Rooibos is a plant originating from South Africa, and despite not being a tea as such, the infusion of the herb provides several benefits.
Lately there has been a lot of talk about a South African plant used to make tea, rooibos. However, technically it is not a tea, because tea is only understood as being derived from the Camellia sinesis plant, which is not the case here. But the infusion of this shrub native to South Africa is very famous there, and has gained more and more followers around the world.
Although not considered a tea, the drink made from rooibos infusion is commonly served as a caffeine-free red tea. To give you an idea, the drink is as popular among South Africans as green tea is for the Chinese and black tea is for the English.
The result of the rooibos infusion is a reddish drink, with a sweet flavor, which can be consumed pure or with the addition of milk. But what makes the drink so popular is not just its flavor, but its many health benefits.
Therefore, if you have never heard about rooibos, today you will know everything about the plant, and the benefits of its tea.
The rooibos
Rooibos is a shrub originating from South Africa, naturally caffeine-free. This plant grows in wild conditions, mainly in the western region of the country. In fact, rooibos tea is prepared in the same way as black tea, but with the addition of milk and sugar. But it also works well as lemon and honey.
The process of obtaining rooibos begins with the harvesting of the leaves and stems, which are harvested, oxidized and dried in the sun. There are several types of rooibos, the most common being the reddish one, but there is also green rooibos, which goes through a different process than the traditional one.
In the case of red rooibos, the leaves and stems of the plant undergo fermentation before drying. Green rooibos does not go through this process, and the result is closer to that of the well-known green tea.
As it does not have the stimulant properties found in tea, such as theine, the rooibos infusion can be ingested by anyone, from children, the elderly and pregnant women. Therefore, it has no contraindication, and can be used as an option for those who have trouble sleeping and have high blood pressure.
In fact, the great thing about this plant is its highly beneficial properties for the body. Therefore, it also serves as a natural isotonic, muscle relaxant and many other purposes.
Benefits
As previously stated, rooibos is rich in vitamins and minerals. All of this promotes a series of benefits that we will see below:
Caffeine free
This is without a shadow of a doubt one of the biggest attractions of rooibos. As it is naturally caffeine-free, its tea is very calming. Therefore, it is very suitable for dealing with sleeping problems, such as insomnia. Therefore, it can also be consumed without restrictions.
Anti-inflammatory action
With a good variety of flavonoids, such as quercetin, which has anti-inflammatory properties, rooibos is a great natural option for treating inflammation and pain. Furthermore, it also contributes to muscle relaxation. Therefore, it becomes an option to reduce even menstrual cramps and in babies. That is why it is very suitable for women who are breastfeeding.
Antiallergic
Regular consumption of rooibos also helps in the prevention and treatment of respiratory allergies. Such as asthma and rhinitis, in addition to topical allergies.
Strengthens the immune system
As it is rich in vitamin C, rooibos contributes to strengthening the immune system. Therefore, it is a way to prevent various diseases, such as flu and colds.
Natural isotonic
Rooibos is rich in several minerals, such as iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphate and potassium, as well as antioxidant properties. This composition helps replace nutrients lost during activities that demand a lot from the body, such as playing sports, for example. Therefore, this drink is highly recommended for athletes and those involved in physical activities.
Good for diabetes
Some studies have shown that consuming rooibos drink is very effective for controlling glucose, in addition to increasing insulin production in the pancreas.
Help with weight loss
As it has a detoxifying action, rooibos tea can help with the weight loss process. Furthermore, it has a diuretic effect. In other words, it prevents fluid retention and the feeling of bloating and even contributes to digestion.
Good for the skin
Another use for rooibos is for the skin. As it has a high content of alpha hydroxy acid, zinc and several antioxidants, the plant helps improve the appearance of the skin. Therefore, it can be applied directly to the skin to treat acne, burns and even skin diseases. In addition to being a way to prevent premature aging.
rooibos tea
Rooibos tea has been increasingly sought after around the world, precisely because it has properties similar to those of red tea. Furthermore, it is much richer in vitamins and minerals than green tea, with the difference of not having caffeine.
The drink has a reddish color, with a smooth and slightly sweet flavor due to oils and flavones, which is a calorie-free type of fructose. The tea can be consumed pure, or with milk, cold or hot. Therefore, the ideal is to drink at least one glass of the drink a day.
To prepare the tea, the ideal is to use 10 grams of herb for each liter of water. If you are preparing a smaller quantity, the measurement is 3 grams for every 300 ml of water.
When the water starts to boil, add the rooibos, remove from the heat and simmer the drink. Leave the herb to infuse for around 10 minutes so that it releases all its properties into the water. Finally, just take it however you prefer.
Anyway, what did you think of this article? In fact, take the opportunity to also check out the benefits of cinnamon tea.
Sources: Tea Shop Diário do Chá Tea Shop Cuidaí Beleza e Saúde
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