Rooibos tea: what it is and what it is made of, its benefits and contraindications

The drink is known worldwide as a healing drink. It is made from sheets of the South African plant and differs in taste from other varieties.

And with proper brewing, it brings great benefits to the body.

What is rooibos tea, as well as its beneficial properties and contraindications, read this article.

What Roybush is

The parent shrub, aspalatus linear, belongs to the legume family and is native to the Cederberg plantations of South Africa.

Its leaves are similar to pine needles, and the name in Afrikaans means & laquo; red bush & raquo;.

Roybush has been known since ancient times, when the indigenous inhabitants of southern Africa, the Hottentots, began to collect shoots and leaves of Aspalathus linearis to prepare medicinal infusion. Roybush was credited with rejuvenating and generally strengthening the body, as well as protecting against environmental hazards and even longevity.

The Dutch learned about the drink only in the 18th century, and later it began to be consumed by the British, who chose Cape Town as their permanent residence.

In Europe, African roybos began to spread only in the 20th century.

Tea has a pleasant fruity flavor and a subtle nutty aroma. Since there are practically no tannins that give other drinks bitterness, there is no need to add sugar or milk.

 

Varieties

The processing method distinguishes between red and green rooibos tea.

Red rooibos is made from the stems and leaves of shrubs. They are crushed and fermented, after drying and fermentation, the sheets receive a bright amber tint. & nbsp; Brewing of this species is more common among Africans, since it is comparable to coffee in strength and invigorating properties.

Green is not further processed. After collection, the raw materials are only kneaded and steamed. Thanks to this, it resembles the taste of a classic drink of the same color, but with only one difference & ndash; roybos is herbal.

In addition, flavored varieties can be found on store shelves:

• with strawberry smell;
• vanilla;
• chocolate.

And a South American, Pretorius, invented a recipe for cooking in an espresso machine. The result looks like coffee, but if you look closely, you can see its reddish tint.

Chemistry and calories

One 200 mL phyto-tea cup includes potassium, sodium, magnesium, and calcium (1 to 7 grams or more), as well as fluorine, copper, iron, manganese, and zinc (less than 1 gram).

In addition, there are 16 kcal per 100 g, as well as proteins, fats and carbohydrates & ndash; 0.8 to 1 g or more

In addition, rooibos tea contains a range of antioxidants, as well as vitamins C, A, E, P.

The drink does not include caffeine, and the percentage of tannin is very small & ndash; less than 5. Therefore, infusion can be given to children and people who are contraindicated in coffee.

Useful properties

The value of this variety is given by its mild effect on the body: it does not cause insomnia or dehydration. Thanks to this, you can use it at any time of the day. And also positive qualities include:

• Presence of flavonoids contained in phytochas. They have antioxidant characteristics, which provides protection against free radicals. This is necessary for cancer and osteoporosis.
• It has antispasmodic and antiseptic effects. That is why in Africa it is given to newborns against colic.
• Normalizes liver activity, as well as stabilizes the amount of glucose and reduces blood pressure.
• Used as prevention for atherosclerosis, cataracts and eczema.
• Has a calming effect on the nervous system and reduces tension.
• It has antihistamine functions, therefore it is indicated for asthma and allergic reactions.
• Helps with intoxication by restoring gastric activity.
• Due to the high concentration of potassium and calcium, it is recommended for high physical activity.

In addition, only two cups per day provide a full dose of vitamin C, and three & ndash; fluorine and iron.

How rooibos tea works for women

Separately, it is worth mentioning the positive effects on the female body:

• Antioxidants slow down aging.
• A large amount of iron has a beneficial effect on the cycle. Therefore, experts recommend infusion in early pregnancy, as well as for those who suffer from anemia.
• Excellent for washing, and its bactericidal functions, resulting from the content of natural tetracycline, are excellent against skin diseases.

Also, roybos is used for sleep problems, migraines and irritability, as it strengthens the nervous system.

