Rooibos tea, also called "red tea," is made from the leaves of the Aspalathus linearis plant native to South Africa. Rooibos is believed to benefit health due to its antioxidant properties, and it has long been used in traditional South African medicine to treat various ailments including asthma, allergies and eczema. Formulations of rooibos tea infused with vanilla bean extract may impart additional health benefits. You can brew vanilla-infused rooibos tea leaves, buy a prepared vanilla rooibos tea drink sold at certain coffeehouses, or add vanilla extract to brewed rooibos tea.
Rooibos and Health
Rooibos tea is a rich source of bioactive phytochemicals -- chemicals produced by plants that may affect health. Some phytochemicals found in red tea include polyphenolic compounds such as dihydrochalcone and several types of flavonoids. According to a review published in "Phytotherapy Research" in 2007, animal studies indicate the compounds found in red tea possess strong antioxidant and immune-modulating properties. While more controlled clinical trials with humans are necessary for scientists to make definitive statements about the health benefits of red tea, one such study, published in "Journal of Ethnopharmacology" in 2010, demonstrated that rooibos tea reduced blood lipids and oxidative stress in adults at risk for cardiovascular disease.
Vanilla and Health
Like red tea itself, the vanilla often added to rooibos tea for flavoring also contains polyphenolic compounds that may benefit health. The vanillin in vanilla beans has antioxidant properties that could aid in fighting tumors, according to Dr. Ray Sahelian, M.D. For example, a 2005 study published in "European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences" found that vanillin inhibited metastasis of mouse breast cancer cells. While some commercial rooibos tea bags contain vanilla bean-infused leaves, you can also make your own vanilla rooibos tea by adding half a teaspoon of vanilla extract to brewed rooibos tea. This will add about 6 calories to your drink.
Brewed Rooibos Tea Facts
When made with vanilla bean-infused tea leaves brewed with hot water, rooibos vanilla tea is virtually calorie-free. Rooibos tea is also naturally caffeine-free, unlike black, green and white teas. In addition to its rich phytochemical profile, brewed red tea also contains many health-promoting trace minerals such as iron, potassium, calcium, copper, manganese, flouride, zinc, magnesium and sodium.
To properly brew a cup of rooibos tea, add 8 oz. of boiling water to a mug with a bag of tea, or, if you have loose tea, about a teaspoon of red tea leaves. Rooibos tea requires a longer brewing time than other teas. Depending on how strong you like it, allow the tea to brew for five to ten minutes.
Vanilla Rooibos Tea Latte Nutrition
Tea lattes containing rooibos, vanilla, steamed milk and sugary syrup are commonly served in coffeehouses. While these drinks contain the health benefits of brewed rooibos and vanilla, as well as calcium and protein from the milk, they can also be high in fat and sugar content, especially if you order a medium or large size. A 12-oz. vanilla rooibos tea latte sold by one coffeehouse franchise contains 150 calories including 2 g of saturated fat and 24 g of sugar, when prepared with 2 percent milk. The 16-oz. version has 200 calories including 3 g of saturated fat and 31 g of sugar. To minimize the fat and sugar content of your vanilla rooibos tea latte, request nonfat or soy milk and ask the barista to use less syrup.
References
- RaySahelian.com: Rooibos Tea
- Linus Pauling Institute: Phytochemicals
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; Effects of Rooibos (Aspalathus Linearis) on Oxidative Stress and Biochemical Parameters in Adults at Risk for Cardiovascular Disease; Marnewick et al.; September 2010
- RaySahelian.com: Vanillin
- "European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences"; Vanillin Suppresses In Vitro Invasion and In Vivo Metastasis of Mouse Breast Cancer Cells; Lirdprapamongkol et al.; May 2005
- USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference: Vanilla Extract
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