Red Rooibos Tea Supports Bone, Digestive, and Metabolic Health
Dr. Aaron Hartman
April 18, 2023
Red Rooibos tea is quickly becoming a popular beverage in the United States. My family was first exposed to the robust aroma of red rooibos tea by a young South African woman who stayed with us for about a year. I was surprised to learn that much of this caffeine-free, herbal, hot drink is cultivated in South Africa itself; it is quite literally their national beverage!
Our kids enjoyed the tea because of its rich color and flavor. So, I wondered about the health benefits of this tea.
I’d like to share these three articles about the impressive benefits of this delicious drink.
The Beneficial Compounds in Red Rooibos Tea
This first article compared the ingredients of several varieties of tea to determine which ones carried the most beneficial compounds. Red rooibos tea contains over 187 compounds that are known to be healthful! These include flavor compounds and phenolic compounds to name a few. Interestingly, hot brewing pulls out more of these compounds than cold brewing.
But do these compounds actually have any health benefits?
The Health Benefits of Red Rooibos Tea
Red Rooibos Tea for Bone Health
Research also shows that red rooibos tea can help improve bone density and thickness. Some of the compounds in this tea stimulate osteoblasts, cells that make bone. Many of our bone-density drugs, like Fosamax and other bisphosphonates, work similarly to red rooibos tea. Therefore, elderly people with thin bones might benefit from drinking this tea since it works similarly to medications.
Food is medicine, and tea can be too!
Red Rooibos Tea’s Powerful Effect on Cholesterol
Research shows that red rooibos tea can also help with cholesterol and sugar levels. It’s known to have anti-diabetic and cholesterol-lowering effects. However, it’s important to note that the effects of red rooibos tea can magnify cholesterol medications like statins such as atorvastatin and simvastatin, and can even elevate liver enzymes in people taking these medications. Therefore, if you’re taking cholesterol-lowering medications, you shouldn’t drink red rooibos tea.
Red Rooibos Tea for Abdominal Spasms and Diarrhea
Red rooibos tea can also help with abdominal pain, spasms, and diarrhea. This article shows how it actually helps with cramping in the stomach muscles, which can result from food poisoning, illnesses, and dietary choices.
Conclusion
Not only is red rooibos tea beautiful and delicious, but it also has multiple health benefits.
Would you like to support South Africa while promoting your bone health, cardiovascular health, and blood sugar balance? Why not start drinking more red rooibos tea?
Since 2010, Richmond Integrative and Functional Medicine has been helping people to restore their health and hope with an integrative approach to conventional and alternative medicine that’s entirely science-backed. We at RIFM believe everyone is made for health. We offer a comprehensive, in-person patient membership program to ensure you get access to the care you need to thrive.
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