For centuries many have searched for the secret to a longer life. From not smoking to reducing alcohol intake, there are many ways to help lengthen one’s life. Drinking more tea is another healthy approach and in particular Rooibos tea which helps reduce cancer risk, promote healthy hearts and weight loss and boosting longevity.
Rooibos tea’s health benefits include supporting a healthy heart, preventing cancer, managing and preventing diabetes, supporting healthy digestion, fighting inflammation, promoting stronger bones, supporting weight loss, slowing down ageing process, treating blood pressure, supporting healthy skin, fighting dandruff and supporting kidney health.
The College of Korean medicine conducted a study and found that Rooibos tea has a positive effect on heart health as it helps keep hormone levels balanced and inhibits the release of excessive hormones from the adrenal gland.
This further helps to prevent hypertension and high blood pressure.
Rooibos tea contains nothofagin and aspalathin, which are powerful chemical compounds known to calm inflammation in the vascular system and acts as a vasodilator.
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Rooibos is associated with health benefits due to its high levels of health-promoting antioxidants, which include aspalathin and quercetin.
Antioxidants may help protect cells from damage by free radicals.
In a study published in the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, free radicals, antioxidants and how it helps with overall health was investigated.
The study noted: “When an overload of free radicals cannot gradually be destroyed, their accumulation in the body generates a phenomenon called oxidative stress.
“This process plays a major part in the development of chronic and degenerative illness such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, aging, cataract, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases.
“The human body has several mechanisms to counteract oxidative stress by producing antioxidants, which are either naturally produced in situ, or externally supplied through foods and/or supplements.”
Tea chemist and scientist Dr Tim Bond said: “There is also evidence to show that rooibos helps protect body cells from oxidative damage.
“The explanation for these effects is that rooibos tea contains a diverse range of phenolics including two unique polyphenols, aspalathin and nothofagin, which have a particularly strong anti-oxidative activity.”
“Rooibos tea also contains essential bone strengthening minerals including potassium, calcium and magnesium – all integral for proper bone health.
“Rooibos tea could also help to reduce the likelihood of brain function decline.”