Rooibos tea or better known as the red tea is a herbal beverage that is made from the shrub, Aspalathus linearis which is uniquely grown in South Africa. This shrub is fermented. This tea is described to have an aromatic taste and smell. It’s flavor is a combination of fruity and sweet with hints of honey and vanilla with earthy tones that are not overpowering.
It is a tea suitable for all ages not just because of its pleasant taste and smell but due to its nutritional benefits that have no known side effects. Red tea is distinguishable from other teas like black or green tea, making it the best alternative. Know more information about red tea and what it can offer in health and wellness.
Characteristics of Red Tea
- Caffeine-free
One of the unique characteristics of red tea compared to other teas is that it doesn’t have caffeine content making it suitable for all ages. Caffeine also has beneficial effects, but not all people can consume it safely due to allergic reactions, and consumption of too much caffeine may lead to heart palpitations and sleep problems. Since red tea is caffeine-free, you can consume as much as you want without worrying that it may have a side effect on your body.
- Low in tannins
Too much tannin consumption may hinder digestion and metabolism wherein it blocks the absorption of essential nutrients such as iron. Red tea has a low tannin level so it is safe to consume it in high amounts. It is said that even if you consume 6 cups of this tea on a daily basis, its tannin content is still not sufficient to have a negative health impact. Green tea and black tea consist of a significant amount of tannin that is why moderation consumption is necessary.
- Rich in antioxidants
Among the other available teas, red tea tends to have a higher level of antioxidants offered. The antioxidants quercetin and aspalathin are more prominent on this tea. The quercetin is beneficial for the excretory functioning that targets bladder infections and diabetes and it is also one of the antioxidants that have the ability to prevent cancer. While the aspalathin is responsible for maintaining and stabilizing the blood glucose level in the body.
- Anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties
This tea is rich in polyphenols that aid in strengthening the immune system against the negative effects of bacterial infection due to its anti-bacterial properties. It also has anti-inflammatory benefits that have the ability to give the body relief from any kind of pain and it can encourage the healing of wounds faster.
Red Tea Benefits
- Improves blood pressure
This tea is effective in stabilizing the blood pressure level due to its flavonoid and polyphenols content. These compounds make sure that the arteries are free from toxins to ensure that there is a smooth flow of blood to and from the heart. If the blood pressure is regularized, heart diseases are also prevented.
- Combats free radicals
There is a total of three primary antioxidants in this tea such as the luteolin, aspalathus, and quercetin. This antioxidant strengthens the immune system, boosts the anti-inflammatory properties, and it supports healthy aging. It serves as a shield from different factors that can damage the healthy cells in the body.
- Promotes healthy cholesterol
Polyphenols are known to increase HDL and LDL which are beneficial cholesterol in the body. If red tea is consumed regularly, you can expect that the polyphenol level in the body will increase to promote healthy cholesterol.
- Supports hair growth and healthy skin
The red tea contains alpha-hydroxy which is a known compound that reverses skin cell damage for a completely rejuvenated skin. For an effective hair re-growth, you can directly apply the red tea extracts on the scalp for a faster result.
- Aids in weight loss
Red tea has natural sweeteners but it has a low-calorie content making it a safe drink during your weight loss journey. Its aspalathin content has the ability to suppress stress hormones that trigger hunger. The tea’s other antioxidant properties facilitate the use of energy so as to lessen stored fats that cause obesity and type 2 diabetes.
- Helps the functioning of the digestive system
Drinking red tea is proven to calm muscle spasms, reducing loose stools, and it decreases gastric secretions. The tea’s high contents of flavonoids assist in maintaining the gastrointestinal workflow to avoid irritability.
- Boosts bone health
This tea has the combination of different kinds of minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium that are known compounds to preserve bone density. These minerals partnered with antioxidants, luteolin, and orientin that facilitate and improves bone regeneration.
- Kidney health
When there are excessive toxins in the kidney, it has difficulty performing its detoxifying functions. The red tea’s anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties facilitate the excretion of these toxins to clean the kidney to prevent having kidney stones.
Consuming Red Tea
Red tea can be acquired through fresh leaves or in a teabag. It can be enjoyed whether it is cold or hot. Experts suggest that for you to be able to maximize its benefits, steep it in hot water for 5 minutes. Drink it plain or you may add milk, honey, and sugar in it to taste. To preserve its healthiness, make use of pure honey and sugar that have zero-calorie content. If you wish to have a cold drink, let it cool and place it in the fridge for a couple of minutes.
Drinking it cold gives a refreshing effect especially during the summer season while drinking it hot is soothinG. Since it doesn’t have caffeine content, it is a perfect drink at night time because it believed that it can aid those who have trouble sleeping or insomnia.
How to Brew Rooibos Tea?
If you have fresh leaves, the best way to utilize its beneficial effects is through brewing. Brewing tea may be a simple process of preparing tea drink but when done incorrectly, you might just waste its nutritional value. This is the correct way on how to brew your red tea.
Step 1: Prepare the red tea bags or tea leaves
If you are using a teabag, it usually comes with a direction on how to brew it but when you are using a loose leaf tea, make sure that the amount of water is in the right amount so the terpene profile is preserved.
Step 2: Prepare the water
One heaping teaspoon of tea leaves is equivalent to 8 ounces of water. It is preferred that your water is less than the ideal part than having excessive amounts. It is recommended to make use of distilled water when purifying because when purified or filtered water is used, its mineral content may alter the flavor of the tea.
Step 3: Steep the red tea
Boil the water together with the loose tea leaves for about 5 minutes or up to 10 minutes for enhanced antioxidant development. You may add milk, honey, and sugar to improve its taste but consuming it alone is beneficial if you are into losing weight to ensure that you will not take in added calories.
Facts About Red Tea
- You can distinguish a red tea from other types of tea due to its flavor, color, and aroma. It has a sweet and fruity flavor different from the bitter taste that most teas have. It has a natural color that develops during the oxidation process.
- This type of tea has other varieties such as the green robes tea which has the same flavor and aroma with green tea.
- The shrub where this tea is made from is from the legume family that is why those people who are allergic to beans and peanuts should take caution in consuming it due to a possible allergic reaction.
- There is a recent study that the consumption of red tea can be helpful for male fertility. There are also ancient traditions in South Africa that those married men who can’t bear a child are given red tea as a natural remedy but until now there is no concrete evidence to support the claim.
Downsides of Red Tea
In general, this type of tea is safe for consumption even for everyday usage. It has little to no side effects making it safe for kids, pregnant women, and seniors. You will just feel a side effect when you are allergic to some compounds that are on this tea that is why it is important to do some research before consuming it.
The downsides of acquiring red tea are that it is not always available. The shrub where it came from is only seen in South Africa. There were many attempts to cultivate it in many areas around the world but it is unsuccessful that is why supplies that are distributed around the world are also limited.
Final Thoughts
It is safe to conclude that red tea is among the list of beneficial teas with its wide range of benefits that contributes to wellness. You’ll enjoy its health benefits plus its pleasant taste and aroma are a bonus.