Rooibos tea

Rooibos – the delicious, caffeine-free tea that’s rich in antioxidants.

Rooibos tea is one of the beverages considered safe for people with histamine intolerance. Years ago, not many people outside of Africa had heard of it, but these days it’s available in many supermarkets and health food stores around the world.

Rooibos tea, also called “redbush tea”, is made from the leaves of a bush called Aspalathus linearis. The plant is native to the Western Cape province of South Africa.

Wikipedia tells us that, “The tea has a taste and color somewhat similar to hibiscus tea, or an earthy flavor like yerba mate.”

Rooibos tea comes in two types – red and green. They look and taste different. Both are suitable for people with histamine intolerance.  You prepare rooibos tea the same way as ordinary black tea – by infusing the leaves in hot water. You can add milk and sugar if you prefer. or a sprig of mint. It can be enjoyed hot or cold.

The Benefits of Rooibos Tea

• Rooibos tea does not contain caffeine.
• It has low tannin levels compared to black tea or green tea.
• It contains health-giving polyphenols.
• The processed leaves and stems contain benzoic and cinnamic acids.
• It is rich in ascorbic acid (vitamin C).
• It contains antioxidants.
• It contains quercetin.

References:

[Food Chemistry, Volume 60, Issue 1, September 1997, Pages 73-77. Comparison of the antioxidant activity of rooibos tea (Aspalathus linearis) with green, oolong and black tea. A. Von Gadow, E. Joubert, C.F. Hansmann.]

[Economic Botany, April 1983, Volume 37, Issue 2, pp 164–173 Rooibos tea,aspalathus linearis, a caffeineless, low-tannin beverage. Julia F. Morton]