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Rooibos Tea & Weight Loss

Rooibos ("roy boss") means "red bush" in Afrikaans. Rooibos tea actually derives its name from the aging process of oxidation that turns it red. It is rumored, but not medically or scientifically proven, that rooibos acts as an appetite suppressant, which stimulates weight loss.

  1. What is in Rooibos tea?

    • The biological makeup of Rooibos is a trace amount of oxalic acid, copper, iron, potassium, calcium, fluoride, zinc, manganese, alpha-hydroxyl and magnesium. It contains anti-oxidants, flavonoids, Vitamin C and tannins, though the Vitamin C component has been disputed.

    How Rooibos is Produced

    • Red bush, a shrub, is found in South Africa, near the Cape of Good Hope. It has been called one of the richest biomes in the world. The shrub has a botanical name called "Fynbos," one of more than 300 species of its kind in South Africa. It is said to be more than 400 years old. The bush is cut with a sickle and bruised with rocks, and then left in the sun to ferment. Modern equipment now handles the ancient aging process, though the bush is still cut by hand and then homogenized.

    Use for Weight Loss

    • There has been no scientific evidence to prove that any herbal teas are instrumental in helping to achieve weight loss. However, as with any other dietary supplement, a good exercise regimen and calorie-conscience diet are important. The statements made about using Rooibos for weight loss are not substantiated in the medical or dietary nutritionist community.

    Contraindications

    • It is a well-documented fact that although most herbals are all-natural and not thought of as possibly any cause for health concerns, it is not true in all cases. In many cases, herbal teas should be studied for biological composition before being consumed, particularly if you are on prescribed medications or have any health issues that the ingredients in the tea may aggravate. Rooibos itself is known as one of the safest and most effective tea supplements on the market, particularly since it has no natural caffeine. It is enjoyed by pregnant woman and lactating mothers.

    Other Health Benefits

    • Rooibos, when mixed with milk, can be given to babies to help with colic. It has been shown to help with insomnia, irritability, headaches, nervous tension and hypertension. Some studies have shown Rooibos tea to have cardiovascular benefits, as well as protective qualities against cancer, rashes and allergies. It is said that this tea helps in the prevention of kidney stones.

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