Best Rooibos Tea: Antioxidants, Loose Leaf And Tea Bags

Rooibos tea, also known as the South African red tea, is the most natural tea on the market. Grown and raised in Cape of Good Hope, South Africa, rooibos tea has no added colors, preservatives or caffeine.

Although it is popular among health-conscious people, rooibos tea is consumed by people at all health levels worldwide. In addition to its natural flavor, rooibos tea is a unique beverage that offers several health benefits.

The sweet taste of rooibos is one of its distinguishing qualities. Although it is a natural herbal tea, it is sweeter than regular teas and leaves no offending aftertaste. Rooibos can be served as a hot or cold drink, and cream and/or sugar can add additional flavor. Because it has no caffeine, rooibos can be enjoyed at any time of the day without negative consequences. Rooibos tea can be served in either loose leaf tea form or tea bags.

Found only in the Cederberg region of western Cape Hope, green tea comes from the same plant as rooibos, but is not fermented. Likewise, black tea is processed the same but has less flavor and is darker in color. Oolong is partially fermented but has the same qualities of black tea. With more antioxidants than plain green tea, rooibos is favored over black and green teas in some areas. However, green tea may be healthier because of the lack of oxidization which helps to block damage caused by free radicals.

Free radicals, also known as single oxygen molecules, tend to bind to healthy cells and cause them to malfunction. Cell damage can also occur. Life altering diseases such as arthritis and cancer can result. Antioxidants positively charge these single oxygen molecules to deter damage to good cells. They may even connect to free radicals to build a shield around cell tissue for protection. Rooibos tea is a powerful herbal tea that contains antioxidants that protect healthy cells, fighting cancer directly and indirectly by attacking cancer cells. The health benefits of rooibos are found in the antioxidants that make it the best tea available.

Vitamins C and E and polyphenols are components of rooibos tea. Vitamin C and Vitamin E nurture the lipids and water parts of cell, while polyphenols helps to fight cancer in the body. Other health benefits of rooibos tea include reduced heart disease, lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, fewer blood clot formulations and fewer sleepless nights. On the other hand, energy levels and the immune system increase. Rooibos tea allows for graceful aging and helps to stabilize the central nervous system while helping to keep skin, teeth and bones healthy and beautiful. It is effective in treating allergies, stomach and digestion problems, and mild depression. The absence of added preservatives and caffeine make rooibos healthy and easy to drink.

Served as loose leaf tea or tea bags in several varieties, rooibos is the brew of choice to people of all ages and health levels worldwide. Thus, the versatility and health benefits of rooibos tea make it one of the best teas, and give it universal appeal.

Sources:
"All About Rooibos." African Tea. 1999 – 2007. 10 Sept. 2007. http://africantea.com/About_Rooibos_Tea/about_rooi bos_tea.html.

"Rooibos Tea." Herb Care. 2007. 10 Sept. 2007. http://herb-care.com/rooibos.html.

"Rooibos & Honeybush." Strand Tea. 2007. 10 Sept. 2007. http://strandtea.com/rooibos.htm.