Last time I promised you more about the awesome benefits of rooibos, so this month I'm back with more on this wonderful plant. If you missed the first post on the topic, you can click here to read more about what makes rooibos so unique and why it is so good for all sorts of body systems. 

The benefits of rooibos don't stop with its beneficial effects on the nervous system, bones and teeth, metabolism, and nutrient absorption. Rooibos contains a truly impressive suite of phytochemicals, many of which have antioxidant properties—so many, in fact, that it has been recognized as a leading source of anti-carcinogenic agents by the Cancer Association of South Africa. Antioxidants aid in cleaning free radicals from our blood, helping to reduce cellular damage and protect us from degenerative diseases.

Another phytochemical only found in rooibos is aspalathin. Along with antimutagenic and antioxidant properties, aspalathin is said to help balance blood sugar, improve insulin resistance, increase muscular glucose absorption, and boost pancreatic insulin secretion. These qualities make it very helpful in defending against the development of type 2 diabetes. Rooibos' beneficial effects on blood sugar can also aid in leveling out the blood sugar spikes and drops that are so detrimental to the overall health of those who are already diabetic.

One of the phytochemicals that gives Rooibos such a great healthy benefit is Chrysoeriol, which aids blood circulation by inhibiting the migration of smooth muscle cells inside the aorta to defend against narrowing and hardening of the arteries. Chrysoeriol is also known for inhibiting enzymes that contribute to cardiovascular disease. Regular consumption of rooibos has been linked to reduced blood pressure and lower total cholesterol.

With all of this, it's only natural that I decided to use naturally caffeine-free rooibos as part of the base for our healthy WellTeaing blends. Of course, it tastes great as well, so you can take care of your body with a drink you can look forward to hot or iced, like our Vanilla Boat Thai Tisane or Rooibos Provence.

Many of our customers have heard about rooibos before coming in, but aren’t always sure what it is. Rooibos, which is Afrikaans for "Red Bush," is a plant that only grows in Southern Africa. Often, when a plant is only found in one location, it has exclusive properties and benefits that come from the unique environmental and ecological conditions of that area. I have studied rooibos extensively, and the results are so impressive that, as with my lemongrass blog, I will have to break them up into a couple different blogs. Here are the facts I chose to highlight today.

Rooibos contains numerous vital minerals such as manganese, which is essential for the nervous system, calcium and magnesium, which are good for the bones and teeth, zinc for healthy metabolism, and iron to help blood distribute oxygen to the body's cells. The vitamins and minerals in mineral-dense rooibos also help your body assimilate even more nutrients from your diet.

The calcium and magnesium content in rooibos assists in maintaining good bone structure and stronger teeth, and the effects of rooibos on bone density have also been studied. The body cannot absorb calcium without magnesium and rooibos has a perfectly balanced level of each for total absorption of all of the calcium present. By increasing the bioavailability of minerals in your system, you can reduce your chances of developing conditions like arthritis, osteoporosis, and chronic joint pain. Magnesium works on an even deeper level and stimulates the enzymes which are required to build new bones and repair damage.

In addition to all of these wonderful benefits, the rooibos plant contains no caffeine, so it's naturally caffeine free, which makes it a perfect beverage whether iced or hot! Our 8 rooibos blends, like our Peach Rooibos and Rooibos Provence, are all flavored naturally, and rooibos is also one of the base components for our WellTeaing blends. Hopefully I have helped inspire you to make rooibos a part of your own personal elixir for life. More to come on the wonderful world of rooibos and its effect on blood sugar!