of heart disease, various types of cancer, and premature aging. 

It's also an excellent drink to take when you suffer from stomach cramps or similar digestive problems. Furthermore, rooibos tea is rich in minerals. That means it can help boost your immune system and maintain your body's health. 

The beverage contains potassium, calcium, iron, fluoride, copper, magnesium, zinc, manganese, and alpha hydroxy acid. 

2. Rooibos Tea Aids Weight Loss 

Like black tea and green tea, drinking rooibos tea is an excellent way to take the drink and not gain weight. For a cup of rooibos tea, you get only two to four calories. So you can drink delightfully without any worries about spoiling your diet. 

However, remember that adding honey, sugar, or other sweetness can increase the calorie count. So keep that in mind if your goal is to lose weight. 

3. Enhances Appearance of Skin

The drink has alpha hydroxy acid. This compound is an essential ingredient in skin treatments like chemical peels which you can get from the dermatologist. The alpha-hydroxy acid is not usually found in food, which makes rooibos tea unique. 

The beverage can aid in the skincare routine and reduce wrinkles. A 28-day clinical study of rooibos and tea showed almost ten percent improvement of wrinkles and fine lines. In addition, rooibos tea offers a soothing effect that reduces redness and irritation resulting in even-toned skin. 

Rooibos tea also contains zinc, which can help treat common skin conditions like acne and eczema. Furthermore, the beverage comprises superoxide dismutase, which has anti-aging properties. These properties can reduce the development of wrinkles. 

The enzyme produces healthy skin cells that help you to look younger. It also works with antioxidants in rooibos tea to fight against free radicals that can quicken the aging process. 

Even though more research is required, there's evidence that a cup of rooibos each day can help you look youthful. 

4. Alleviates Pain 

Rooibos tea contains antioxidants, including anti-inflammatory properties that help to decrease inflammation and feelings of pains and aches. 

Rooibos tea also contains antispasmodic compounds that can aid in relieving abdominal pain like stomach cramps. And it does this by stimulating potassium ions in the entire body. 

By decreasing inflammation, rooibos tea can help in treating painful symptoms of arthritis. The beverage is also high in vitamin C, which also aids in repairing collagen and connective tissue in the joints. 

5. The Benefits of Rooibos Tea Include Alleviation of Allergies 

Rooibos tea contains a bioactive flavonoid called chrysoberyl which is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect. As a bronchodilator, rooibos tea can help to alleviate any feelings of coughing and wheezing caused by allergic asthma or rhinitis. 

Quercetin, which is another flavonoid, helps to prevent allergy triggers. What quercetin does is block mast cells, which are responsible for discharging histamine, the primary element that triggers an allergic response. 

Rooibos tea acts as an antihistamine but without the drowsy side effects that come with the numerous medications. Of course, this is not a replacement for advanced allergy treatments. But a few cups of rooibos tea per day can reduce the body's highly reactive immune response that triggers allergies.  

6. Rooibos Tea Helps Build Strong Bones 

Like numerous herbal tisanes and true teas, rooibos tea contains minerals like manganese, calcium, and fluoride. And all these minerals help to build strong bones. In addition, the minerals produce high activity in osteoblast cells, which are responsible for building strong bone mass. 

Several teas contain these essential minerals that help protect healthy bones and prevent diseases such as arthritis and osteoporosis. However, rooibos tea contains two additional compounds that are more relevant to bone health. 

The flavonoids orientin and luteolin have the potential to increase content in bones. 

7. Aids In Digestion 

Most Americans have digestive problems. Illnesses such as acid reflux, celiac disease, and chronic upset stomach are increasing, and there's no sign of decline. 

Even though most of these digestive problems are linked to poor diet and high processed foods, there is massive support for the potential digestive benefits of drinking rooibos tea. 

Rooibos tea contains numerous nutrients that are antispasmodic, and that can help prevent stomach pains. A study showed that compounds such as orientin, quercetin, and vitexin helped relax the digestive system and alleviate feelings of discomfort. 

The same study also showed that tannins in rooibos tea could reduce symptoms of diarrhea. The health benefits of rooibos tea are quite numerous. The drink contains multiple minerals and vitamins that support immune function. 

It also fights against any invading pathogens that can make you sick. 

Conclusion 

The health benefits of rooibos tea are numerous. Aside from the points discussed in this guide, rooibos tea can also prevent or control diabetes and support heart health. So you have no worries, and you enjoy this beverage every day. 

However, even though you can get several health benefits of rooibos tea, you also need to consider the side effects. Rooibos tea can increase the production of estrogen. While there is nothing to worry about, people should consult their doctor if they have breast cancer or hormone-sensitive diseases. With that said, you can order rooibos tea online right now, and we'll gladly deliver it at your utmost convenience.