Rooibos Tea has many health benefits
Pronounced ‘roy-boss’, rooibos tea is a naturally caffeine free tea, made from the leaves of a shrub grown in South Africa. It is celebrated as a super food and its deep colour and smooth taste are enjoyed around the world as a gentle alternative to black and green teas. It is also known as redbush tea (due to its unique colour) and a particular favourite brand is Tick Tock which provides a fantastic range of plain and flavoured options.
As a nutritional therapist, I recommend it to my clients all the time and use it myself for the many health benefits. It can be drunk hot or cold and also used in recipes.
What does it help with?
Sleep
Sleep is becoming a major talking point and more people are struggling with restless, broken sleep which is affecting all areas of their lives. Caffeine is a chemical found in certain plants, most notably tea, coffee and chocolate. As a natural stimulant, it affects the brain and can make us feel more awake. Too much caffeine can cause problems like anxiety and poor sleep.
Try sticking to naturally caffeine free rooibos after mid-day. Caffeine is a stimulant and its effects can last up to 6 hours which is not ideal for a peaceful night’s sleep.
The other unknown benefit of rooibos tea is that it is rich in minerals including magnesium which is a muscle relaxant and known for its support around sleep and the nervous system.
Digestion
Rooibos tea benefits a healthy digestive system, which is necessary, as food can make a huge difference in how well our digestive system functions. With the trend of processed foods, our digestive system needs healthy nutritious foods to promote gut health. Rooibos tea has been a treatment for diarrhea and other stomach issues for centuries due to its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. It promotes gut health and keeps the GI tract healthy. It is even given to babies in South Africa to help with colic.
Anti-ageing
Rooibos tea is rich in antioxidants called polyphenols which help to protect cells in the body from damage and reduce inflammation. These antioxidants also help prevent skin ageing prematurely and keep it looking healthy and glowing! Other good sources include dark chocolate, berries, spices, nuts and vegetables.
I recommend incorporating rooibos tea in to your daily lifestyle for its great taste, hydrating benefits and wonderful, calming support for sleep and promoting relaxation in the body.
Blog Post written by our in store Nutritional Therapist Davina Dowling