Rooibos tea is technically not a traditional tea, as the leaves are from an herb found only in the South African Cedarberg Mountains. Traditional tea such as black, green, white and oolong tea are from Cameilla plants. There are many health claims associated with rooibos tea, such as being naturally caffeine free and antioxidant rich. It may also act as a sleep aid, anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic as well as soothes upset stomachs.
Tea Leaves
The leaves used for rooibos tea turn red in the South African summer months from natural mineral water and the sun. Rooibos tea has a subtle sweet, nutty flavor, and flavors can vary slightly from each other, similar to black, green and herbal teas.
Antioxidant Rich
Rooibos tea has a higher amount of antioxidants than black tea. Tea leaves are fermented and oxidized during the tea-making process, and rooibos tea maintains a high level of antioxidants through this process.
Caffeine
Rooibos tea is caffeine free, which is an advantage for people wanting to avoid caffeine but still drink a healthy tea. Some people enjoy drinking rooibos tea right before bed, because it is caffeine free, and it may even aid in getting a good night's rest, according to the African Rooibos Tea Company.
Low Tanins
Black tea is high in tannins, a bitter compound that interferes with mineral absorption. However, rooibos tea is naturally low in tannins. If levels of tannins are too high in the body, it can inhibit iron absorption for those who have anemia. The low tannin amount in rooibos tea also contributes to its smooth flavor.
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