History and benefits of rooibos
Do you know rooibos? This infusion that is also called red tea wrongly and you will understand why!
Rooibos or Aspalathus linearis is a small shrub of about 1 meter that grows exclusively in South Africa in the Cederberg reserve. With the help of its fine needle-like leaves, an infusion can be created. This tea is the national drink of South Africa where it was traditionally consumed for its many medicinal properties. The word "rooibos" means "red bush" in Afrikaans and this is not a coincidence: indeed the leaves of rooibos are red!
In France, the drink made from rooibos is sometimes called "red tea", but this is an illusion. They are simply not tea leaves.
The "real" tea comes from the camellia sinensis plant. This includes black teas, green teas, white teas, yellow teas, Oolong and Pu Erh. Officially, Pu Erh tea is the only tea that can be called "red tea".
Traditionally rooibos tea is created from fermented leaves, which gives it that red-brown color. If the leaves are not fermented then the rooibos will have a color rather similar to green tea.
Rooibos is a drink with multiple benefits.
Its high content of polyphenols helps to fight against cell aging and cholesterol. Very rich in minerals, it improves the health of bones, hair and skin. With a high content of flavonoids, rooibos can calm gastrointestinal pain and promote digestion. It is therefore perfect to be enjoyed after heavy meals and improve your digestive comfort! In South Africa, women traditionally use it warm to soothe their babies' colic.
It also helps to soothe skin irritations and allergies such as eczema thanks to its high zinc content.
And that's not all, very rich in fluoride it helps promote dental health! The fluorine fixes itself on the teeth and strengthens them to fight against aggressions and bacteria. And second positive point, the rooibos does not contain theine contrary to the tea so it does not stain your teeth!
