You've probably heard about the health benefits of green tea or black tea, but there's another beverage you can drink to your health: red tea. Also called rooibos tea, red tea is packed with zinc and fluoride as well as cancer-fighting antioxidants like beta-carotene. You can drink it hot or iced, and it can be found along with other teas in your grocery store.
Antioxidants
A 1996 study by the University of Stellenbosch found that red tea, while not quite as high in antioxidants as green tea, still contains the cancer-fighting compounds. Antioxidants block free radicals, atoms in the body that can cause cell damage and death. A diet rich in antioxidants helps fight off disease and cancer. The study found that unfermented, semifermented and fully fermented red tea all contained more antioxidants than black tea.
No Caffeine
Because red tea is made from an herb instead of tea leaves, it does not contain caffeine. That makes it a great afternoon or nighttime drink for anyone wishing to avoid caffeine.
Minerals
Red tea contains iron, potassium, manganese and zinc. It also boasts calcium, fluoride and magnesium, which contribute to healthy bones and teeth. Drinking red tea can help supplement a diet lacking in any of these essential minerals.
Skin
The alpha hydroxy and zinc in red tea are great for skin. Red tea powder can even be applied directly to the skin to soothe acne, sunburns and other minor skin damage.
Bonuses
Red tea can soothe an irritated stomach. It also may help some people with seasonal allergies and it contains polyphenols that have anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.
Member Comments