Rooibos tea: benefits and properties for health

Rooibos tea: benefits and properties for health

Although traditionally and popularly known by the name of rooibos teaDid you know that this is not really a tea, but an infusion? The reason is that truly It is not a drink from the Camellia Sinensis variety (from which the tea is made), but from a bush of African origin known by the name of Aspalathus linearis, which means red bush. In fact, in countries like South Africa - where it originally comes from - it becomes one of the most consumed beverages, where it is well known and popular not only for its mild and slightly sweet taste, but for its incredible benefits and properties.

It becomes one of the quintessential tea alternatives, precisely because unlike this one It does not contain caffeine. Hence, it can be consumed at any time of the day, even at night as a relaxing option to help us relax our body and better sleep. Moreover, it is a wonderful option for children and pregnant women, because it is a healthy natural beverage that does not provide excitants or contraindicated substances in these stages of life.

The infusion of rooibos (also popularly known by the name of rooibos tea) is characterized by a reddish coloration, a very characteristic and pleasant fruity aroma, and a slightly sweet flavor. In fact, because of its color it is also called "red tea", when the reality is that it is an infusion made with another plant, while the real red tea is originally from China and known by the name of Pu-Erh red tea.

Of course, we must differentiate between two varieties of rooibos:

• Red Rooibos: it is the most popular, common and elaborated, and the one that we traditionally find in the majority of herbalists and stores. It is a drink that acquires this tonality due to the oxidation that the leaves of the plant undergo in the fermentation process.
• Rooibos green: it is a less known variety, which preserves its green color because it has not undergone oxidation during the fermentation process. Therefore it tends to be richer in natural antioxidants.

The benefits of rooibos

Rich in antioxidants

Although the green variety contains - and contributes - more antioxidants than the red rooibos, the truth is that it is a drink that usually provides interesting amounts of natural antioxidants, which help reduce the action of free radicals, protect our cells and delay premature cell aging. Among the most important antioxidants found in the rooibos we can mention the flavonoids (especially quercetin and luteolin).

Ideal to relax

Whether in case of insomnia, trouble sleeping or just to relax after a stressful day or before a certain problem that has caused us a lot of nervousness, the rooibos tea It is a wonderful beverage for relax our body and our mind, so it is a relaxing drink that definitely could not be missing in our pantry.

It helps us sleep better

Precisely for its relaxing qualities, rooibos tea helps us sleep better at night. Moreover, in case of insomnia, it is an infusion that gives us magnesium, an essential nutrient that helps us to relax our muscles while being useful in the prevention of insomnia. On the other hand, we must not forget that it is a natural drink that does not contain theine.

Digestive or intestinal problems

The rooibos is useful when it comes to relieve digestive problems More common, such as for example the heaviness of stomach, gastritis, nausea and vomiting. In addition, it becomes an adequate traditional remedy in case of diarrhea or constipation, and is recommended when avoiding abdominal swelling. All thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic action.

Reduces fluid retention

The rooibos is a very rich mineral drink, among which we can highlight the presence of both potassium like magnesium, in addition to providing a low sodium content. Therefore, it becomes a very useful natural option when it comes to reduce and avoid the accumulation of liquids.

Useful if you want to lose weight

If you are precisely following a diet of weight loss, or present problems of overweight or obesity, rooibos tea is an excellent adjunct in slimming diets, helping to solve metabolic problems.

Very good for the skin

Since the rooibos is very rich in antioxidants, it becomes an excellent option when it comes to take care of the skin naturally, being especially useful at the time of prevent premature aging of the skin. Moreover, when it is applied externally on the skin, it can help when it comes to improving wrinkles, sagging, spots ... and also certain pathologies, such as dermatitis, urticaria or eczema. This article is published for informational purposes only. You can not and should not replace the consultation with a Nutritionist. We advise you to consult your trusted Nutritionist. ThemesTea