Whether you’re looking to curb your caffeine intake, lose weight, or boost your heart’s health, red tea can help you reach your goals while ensuring you get your daily dose of antioxidants.
But what is red tea? And more importantly, why is it so popular?
The history of red tea
Red tea is made by fermenting the leaves and stems of the rooibos plant, or Aspalathus linearis.
It is not at all related to traditional and more well-known teas such as green tea and black tea, but it is generally enjoyed in the same way.
It is a known fact that red tea has a number of health benefits. Its origins lie in the Cedarberg Mountain region of South Africa, where red tea consumption goes back centuries - over 300 years, in fact!
In 1772, botanists talked about witnessing the preparation of and then enjoying a sweet-tasting tea brewed and offered to them by native Africans.
We were told that the leaves and stems of the Rooibos plant should be cut and bruised, then, subsequently, fermented and left under the African sun to dry. It is this entire process that gives the tea its characteristic red-brown color.
During the 1930s and beyond, especially during World War 2, red tea became a staple that was consumed throughout the world, especially in the United States, China, Germany, Japan, and the United Kingdom.
Today, it’s touted as the most popular tea for detoxifying the body.
But what is red tea detox exactly?
As the popularity of red tea skyrocketed, so did the worldwide interest in its multiple health benefits. In this article, we’ll walk you through the top 3 proven health benefits that helped earn red tea its name and worldwide prestige.
Let’s begin!
Proven red tea benefit #1: Helps boost bone health
Some studies report the benefits of red tea in increasing osteoblasts (a.k.a. the cells responsible for building bones in the body) and reducing osteoclasts (a.k.a. the cells responsible for breaking down bones in the body).
Long story short, red tea helps in building and maintaining bone strength, leading to a lesser risk of injuries and bone breakage as we age.
Proven red tea benefit #2: Helps lower cancer risk
It’s a proven fact that high free radical levels in the body can lead to diseases, especially cancer.
The polyphenols found in red tea demonstrate antimutagenic capabilities in multiple test tube and animal studies. In other words, the polyphenols in red tea help stop cancer cells from ever-mutating in the first place.
When taken at least six times a day, red tea can help reduce your risk of cancer. However, it’s still worth noting that additional research is still needed to prove just how much of these polyphenols are absorbed by the body.
Proven red tea benefit #3: Helps in weight loss
I believe that it is impossible to pinpoint just one thing that will offer the most benefits when it comes to weight loss.
However, red tea has been proven to help suppress appetite and aid in weight loss, especially when combined with a healthy lifestyle.
In 2014, the Journal of Phytomedicine published a study that looks into the role that red tea plays in reducing the risk of obesity.
They found that “hot water-soluble solids from fermented rooibos inhibit adipogenesis and affect adipocyte metabolism.” In simpler terms, red tea helps suppress fat cell formation while simultaneously increasing the rate of using body fats as energy reserves.
Not only does red tea help stop fat cells from forming, but it also helps in boosting your energy levels while burning fats rapidly.
Is red tea safe for everyone?
Red tea is generally considered safe for everyone to use. Given its lack of caffeine content, children, pregnant and nursing mothers, and caffein-sensitive consumers can drink red tea without worries.
However, as with everything in life, too much of a good thing can also be harmful. Therefore, red tea consumption should be done in moderation.
It is also worth noting that red tea’s unfermented counterpart – green rooibos tea – has been shown in one animal study to have a possible interaction with cholesterol-lowering drugs.
If you’re taking similar medications, it’s best to stick to the red tea.
Incorporating red tea into your diet
Red tea can be enjoyed at any time of the day — whether it’s during or after every meal or whenever you feel like it.
If you’re looking to lower your caffeine intake, red tea is a great and tasty alternative to green tea, black tea, and coffee.
And there you have it — the top THREE proven health benefits of drinking red tea!
We hope that the information you’ve read in this article will help you take the necessary steps to improve your health and overall wellness.
The content is intended to augment, not replace, information provided by your clinician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Reading this information does not create or replace a doctor-patient relationship or consultation. If required, please contact your doctor or other health care provider to assist you in interpreting any of this information, or in applying the information to your individual needs.
