5 Reasons To Drink Rooibos

Did you know that drinking rooibos tea can improve your gut health and immunity?

In winter, immune systems can be compromised as cold and flu viruses abound. When looking for ways to boost immunity, the first thing that comes to mind for many is upping one’s intake of vitamins and minerals like vitamin C and zinc. However, the link between gut health and immunity is often missed.

Taking vitamins can help boost immunity, but having the correct diet to support gut health is vital for protecting the body, particularly during flu season. The South African Rooibos Council (SARC) says one of the simplest and most affordable ways to support the immune system is to drink rooibos tea, which supports gut health in several ways.

Read more on building your immunity to avoid seasonal colds and flu.

“The gut microbiome consists of trillions of bacteria and viruses, many of which are important to your health, from your immune system and heart health to weight and blood sugar levels,” notes Candice Sessions, Laager Rooibos marketing manager. “For decades, rooibos has been used by South Africans to treat a variety of stomach and gut ailments. This is because it has a range of attributes that contribute to a healthy gut, making it the perfect addition to your daily diet.”

The benefits of a healthy gut

Efficient extraction of nutrients from food.
Assists the immune response.
Supports the intestinal barrier function.
Reduces intestinal inflammation.
Improves metabolic function.
Protects our brain health.

5 ways rooibos helps the gut

Antioxidant effects

Rooibos tea contains flavonoids, quercetin and phenolic acids that have antioxidant activity. A diet rich in antioxidants helps to neutralise free radicals in the body by reducing oxidative stress, contributing to overall gut health and preventing ‘leaky gut’. Antioxidant-rich diets are known to lower the risk of certain diseases such as Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Anti-inflammatory properties

In addition to antioxidants, it contains polyphenols, such as flavonoids and dihydrochalcones, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Drinking rooibos tea will help reduce inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract to minimise any digestive discomfort. Rooibos may also inhibit changes in the trace amine secretion profile caused by oestrogen fluctuations, making managing gut health easier for women with a higher incidence of inflammatory gut health issues.

Prebiotic potential

Prebiotics are a food source for your gut’s micro-organisms that support gut health. Rooibos contains bioactive compounds – polyphenols – that act as prebiotics, encouraging the growth of beneficial gut bacteria while inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria, thereby supporting beneficial gut bacteria that restores and maintains the intestinal balance.

Anti-spasmodic properties

Rooibos contains anti-spasmodic compounds that stimulate the body’s potassium ions to alleviate abdominal pain such as stomach cramps. Because it is caffeine-free, it normalises the release of intestinal fluids supported by prebiotics. Together, this is known to alleviate diarrhoea symptoms.

No oxalic acid

Most tea blends contain oxalates or oxalate acids, which, when consumed over time, can result in kidney stones and other health problems. Rooibos doesn’t contain oxalic acid, reducing the risk of kidney stones and not interfering with important mineral absorption in the body.

“Winter is when our body’s immunity is at its weakest, so we must do everything we can to strengthen immunity through diet,” continued Sessions. “A warm cup of rooibos tea s a great way to get a daily dose of extra protection this winter.”