The virtues of Cape red tea : complete guide

Coming from the Cederberg mountains in South Africa, the rooibos infusion is rich in antioxidants. Traditionally, red rooibos is used by the whole family to ease digestion and promote sleep. In Cape Town, it is also believed to have virtues against cancer and allergies. This tea would also be beneficial against aging and eczema. Discover in this article what are the benefits of rooibos.

Red rooibos, the king of antioxidant infusions

Rooibos, whose scientific name is aspalathus linearis, contains many polyphenols. These antioxidant molecules have a precious power on health. The infusion of the rooibos shrub is also rich in phenolic compounds, including quercetin, which is useful against allergies.
The infusion of the African shrub has the advantage of containing neither theine nor caffeine. Its antioxidant power is therefore not disturbed by the stress emanating from these two substances. Its sweet taste is ideal for the whole family. It can be consumed for everyday troubles.

Cape red tea, a traditional drink for digestive comfort

In South Africa, rooibos tea is consumed for digestive discomforts. The organic drink has mainly an astringent activity. It therefore reduces diarrhea. The rooibos also ensures hydration with its water content.
The plants are better tolerated by the body of small children. Moreover, the organic red rooibos can easily be mixed with milk. It is therefore recommended in cases of infantile colic.

The rooibos tea for the aging of the brain in particular

The antioxidant properties of the red African drink are also studied for their health benefits on the brain. Rich in polyphenols, rooibos leaves protect cells from oxidative stress. A 2017 study also proves that the infusion of the shrub protects neurons in case of stroke.
Moreover, the anti-aging effect of the drink is also noticed on the skin. When applied externally, rooibos gives the skin a better glow and protects against free radical damage.

The red drink from Cape Town to ward off cancer

Rooibos is also known to have protective effects against cancer. Indeed, its antioxidant properties could prevent DNA mutations. Polyphenol, in particular, is known to have this effect on health.
In reality, studies have shown a possible effect on melanoma skin cancer cells. However, the anti-cancer benefits of aspalathus linearis teas have yet to be demonstrated in "real life".

Red rooibos, health effects to be demonstrated

Consuming rooibos is a healthy gesture. Rich in water, the drink is also well provided with antioxidant substances. Because of the absence of theine and caffeine in its composition, its consumption is allowed for children and pregnant women. This is one of the reasons why the health benefits of theAfrican bush tea are being studied.
At this stage, scientists have only proven a small part of the infinite possibilities of the plant. But the antioxidant properties of the plant seem to have beneficial effects on the liver, sleep, allergies and skin problems. We still have to wait for convincing results on these diseases.

Consumption of the Cape Town infusion, recipes to be invented

Rooibos is consumed in infusions. Its taste is naturally sweet, with hazelnut aromas. It can therefore be consumed plain with just the water and the infused leaves. However, to increase the rate of antioxidants or to give it a particular flavor, many recipes exist. These recipes mix the infusion with sweet or strong spices.

Rooibos and spices to excite the taste buds

The rooibos blends perfectly with spices from medicinal plants. For a mild version of the drink, spices such as vanilla, cocoa or cinnamon are ideal. For a strong version, the herbal tea is combined with chilli, pepper or cloves.
These recipes make the plants act in synergy for a more pronounced action on health disorders. The most fragile organisms will thus use them with moderation.

Rooibos and fruits for the sweetness of the taste

Fruits are also associated with the rooibos bush. Milder for the body, these mixtures gain in virtues. As with teas, rooibos can be married with citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges or pomelos. Cranberries and berries in general are also very good additions.
The polyphenols in rooibos reduce the absorption of iron. It is therefore not necessary to combine the drink with ingredients that contain a lot of iron. In this case, the iron will be chelated by the drink.