If you choose to consume rooibos, you will most likely do so through drinking one of several types of rooibos teas. Rooibos teas come from the leaves of the Aspalathus Linearis plant. Rooibos teas lack the tannins contained in most teas, which gives them a less astringent flavor. You can enjoy rooibos tea on its own or with milk and sugar.
Geography
The Aspalathus Linearis plant, which produces rooibos teas, is native to South Africa. This plant grows only in a small region of South Africa known as the Cederberg region. Rooibos requires high altitudes to grow, which is why it flourishes in the Cederberg region, at 2,000 feet above sea level. Rooibos means "red bush" in Afrikaans.
Types
Rooibos comes in rooibos red teas, rooibos green teas and flavored rooibos teas. Rooibos red teas come from the oxidized and fermented leaves of the Aspalathus Linearis plant. The process of oxidization and fermentation gives these tea leaves their red color. Rooibos green teas are the most pure form of rooibos tea, as they come from unfermented leaves.Some rooibos teas are altered with common flavors you may find in your local coffee shop, such as vanilla, caramel and chamomile. Provence rooibos red tea is another variety that combines rooibos red tea with a blend of herbs and spices such as lavender, rose pedals and dried currants.
Benefits
Rooibos tea, especially rooibos green tea, is a source of antioxidants, which play an important role in your immune system. Antioxidants help your immune system eradicate free radicals that your consume through pollutants in your environment like smoke and radiation. If you do not help your immune system to remove free radicals through the consumption of antioxidants, negative consequences such as heart disease and tissue damage are possible.
Nutrients
The most abundant nutrient in rooibos tea is potassium, which has a presence of 7.21 mg per 200 ml. Potassium is an essential nutrient for the body which plays a part in the health of several body parts including the heart, kidneys, digestive system and nervous system. A deficiency in potassium is rare but may be the result of kidney disease, gastrointestinal disease or excessive vomiting. You will consume all the potassium your body needs though a balanced diet. Rooibos tea also contains significant amounts of magnesium, calcium and fluoride.
Misconceptions
Unlike many other teas, rooibos tea contains absolutely no caffeine, so this tea is in fact a suitable drink before bed. Because rooibos tea lacks caffeine, it can have a soothing effect on the central nervous system. As a result, rooibos tea may help to relieve symptoms of irritability, headaches and disturbed sleeping patterns.
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