| HEALTH BENEFITS Rooibos helps delay the aging process! The aging of our bodies is caused by toxic compounds called free radicals which are produced as a by-product of normal cell function. These free radicals attack healthy cells. Over lifetime this damage contributes to aging and the immune system weakens. Recently, Japanese scientists have found that Rooibos tea contains a mimic of the enzyme Super Oxide Dismutase (S.O.D.), an antioxidant which attacks the free radicals and limits their damaging effects. South African scientists have deduced that the
reason why Rooibos is anti-allergic,
is that it contains quercetin, an "anti-spasmodic" substance
("spasmodic" substances cause allergies). Quercetin is found
in quantities between 1,4 and 1,7mg per 150ml of the tea.
Rooibos helps to relieve stomach
ulcers, nausea, constipation, and heartburn.
Rooibos helps to give you strong bones and teeth because of its calcium, manganese and fluoride content. Rooibos helps pacify infants with colic, stomach cramps and sleeping problems. Simply mix some Rooibos tea with expressed breast milk or formula. It is 100% natural with no colorants or preservatives. It is a mother's miracle. Rooibos contains alpha hydroxy acid and zinc for healthy, smooth skin. This wonder tea is especially useful when applied to skin irritations like itchy skin, eczema, sunburns, diaper rash and acne. Put used rooibos tea bags in the refrigerator or freezer. After a hard day's work, put on tired or red eyes to soothe and relax. Rooibos contains magnesium which is necessary for a healthy nervous system. Rooibos increases the absorption of iron in the body. Rooibos contains potassium and copper minerals that are necessary for several metabolic functions. Rooibos is often prescribed for nervous tension and mild depression as it makes a relaxing sedative. Rooibos contains no oxalic acid and can therefore be enjoyed by persons suffering from kidney stones. Rooibos helps to control your appetite thus can be beneficial in weight loss. Rooibos helps you recoup after a hangover. Rooibos makes a great thirst-quencher and sport drink. Because of its mineral content of iron, potassium, zinc, manganese and sodium, it restores the body's equilibrium after strenuous exercise. Rooibos is very versatile! Drink it hot or cold, with or without milk, sugar or honey. Add lemon or mix it with fruit juices for a lovely blend. Rooibos tea is also used in cooking and baking. It replaces the liquid content in recipes for soups, marinades, sauces, stews and cakes for added flavour and nutrition. And Rooibos tastes divine! It is less bitter than most teas. ANTIOXIDANTS Fortunately our bodies have some protective mechanisms against the harmful effects of free oxygen radicals and other even more powerful radicals such as the so-called peroxides and hydroxyl radicals. The protective mechanisms are enzymes and antioxidants. Why is an antioxidant necessary in the human diet?
Antioxidants prevent damage Flavonoids and free radicals In March 1996 Dr. Charlene Marais obtained a doctor's degree in chemistry from the University of the Free State, South Africa, for which she has dedicated her research to Rooibos tea. The most important conclusion one can reach from her study is that Rooibos is definitely beneficial in certain areas and harmless. During the past few years, Rooibos tea has become the favourite beverage of thousands of people across the globe. Most of these people are convinced or believe that the drink is beneficial to their health. Some of these presumptions are now scientifically supported by Dr. Marais academically founded research. Her study entailed the isolation of metabolites
from Rooibos tea and the subsequent consultation of literature to determine
the physiological activities of the isolated compounds. "We observed
the fermentation process and then substantiated the findings in a biomimetic
model," she says. She was supported and aided throughout by her supervisor,
Dr. Kobus Steenkamp and supervisor Prof. Daneel Ferreira, head of the
Chemistry Department at the University of the Free State. Skin Ailments Dr. Marais says certain compounds, altogether about 30, were identified - of which the activities corresponded with the qualities and characteristics generally attributed to Rooibos tea. After the discovery in 1968 that Rooibos had an anti-spasmodic activity, the theory was verified in 1974. She could once again substantiate this quality through her research. Furthermore, ascorbic acid - an antioxidant - was discovered in the tea in 1983, adding yet more substance to the perfection of Rooibos as a healthy and beneficial beverage to the consumer. Based on these findings, Japanese researchers investigated the connection between certain dermatological ailments which are associated with oxidation reactions and monitored the influence of Rooibos tea on these conditions. One of the most obvious reactions observed, was that people with warts sometimes had relief from drinking Rooibos tea. Likewise, people with eczema and acne also had relief from drinking the tea as well as topical application. It was found that it also had a positive effect on certain individuals suffering from photosensitive dermatitis. Antioxidant "With regard to anti-oxidative qualities, we and other researchers isolated a number of compounds like ascorbic acid, various carboxylic acids, quercetin, luteolin, isoquercetrin and rutin," Dr. Marais says. Antioxidants probably have the potential of inhibiting and even preventing certain illnesses and conditions - like strokes, cancer and heart attacks. She says the low concentrations of catechin that was found in Rooibos, could possibly also contribute to the prevention of tooth decay. Some of the qualities of Rooibos which had previously not been taken note of are, inter alia, its antiasthmatic properties which were observed in certain of the isolated compounds, mainly certain terpenoids previously isolated by Japanese researchers. Dr. Marais says the compound (+)-pinitol, which is known to be an expectorant, was found to inhibit diabetes when tested on mice. Furthermore, several of the carboxylic acids which were isolated, are known to have the potential of being anti-hepatotoxic and could therefore inhibit damage to the liver, hence useful in the treatment of a hangover. Rutin, another compound which was identified, is used in medication and has so-called vitamin P activity which reinforces and stabilizes blood vessels. Prof. Ferreira says on the strength of the outcome of his department's Rooibos project, their expertise can now be applied to the benefit of the economy. He says while Rooibos tea is regarded as a health drink by many, the modern and developed First World person also has the need to know why something is beneficial and healthy. "Substantiated, basic research like ours is essential for the verification of assumtions," he says. Warning: |