For men

The drink is especially beneficial for those who are actively involved in sports or whose activities are related to physical activity.

Phytochai protects against the negative effects of free radicals, which increases male strength.

For children and the elderly

What rooibos tea consists of, namely fluoride, zinc, potassium and manganese, make it especially useful in the development of a child's body. Indeed, during the growth period, the child needs as many vitamins and minerals as possible, which he can receive not only from food, but also from brewing.

In people of age, roybos strengthens the CNS, as well as normalizes metabolic activity and improves well-being. And the absence of caffeine in the composition prevents sharp jumps in blood pressure.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

During these periods, you can use this variety without fear, since it is made from natural components, is an antihistamine and bactericidal agent.

It is especially worth applying after childbirth, as it calms the nervous system and lifts your mood.

Can you drink rooibos for pregnant women and lactation

Despite the fact that rooibos is called & laquo; tea & raquo;, in fact, it is a grass in which there are no harmful substances inherent in traditional counterparts. It is useful not only for the expectant mother, but also for the child, as it saturates them with vitamins and valuable trace elements.

During pregnancy, there is such a problem as anemia, that is, lack of iron. Many varieties do not allow this element to be absorbed due to its tannin content. In roybos, its level is quite small, which stimulates the absorption of the component into the blood, and also restores the metabolism of the mother and baby.

However, you should pay attention to the composition when buying, as the products may include ingredients that are not recommended for use in this position. Therefore, it is best to consult a specialist before using.

Benefits of rooibos tea in diabetes

This is one of the few natural sources of the antioxidant aspalatin, which is known for its anti-diabetic effects. Therefore, people suffering from this ailment receive:

• Balanced caxapa;
• reduced insulin resistance.

The drink is also useful for persons susceptible to the appearance of this disease, as it produces a preventive effect.

Roybos for weight loss

Let's make a reservation right away that without a diet and appropriate physical activity, its use will not bring the desired results. However, when combined with these factors, and when taken regularly, it will solve some of the problems that come with weight loss.

For example, the fruit-caramel taste is quite capable of replacing the craving for sweets.

Nutritionists recommend tea for the following reasons:

• low calorie content;
• feeling full, which reduces the amount of food consumed;
• caxapa level normalization;
• mild diuretic action.

To maximize the effect, you will have to abandon products that harm the figure.

Traditional Medicine

Due to its composition, the healing drink has a positive effect on many diseases.

Treatment baths

With frequent stress, neurosis, severe fatigue or depression, adding rooibos during water treatments & ndash; great solution as its smell calms the CNS.

For prevention

Regular use of tea from three times a day has a preventive effect action.

The beneficial substances contained in it increase the body's resistance to viruses and harmful bacteria, stabilize the immune system.

From skin inflammation

Rooibos is recommended for those with skin problems.

They wash with acne, as well as for the treatment of acne, eczema and dermatitis.

To do this, leave the brew in boiling water for five minutes. In the resulting tincture, moisten the cotton pad by making a lotion out of it. Such a tool can rid the skin of redness, as well as neutralize the inflammatory focus.

Worms and Hangovers

Phytochai is great for complex parasite control. Natural tetracycline destroys helminth cells, preventing their development and spread in the body.

And also in South Africa, the drink is used to relieve hangover syndrome. Since it lacks caffeine, it does not irritate the nervous system.

At the same time, magnesium relieves migraine and stabilizes blood pressure.

In addition, brewing removes harmful toxins, restores liver function. To make a decoction, you need one fourth of a teaspoon of teaspoons for one glass of boiled water. It takes 15 minutes to insist.

In case of swelling

Tea is great after a difficult day at work. To relieve puffiness, prepare a bath with rooibos leaves.

For colds

Unlike the red variety, green contains more antioxidants. Therefore, it can be used as an expectorant, taken orally to facilitate the elimination of difficult-to-separate phlegm, or gargled.

