African red tea more commonly known as Rooibos tea comes from the South African red bus. In South Africa, Rooibos tea has been used by some tribes for medicinal purposes and by white South Africans for treatment of hay fever symptoms, asthma, eczema and to soothe heartburn, ease the pain of stomach ulcers and relieve nausea.It is naturally caffeine free and can come as either green or red rooibos tea-which is the most common variety is naturally sweet and has low calorie. The most common benefit of Rooibos tea is that it promote weight loss and fight diabetes.
A study published in 2009 “phytomedical” found that green rooibos tea helps regulate glucose metabolism. Prevent increases in fasting blood sugar glucose level. It is also seen as a cure for insomnia, headaches, asthma, eczema, bone weakness, hypertension, allergies and premature aging.
Rooibos Tea for detoxification
Known to be a potent immunity and detoxification elixir, rooibos tea is an excellent herbal option. Rich in vitamin c (some actually say it has 10x the antioxidants than green tea!), rooibos is great for keeping you strong and healthy while detoxifying your body. Rooibos can also bring balance to cortisol – your body’s main stress hormone.
Red Tea is Antioxidant-Rich
This tea is loaded with aspalathin and nothofagin, which are antioxidants. They help scavenge the harmful free oxygen radicals that tend to damage the DNA and hinder normal cell functions. The flavonoids in rooibos tea protect the DNA by preventing the splicing of the DNA strands. However, the antioxidant levels of the tea depend on the region it was grown, the fermentation process, brewing technique, etc. In addition, Rooibos is especially rich in the super-antioxidant compound quercetin. A titan among the antioxidants, quercetin imparts benefits to the heart, helps to reduce the risk of various types of cancers, fights viruses and is significantly anti-inflammatory. Inflammation is part of all known chronic degenerative diseases. The anti-inflammatory activity of quercetin means that it helps to reduce the risk of many types of health disorders.
Good for skin:
Red tea is also the secret to beautiful and radiant skin. The alpha hydroxy content of red tea can reverse cell damage and rejuvenate the skin. As a rich source of bioflavanoids, red tea improves blood circulation and glowing skin.
Rooibus tea can be had plain or just like black tea with milk and a drop of honey. In case, you like it without milk, you can add a squeeze of lime for a citrusy flavour.
Making African Red Tea
You can make African red tea much like other herbal teas, according to Teavana. Add a 1 1/2 teaspoons of loose African red tea to make an 8-ounce serving, using boiling water. Allow the tea to steep for roughly five to six minutes, longer if you wish for a stronger tasting tea. Letting the tea steep for longer will not cause the tea to become bitter. Indeed, traditionally, African red tea has been allowed to steep for several days. If you want to make chilled African red tea, you can place the hot tea in the fridge to let it cool. Alternatively, double the amount of tea used and then pour the hot tea over a glass filled with ice cubes.