rooibos

A great antioxidant tea. You know the benefits of green tea, well this is RED tea., which is a mild, slightly sweet tea with antioxidant properties 30 times greater than green tea, and very low levels of tannins, unlike black and green tea. And it is very low in polyphenols, so it will not interfere with other herbs or medications. As with green tea, Rooibos is also anti-cancer. This is in large part due to a chemical in red tea that is very similar in structure, and with the same properties, as superoxide dismutase (SOD), an antioxidant, antiinflammatory and immune stimulatory enzyme produced by cells. SOD also responds to interferons, producing peroxides that help to kill cancer cells, kill pathogens, and activate white blood cells. Used for nervous tension, asthma, allergies, digestive problems, gout, lowering LDL cholesterol and raising HDL cholesterol.

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References in periodicals archive

The native populations of South Africa's Western Cape region, the Bushmen and the Khoisan, have been infusing rooibos leaves and stems for many centuries for the benefits of the shrub's wide-ranging healing properties.

Rooibos: Taste and Functionality Attract Western Consumers: Rooibos, South Africa's exclusive red cup, continues to appeal to consumers because of its taste, absence of caffeine and ample health benefits

Martin Bergh, chairperson of the SA Rooibos Council (SARC) says it hasn't been easy breaking into the Japanese market, but that Rooibos is starting to make some serious inroads.

Rooibos booms in Japan

There are many health benefits of Red Rooibos, which Crotteau listed a few as:

Tea Tasting at the Bartlett Library

The native growing region of rooibos is in the Western Cape, centred in the Clanwilliam district, which has a Mediterranean climate and annual winter rainfall of 250-350 mm (Malgas et al.

Role of soil quality in declining rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) tea yields in the Clanwilliam area, South Africa

Research has suggested that the antioxidant effects of rooibos are similar to, if not quite as strong as, those of green tea.

Best 5 teas for good health, anti-cancer

The most abundant flavonoid in rooibos tea (Aspalathus linearis) is aspalathin, a dihydrochalcone C-glycoside.

Safety and efficacy of herbal tea for patients with diabetes mellitus

This means the term Rooibos will be applicable only to products that come from South Africa and are approved by Pretoria, following the massive popularity the herbal tea has acquired in Europe in recent years.

South Africa: Minister hails new EU/SADC partnership

The herbal tea, rooibos, produced from the leaves and stems of Aspalathus linearis, is a well known beverage with a high phenolic content.

The cardioprotective effect of an aqueous extract of fermented rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) on cultured cardiomyocytes derived from diabetic rats

He gives the examples of Apple Rooibos, Berry Rooibos, Lemongrass Pai Mu Tan, Peach Pai Mu Tan, Pear Honeybush and Raspberry Honeybush.

No Longer the First Choice

In fact, they're rooibos bushes and you will find them only if you venture into the Cederberg Mountains near the Western Cape hinterland town of Clanwilliam, some 250km north of Cape Town.

Foreign hawks circle over magical rooibos reputation: the red beverage made from South Africa's rooibos plant has always been popular both in Africa and abroad. Research now indicates that its properties can help in curing several diseases, including diabetes. But, due to inadequate intellectual property rights protection, the name is open to abuse from foreign players trying to cash in on its growing demand. Tom Nevin report

Swap your daily coffee for South African rooibos tea, and experience the change in your body.

KNOWHOW-Kitchen notes

Rooibos, a native South African herb is mainly consumed as a red herb.

REVEALED: Top 10 trends in tea