Aspalathus linearis: Discover the origin and benefits of rooibos tea
Aspalathus linearis: Discover the origin and benefits of rooibos tea
Most of the teas you know, namely green tea, black tea, white tea, matcha tea and oolong tea, come from the Camellia Sinensis tea plant, which we have dedicated a whole article previously.
Red tea, also known as rooibos tea, comes from a completely different plant:Aspalathus linearis. Naturally reddish, rooibos seduces with its sweet and vanilla notes.
In this article, we invite you to discover the origin of this plant, as well as the multiple virtues of red tea for health.
The origin of the Aspalathus linearis plant
Unlike traditional teas, rooibos is considered young. Indeed, red tea made its appearance in Western countries during the 90s, barely 30 years ago. Considered a cousin of the Acacia, Aspalathus linearis is a plant that grows exclusively in South Africa.
The Mediterranean climate with abundant rainfall in winter and hot, dry weather in summer is ideal for the production of Aspalathus linearis. These specific climatic conditions make it possible to obtain a unique plant, ultra resistant and very rich in antioxidants.
North of Cape Town, indigenous people claim to have been consuming rooibos-based infusions for several generations. However, no writing allows us to know the date or the origin of the first uses of this plant.
It was not until 1968 that the consumption of red tea became more democratic thanks to Annetjie Theron, a South African woman who used rooibos to soothe colic in her infant.
A few years later, she wrote a book called "ROOIBOS: An Amazing Discovery". This book allows us to learn more about the benefits of rooibos, in particular to relieve allergies and skin conditions.
The different teas made from Aspalathus linearis
Red rooibos tea
Photo: "Jupiter" our rooibos-chai tea
Traditionally fermented, rooibos tea is known for its shades of red and its sweet taste enhanced by some aromas of vanilla.
You should know that its antioxidant content is lower than that of a classic green tea made from Camellia Sinensis. On the other hand, its diversity and its richness in molecules are much higher. Moreover, rooibos is the only plant species to contain aspalathin, a molecule with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
In total, rooibos has 11 polyphenols, all of which have antioxidant properties. And yet, these polyphenols represent only 20% of its antioxidant capital.
Unfortunately, the fermentation process causes rooibos to lose some of its antioxidants. This is why we now find unfermented green rooibos tea.
Green rooibos tea
So green rooibos tea also comes from the plant Aspalathus linearis. But this time, the rooibos is steamed in order to stop the fermentation process and to converse maximum antioxidants.
In addition to being richer in antioxidants, green rooibos tea contains more ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and polyphenols
- fight against bad cholesterol
- reduce the risk of obstruction of the arteries
- promote healing and self-healing
- protect from viruses and bacteria
- better assimilate iron
Benefits of Aspalathus linearis tea
Provides a moment of comfort: low in tannins, rooibos is a light and naturally sweet tea that can be used by children and the elderly alike.
Virtually free of theine and caffeine, it can be consumed throughout the day without any problem. By reducing stress and regulating blood pressure, rooibos encourages relaxation, relaxation and general well-being of body and mind.
Prevents cardiovascular diseases
At the rate of 6 cups a day, rooibos tea helps to reduce the level of bad cholesterol in the blood. Indeed, its high content of polyphenols and flavonoids makes it possible to prevent cardiovascular diseases and slow down the aging of cells in our body.
Fight against allergies and skin conditions
Rooibos is also known to increase the production of cytochrome P450, an enzyme assembly that protects liver cells and reduces allergic reactions. Thanks to its With its zinc content and anti-bacterial properties, rooibos can relieve and reduce the appearance of skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis and acne
Generally speaking, rooibos improves skin quality and promotes cell regeneration. Consumed daily, it offers anti-aging benefits and restores radiance to your skin.
Facilitates digestion
Rooibos leaves contain flavonoids that help digestion and soothe intestinal disorders such as stomach aches, spasms, diarrhea and colic. Drinking a cup of rooibos tea after every meal is a great way to avoid bloating and pain in your lower abdomen.
Helps lose weight
Red tea doesn't just burn fat the way green tea might. Consuming rooibos tea slows fat accumulation and therefore, the formation of stored fatty acids. In addition, rooibos regulates the secretion of leptin, widely known as the “hunger hormone”.
You will have understood that rooibos is not a miracle cure for weight loss. Nevertheless, it is a great ally for regulating appetite, energy expenditure and fat storage. Accompanied by a healthy diet and regular physical activity, rooibos tea can be a great help to keep the line.