The Many Health Benefits of Rooibos Tea

Inhuman Experience: The herbal tea made from rooibos has been a popular drink in Southern Africa for generations. The plant, Aspalathus linearis, is grown only in a small area in the Western Cape province of South Africa, but during recent years rooibos has become popular in other parts of the world as well. Though not technically a tea, the infusion made from oxidised rooibos leaves is commonly referred to as rooibos tea. Traditionally, it is enjoyed hot with a slice of lemon and sugar or honey, but iced tea versions and even a rooibos espresso made from concentrated rooibos are apparently gaining popularity.

The health benefits of rooibos tea seem to be mostly due to the flavonoids aspalathin and nothofagin, although other compounds in rooibos may also play a part. Here's a summary of the benefits:

*Acts as an antioxidant and increases SOD levels
*Prevents DNA damage
*Cardiovascular protection through ACE inhibition
*Suppresses fasting glucose levels
*Improves glucose uptake and insulin secretion after a meal
*Aids in liver tissue regeneration
*Lowers blood pressure
*Acts as a bronchodilator and antispasmodic
*Inhibits lipid peroxidation and brain aging
*Rooibos extract improves immune defects such as HIV

Since nothofagin and especially aspalathin are not really found in any other plant, rooibos tea looks like a valuable addition to one's health regimen. Even people who are not fans of green tea usually like the taste of rooibos tea. Since rooibos contains no caffeine, it can be also enjoyed in the evening....read more>>>...