Due to its unique composition, the drink has anti-inflammatory and bactericidal properties. It easily destroys viruses and fights coughs.

In case of poisoning

Trace elements are cleaned of toxins and other harmful components, replacing them with vitamins and minerals. That is why brewing is used for intoxication.

In addition, flavonoids relieve colic in the abdomen, relieve muscle tension, eliminate constipation, vomiting and nausea.

Cosmetic Applications

Thanks to the huge number of essential oils and minerals that have a rejuvenating and tonic effect, tea has found a place in this area as well. The methods of application are varied:

• Tincture is useful for washing instead of ordinary water.
• Lotions get rid of dark circles under the eyes, as well as bags and & laquo; crow's feet & raquo;.
• A decoction as a rinse for the head stimulates hair growth.
• Infusion baths relieve tension and relax.
• Masks with a teaspoon of rooibos can even out complexions, rejuvenate skin, and minimize environmental damage.

And it also has a restorative effect for sunburn and helps relieve heat from the skin.

How to make tea properly

Cooking methods do not require specialized utensils. However, do not use a clay container. According to experts, it takes away some of the aroma.

In Africa, rooibos are boiled for 30 minutes over low heat. Then the brew will become more saturated. But we prefer the easier way.

A thermos, mug or teapot is suitable for this. One glass of boiling water will require a teaspoon of crushed leaves. Infusion takes about 10 minutes, after which the drink is filtered.

The result is aromatic ruby ​ ​ tea with a lot of benefits.

You can drink it not only hot, but also cold. But there are a few more recommendations:

• Do not use scalding rooibos, as high fever negatively affects the stomach.
• The use of sugar spoils taste characteristics, and also reduces the benefits of brewing.
• Do not drink them or use them on an empty stomach.
• You can drink infusion in any volume, but it is better for children and pregnant women not to abuse it.
• Spring, when the body does not get the right amount of vitamins, is the best time for rooibos.

What you can add

Real foodies enjoy the original recipe for brewing tea with milk. At the same time, cinnamon, lemon or vanilla are suitable as additives.

At first, the taste may seem unusual, so the stores sell roybos with pieces of banana, strawberry or strawberry, pineapple, caramel or cornflower flowers.

Possible harm and contraindications

The use of herbal tea is not limited. But you should be careful if you are personally intolerant or overly sensitive to individual elements.

Tea can be consumed by people of all ages, including children and the elderly.

However, with exacerbation of gastritis or stomach ulcers, it is better to reduce the volume or completely abandon rooibos, as it can irritate the mucous membrane due to the essential oils contained in it.

And also do not drink the drink excessively hot. This can lead to cramping, and an excessively strong infusion excites the nervous system, as a result of which insomnia and migraine are observed.

How to select and store products

Tea shops offer not only loose, but also packaged goods. But they do not differ in characteristics.

However, in order to fully obtain useful properties, you need to purchase only natural roybos, which can be determined by the following criteria:

• tea leaves are light and crumbly;
• Infusion has a uniform and rich color;
• it looks like sawdust and gives off a faint hay smell.

Often the product is sold with additives. In this case, it is better to give preference to natural ingredients.

The quality does not depend on the length or twist of the cups, as in traditional varieties. But low-quality products give out yellow leaves.

As for storage, it is better to pour phytoche into a special container, for example, ceramic, and put it in a dark, dry place. Optimal temperature & ndash; 0 to 30 & deg;.

The already brewed drink can be left in the refrigerator. But remember that its benefits are diminishing every day.

Thus, we looked at what rooibos tea is, what it is made of, as well as its positive qualities and contraindications.

The beneficial characteristics of rooibos help with depression and stress, strengthen the body, eliminate harmful substances and perform a lot of other functions. And its use has practically no restrictions.

Therefore, it is recommended that everyone who cares about their health introduce a unique product into their diet.