Rooibos
A herb from South Africa, rooibos has been made into tea and enjoyed for generations. It is a broom-like legume and comes in both red and green varieties. The most available is the red, which is oxidized, giving it the reddish-brown color of tea and a slightly sweet taste.
The green variety is unoxidized and is processed in a manner similar to that of green tea, making the end product a bit more expensive, and subsequently less popular and a bit more difficult to find. It does have twice the flavonoids as the red. The flavor is described as 'malty and slightly grassy' - somewhat different than the red variety.
Like other teas, rooibos has flavonoids that act as antioxidants, making it popular with the health conscious. It is also low in tannins compared to most black teas, and is caffeine-free. Rooibos is rich in many minerals including iron, calcium, potassium, copper, fluoride, manganese, zinc, magnesium and alpha hydroxy.
Special Precautions of Rooibos
The benefits of Rooibos are
- Reduces heart disease by providing protection through ACE inhibition
- Contains quercetin and luteolin, which are known to have cancer fighting qualities
- Is an anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-mutagenic and anti-spasmodic
- Eases nervous tension, allergies and digestive problems
- Limits uric acid production, which can help gout sufferers
- Soothes asthma and eczema
- Boosts the immune system
- Cures nagging headaches
- Fights insomnia
- Strengthens bones and teeth
- Relieves severe stomach cramps
- Eases hypertension/lowers blood pressure
- Is considered to have anti-aging properties
- Prevents DNA damage
- Suppresses fasting glucose levels
- Improves glucose uptake and insulin secretions after a meal
- Aids in liver tissue regeneration
- Acts as a bronchodilator
