What is Rooibos Tea?
Rooibos tea, crafted from the leaves of the Aspalathus linearis plant, native to South Africa's Cederberg region. Being naturally caffeine-free, this soothing and relaxing herbal tea is an excellent alternative to traditional teas.
How Rooibos Tea Hydrates:
- Rooibos tea is primarily made up of water, making it a good source of hydration. Drinking rooibos tea can contribute to your daily fluid intake, helping to keep your body hydrated.
- Since rooibos tea is caffeine-free, it doesn't have a diuretic effect, making it a more hydrating option.
- Rooibos tea contains certain minerals like potassium and sodium, which are essential electrolytes that help balance the fluids in your body. While the content is not as high as in specialized electrolyte drinks, it can still contribute to maintaining proper hydration levels.
- Rooibos tea is lower in tannins compared to other teas. Tannins can interfere with the absorption of certain minerals, and a lower tannin content means that the hydrating effects of the tea are more pronounced.
- Some studies have suggested that the antioxidants in rooibos tea may benefit the skin by helping to hydrate and nourish it.
Sources:
1. Baba, Haruna, et al. “Studies of Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Rooibos Tea in Rats.” Pediatrics International, vol. 51, no. 5, Oct. 2009, pp. 700–704, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1442-200x.2009.02835.x. Accessed 24 Apr. 2019.
2. Krafczyk, Nicole, and Marcus A. Glomb. “Characterization of Phenolic Compounds in Rooibos Tea.” Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, vol. 56, no. 9, May 2008, pp. 3368–3376, https://doi.org/10.1021/jf703701n. Accessed 3 July 2021.
3. Morton, Julia F. “Rooibos Tea,Aspalathus Linearis, a Caffeineless, Low-Tannin Beverage.” Economic Botany, vol. 37, no. 2, Apr. 1983, pp. 164–173, https://doi.org/10.1007/bf02858780.
4. Sinisalo, Marjatta, et al. “Possible Hepatotoxic Effect of Rooibos Tea: A Case Report.” European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, vol. 66, no. 4, 14 Jan. 2010, pp. 427–428, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00228-009-0776-7. Accessed 4 Jan. 2020.