Rooibos is a plant native to South Africa. It's used to make a type of tea that is also called red bush tea because of its dark red color. Rooibos contains numerous potent antioxidant and polyphenol compounds. Scientists have recently begun studying the health benefits of rooibos. Although initial studies have shown promising results, you should consult your doctor before using an alternative remedy like rooibos to treat a serious health condition.
Cancer Prevention
Very few human studies have examined the health benefits of rooibos tea. However, several animal and laboratory studies found that rooibos tea was able to inhibit the growth of cancerous cells, explains an article published in the journal "Phytotherapy Research." Additional studies are necessary to confirm this effect in humans.
Enhanced Immune Response
Several studies demonstrated a boost in immune cell activity in mice that were given rooibos tea, reports the article in "Phytotherapy Research." If similar results are found in human studies, rooibos could potentially help you fight infection and recover from diseases. However, additional research is needed to verify the immune-boosting capacity of rooibos.
Antioxidant Activity
Rooibos has potent antioxidant properties, reducing chemical or radiation damage to cells and organs in several animal studies, according to "Phytotherapy Research." Again, further studies using human subjects can determine if these results hold true in humans as well.
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