Rooibos Tea: Origin and Health Benefits

Rooibos Tea: Origin and Health Benefits
Rooibos Tea: Origin and Health Benefits. Image source: Pixabay

Although the tea is gaining popularity due to its delicious and nutritious nature, it’s still relatively unknown to many consumers worldwide. One of the reasons why rooibos tea is still rare in online tea and coffee shop establishments is that it’s only grown in a specific region in South Africa. Despite its low profile, it has an interesting background. The origin of the tea dates back tens of thousands of years back.

Initially, the San People in South Africa used it as a medicinal herb. Commercial experiments with the plant began at the beginning of the 20th century. When locals realized it had become scarce during the Second World War, rooibos tea became a staple in all kitchens in the country.

During the period, consumers experienced difficulties when trying to import tea from Asian countries. As a result, rooibos tea was seen as the perfect alternative and was shipped to different parts of the world. The plant’s scarcity resulted in increased prices of rooibos seeds. This made it difficult for tea consumers to buy and enjoy the commodity.

In the late 1960s, a South African female author published a book on the health benefits of rooibos tea. This inspired researchers to focus on studying the advantages associated with the product. Here are some of the benefits of consuming rooibos tea:

Taking the Tea Leads to Better Cardiovascular Health

One of the main reasons why people buy organic rooibos tea is that it’s rich in antioxidants, which are good for heart health. This happens in several ways. First, taking the tea has a beneficial effect on blood pressure as it helps in inhibiting the angiotensin-converting enzyme, which is effective in increasing blood pressure by causing the contraction of the blood vessels.

According to the findings of a study involving 17 people, taking the tea inhibited the enzyme activity up to 60 minutes after ingestion. However, this didn’t have any effect on their blood pressure. Some researchers also found that rooibos tea bags online can help to improve cholesterol levels. This was after conducting a study involving 40 overweight adults who were at the risk of heart diseases.

The participants of the study took six cups for six weeks. However, the results were different in healthy users. Healthy cholesterol levels mean more protection against various cardiovascular problems, including heart attack and stroke.

It Improves the Appearance of the Skin

Rooibos tea bags online contain alpha hydroxy acid, which is one of the main ingredients in skin treatments such as chemical peels that your dermatologist may prescribe. The compounds are not common in foods. Adding it to your skincare routine will help to reduce wrinkles.

In a clinical study that lasted 28 days, a formula of tea and rooibos resulted in almost a 10% improvement in the look of fine lines and wrinkles. The loose leaf tea has a soothing effect, and hence reduced irritation and redness. As a result, you’ll have more even-toned skin.

Loose leaf tea is rich in zinc, which has been found to be effective in treating common skin conditions, including eczema and acne. Superoxide dismutase is also present in rooibos tea and has anti-ageing properties. This helps to slow down the development of wrinkles, and you’ll look young longer.

The substance works alongside other components found in the tea to fight free radicals that accelerate the ageing process. Experts have encouraged researchers to focus on finding more evidence on how taking rooibos tea daily can keep the skin looking even and youthful.

It Helps to Prevent Allergies

The South African beverage contains chrysoeriol, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It helps to relieve the feelings of wheezing and coughing that occur due to allergic reactions. It has a flavonoid known as quercetin, which prevents allergies from triggering and blocks mast cells, which release elements that trigger an allergic response.

Rooibos works as an antihistamine but doesn’t have the drowsy side effects associated with most medications. Although the South African beverage isn’t a replacement for allergy treatments, drinking several cups daily can help to limit the body’s over-reactive immune response that triggers allergic reactions.

It Helps to Improve Digestion

Digestive problems are common among many people. The numerous cases of medical conditions such as chronic upset stomach and Celiac disease show no signs of stopping. While many of them can be attributed to poor diet, there’s increasing evidence that tea has digestive benefits. Some of the nutrients found in rooibos tea from a tea bag online shop help to prevent stomach pains. The shops have tea bag offers from time to time.

According to some researchers, compounds such as quercetin, and vitellin can help to relax the digestive system and feelings of discomfort. Consuming the tea is also effective when it comes to alleviating the symptoms of diarrhea. Additionally, it can get rid of the pathogens associated with stomach upset.

You’ll Get Stronger Bones

Rooibos tea from a tea bag online shop has vital minerals such as calcium and manganese that can help in building stronger bones. The minerals increase the activity of osteoblast cells, which are involved in building strong bone mass.

The South African tea is a better alternative as compared to other types of tea as it contains two unique compounds that are more effective in building strong bones. It’s also rich in flavonoids which help to increase mineral content in bones. Check tea bag offers on various sites.

It Has Compounds that Control and Prevent Diabetes

If you have diabetes, taking the tea can help to keep the medical condition in check. Studies have also found that it can prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. A 2013 study showed that some of the components of rooibos tea help in the regulation of blood sugar levels and increasing glucose tolerance. Although it’s not a cure for diabetes, it can decrease insulin resistance and alleviate symptoms.

Finally, tea is a popular beverage worldwide. You can get quality tea from a firm such as Kent & Sussex Tea & Coffee Company. The number of online tea and coffee shop establishments has also increased over the years to meet the growing demand for the commodity.