What is rooibos?

Rooibos is a member of the legume family of plants. The rooibos shrub can grow up to 2 meter in height. The erects red coloured rooibos stems contain many dark green needle shaped leaves. The rooibos shrub produces small yellow flowers in spring through early summer. Each flower produces a one seeded small bean. Roobos has a long tap root, sometimes up to 2 m in length, enabling the plant to survive periods of drought.

Parts used

Only the rooibos leaves and twigs are used. Rooibos leaves are harvested in summer, cut or chopped and are left to ferment. During the fermentation of the rooibos leaves, some chemicals are oxidized by enzymes resulting in the typical red colour and flavour of rooibos. Unfermented rooibos tea is also used and contains more antioxidants. Unfermented rooibos tea has a yellow color rather than the red colour of fermented rooibos.

http://www.phytochemicals.info/plants/rooibos.php

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Why Drink Rooibos? - Angela James Tea

Rooibos tea (Aspalathus Linearis) is a unique flavourful caffeine free, low tannin beverage enjoyed by people worldwide.

• It is a product presented in a totally natural form free of any extraneous substances such as colourants or preservatives.
• It contains many essential minerals and trace elements such as calcium magnesium, manganese, fluoride and ascorbic acid..a healthy thirst-quencher for generations of babies and adults.
• While many of the other teas limit iron absorption by chelation of the iron molecules. Rooibos tea actually improves iron absorption and also contains additional iron, potassium and copper

Rooibos Health Benefits.

The healing effects of Rooibos tea, particularly for babies, have become legendary in South Africa. Medical science is only beginning to discover the many health advantages of rooibos. Ongoing research and case studies in many countries confirm that there seems to be no end to it's benefits. Studies have shown this tea is comparable to green tea in the amounts of polyphenols it contains. It shows anti-mutagenic, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral activity.

Cancer-Protection

Anti-oxidants are important to reduce DNA damage, the basis for most cancer formation. When deliberately trying to induce mutagens (cancer causing agents) researchers found that rooibos tea significantly reduced cancer associated changes in animal cells.

Rooibos showed a greater suppression of abnormal cells than did green tea. Experts suggest brewing your rooibos tea for at least ten minutes to increase the anti-oxidant content of each cup.

Healthy Heart

The flavinoids in rooibos protect your heart, since they help minimize cholesterol build up and prevent blood clots. Dr Daneel Ferreira explains that rooibos contains compounds which help regulate blood pressure and enhance the stability and permeability of capillary arteries.

Healthy Skin

Rooibos contains zinc and alpha hydroxy acid which promote healthy skin. Preliminary findings suggest that when rooibos is applied topically it can be a beauty enhancer. Almost 70% of acne sufferers in one study reported clearer skin when they applied it twice a day for several weeks. Experts recommend brewing a cup of the tea, cooling it and applying to the face with a cotton ball once or twice a day. No rinsing is necessary - the tea will not stain the skin. This wonder tea is also beneficial when applied to skin irritations such as itchy skin, eczema sunburns and diaper rash.

Anti-Ageing

Rooibos helps delay the aging process! The aging of our bodies is caused by toxic compounds called free radicals which are produced as a by-product of normal cell function. These free radicals attack our healthy cells. Over our lifetime this damage contributes to aging and our immune system weakens. Recently, Japanese scientists have found that rooibos tea contains a mimic of the enzyme Super Oxide Dismutase (S.O.D), an antioxidant that attacks the free radicals and limits their damaging effects. Potent anti-mutagenic components in rooibos have been conjectured to be responsible for inhibiting chromosomal breakdown.

Strong Immune System

The most dramatic news about rooibos tea is that studies from Japan demonstrate safe anti-HIV activity from the oligosaccharides contained in it. The oligosaccharides are involved in the mechanism for viral binding of T-cells, the immune soldiers that keep dangerous attackers at bay.

Diabetes Aid

Research results show that the flavinoids in rooibos inhibit an enzyme that can initiate diabetes-associated complication. rooibos, honeybush and buchu also contain a plant chemical compound called Pinitol which possesses hypoglycemic properties for lowering blood sugar levels.

Allergy Relief

People suffering from allergies may benefit from drinking Rooibos tea, as studies suggest the flavinoids quercetin and rutin in Rooibos contain anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce histamine release and the allergic response.

Nervous System

Rooibos helps soothe nerves and ease stress. Rooibos is often prescribed for nervous tension and mild depression as it makes a relaxing sedative.

Healthy Digestion

The anti-spasmodic properties of Rooibos help relieve digestive stress, stomach ulcers, nausea, constipation and heartburn.

If you suffer from bad indigestion drink a cup of Rooibos tea first thing in the morning.

Restful Sleep

Have a cup of Rooibos before you get ready for bed to ensure a good night's sleep! Rooibos has been found to help with insomnia, disturbed sleeping patterns and headaches. As Rooibos is naturally caffeine free it has a relaxing effect on the central nervous system.

Strong Bones and Teeth

Rooibos helps to give you strong bones and teeth because of it's calcium, manganese and fluoride content. Note: when fluoride is found in a natural context it can be beneficial.

Metabolic Functions

Rooibos also contains iron as well as potassium and copper-minerals which are essential for several metabolic functions. It also increases the absorption of iron into the body.

Kidney Stones

Since Rooibos contains no oxalic acid it makes a good beverage for people prone to kidney stones.

Weight Loss

Rooibos helps to control your appetite thus can be beneficial in weight loss.

Cellular Nutrition

Rooibos makes a great thirst-quencher and sports drink. Because of it's mineral content of iron, potassium, zinc, manganese and sodium, it restores the body's equilibrium after strenuous exercise.

Babies and Nursing

Rooibos helps pacify infants with colic, stomach cramps and sleeping problems. Simply mix some Rooibos tea with expressed breast milk of formula. It is 100% natural with no colorants or preservatives. It is a mother's miracle. It also helps with diaper rash, relieving irritation when applied with every diaper change. Rooibos can also enhance milk production in lactating mothers.

http://www.angelajamesrooibostea.com/reasons.html

See Recipes that I have added to the Food and Recipe Group of Rooibos.