Rooibos tea. Useful properties and contraindications for men, women, harm, from what and how to make

Rooibos and Rooibos (rooі-bos, translated from the Afrikaans "red bush" language) - herbal tea from South Africa - has gained popularity not only at home, but also far beyond its borders. Useful properties of the drink became known in Europe and the US in the early twentieth century, but the leaders for the consumption of teas, Germany and Japan are considered to be on the right.

The origin and spread of tea

Emigrant from Russia Veniamin Gyunzberg became the first entrepreneur who engaged in widespread trade in the Southern African region, medicinal drink. He noticed that the locals often drink large quantities of drink deep red.

It turned out that the young leaves of the plant, brewed with boiling water, used as a tonic to improve endurance and performance. Rooibos has traditionally been used to lower the temperature in babies during teething and colic relief, as a sedative and for good, long sleep.

Rooibos tea, useful properties which have attracted the attention of a merchant, began to sell successfully in Cape Town. Over time, trade has spread to other countries. The first batch of tea arrived in Europe in 1904. But exotic aromatic infusion did not immediately gained recognition in Europe. Only in the 30-ies of XX century began an unprecedented boom.

How to make tea?

Rooibos - a shrub with a smooth barrel and numerous shoots, leaves covered with a soft needle-like length 10 to 40 mm. It is these leaves are used in the production of tea. Harvest takes three months of the year from January to March to the beginning of flowering.

The process of production of tea involves several steps:

• Thin branches with leaves cut, crushed, put an even layer, irrigate with water and left to ferment in the sun. At this stage of the process of release of catechins and enzymes which give the drink the unique taste and flavor.
• To remove excess water leaves were dried in vacuum dryers warmed air to a high temperature and then rapidly cooled.
• Dry leaves are sorted in vibrating sieves with different diameter cells. Leaves are sorted not only by the length of the sheet, but also in color.
• The leaves are subjected to a pasteurization process which promotes long-term storage without changing the taste.
• Tea packed in bulk in paper bags, cardboard boxes or disposable tea filter.

At each stage of the production of products undergo phytosanitary control. The quality of products is confirmed by quality certificate.

The advantage of rooibos in front of black and green teas

Rooibos tea, useful properties which people appreciated, contains no caffeine unlike black and green tea, and the tannins are present in relatively low numbers (only 4.4%). Since drink no alkaloids, herbal tea consumption does not cause insomnia, agitation Nervous System and dehydration.

Japanese scientists have conducted research and found that Rooibos possesses protective properties for CNS and some areas of the brain from damage, and also to neutralize free radicals. As part of the tea twice more antioxidants than green tea.

Rooibos tea contains a natural bactericide - tetracycline. beverage consumption helps to fight inflammatory diseases and bacterial infections in the complex treatment.

Another distinctive feature of Rooibos tea - is the presence of glucose. Overweight people can drink this tea without added sugar or sweeteners. Furthermore, laboratory experiments have demonstrated the ability rooibos accelerate metabolism. This is a valuable discovery for people who lead a healthy lifestyle and adhere to proper nutrition.

Species and varieties

Rooibos has two varieties - red and green. They differ in the way the leaves processing, beverage color and flavor characteristics. Red variety is made from fermented leaves. This conventional technology has not changed for three centuries. Drink red varieties, a dark brown color with fruity notes.

For the production of green varieties fermentation process is stopped by treating the raw material with steam. Green variety possesses stronger antioxidant properties than red, because it contains more polyphenols.

Drink from green rooibos different light caramel shade and woody-nutty flavor.

Rooibos, custard packed in sachets, fully preserves the healing properties, taste and performance practically does not differ in quality from loose tea.

taste characteristics

If the traditional black or green tea you need to get used to the Rooibos drunk with pleasure, even babies. To this end, the African beverage characteristic sweet aftertaste with delicate hints of honey and vanilla.

Red Rooibos different rich sweet fruit flavor and characteristic for green rooibos herbal or woody-nutty flavors. The mild taste of tea allows manufacturers to create bouquets and flavors Rooibos mixed with other herbs and berries: strawberries, cranberries, mint.

Chemical composition and caloric content

As part of the leaf contains vitamins such as C, A, D, E, K, PP and group B (B1, B2, B5, B6 and B12), which makes this drink a natural source of health and longevity. In 2003, the the American Botanical Council, a report was presented on Rooibos tea studies as an antioxidant, antimutagen and published its chemical composition.

The mineral composition of Rooibos tea (3 g tea in 200 ml water)
element name	designation	Quantity mg
Iron	Fe	0,07
Potassium	TO	7,12
Sodium	Na	6,16
Calcium	Ca	1,09
Copper	Cu	0,07
Zinc	Zn	0,04
Magnesium	Mg	1,57
Fluorine	F	0,22
Manganese	Mn	0,04

The composition of tea also contains about 10 kinds of flavonoids, which have potent antioxidant properties. They neutralize free radicals and prevent the formation of malignant tumors.

Among the bioflavonoids in the composition is released aspalatin, which helps reduce the level of stress hormone cortisol. By the way, now rooibos leaves are the only natural source of aspalatina.

Calorie 100 g of dry product was:

• 16 kcal.
• Protein: 0.8 g
• Fat: 0.8 g
• Carbohydrates: 1.2 g

How to brew and drink

Save healing properties and aroma of Rooibos tea can help correct sequence of beverage preparation.

teabags

The cup must be placed with dry tea bag, pour boiling water (water temperature 100^about C), infuse 4-6 minutes under the lid.

loose tea

Rooibos tea, useful properties and aroma which are disclosed after a certain time of brewing, you can not mess up. Normal cooking time of 5 minutes. But even if the tea to brew for half an hour, drink acquires a bitter taste due to the minimum content of tannins.

On the contrary, the longer the tea is brewed, the greater its antioxidant activity:

• Cooking in a kettle. At the beginning of the process must be parboiled kettle, then place it in the dry mix per batch 1 h. l. and pour 200 ml of boiling filtered water. It is better to use a teapot with small sieve inside or disposable bags for brewing.
• Preparation in espresso machine. 1-2 hours. l. dried leaves pour boiling water and let stand 5-7 minutes.

What can be added to tea

Soft sweet taste Rooibos tea and honey-herbal flavor are truly unique combination of even gourmet. At the same time, the ease of preparation of tea allows you to experiment and create new individual flavors.

For example:

• Zest and lemon juice give the drink a rich citrus fragrance.
• Mint leaves enhance the feeling of freshness and harmony.
• Cinnamon adds to the bouquet of chocolate hue.
• Vanilla gives the tea a pronounced creamy taste.
• Buds leave anise caramel aftertaste.
• Ginger provides a sharp, piquant flavor.
• Milk or cream enhance the nutritional value of the drink.
  
• Honey gives a bright, full-bodied flavor and enhances the sweet taste.

Beneficial features

Rooibos tea, useful properties are discovered 300 years ago, has gained popularity and became one of the favorite drinks in many countries is not accidental.

Benefits for women:

• As part of tea contains iron, which plays an important role in the female body. Mineral participates in the regulation of cellular metabolism, improves brain and thyroid, skin promotes conservation in perfect condition, normalizes the menstrual cycle.
• Magnesium - a mineral for women's health, harmony and family happiness. Magnesium deficiency in the body results in fatigue, irritability, mood swings. Particularly acute magnesium deficiency react woman: is not functioning properly in the course of the menstrual cycle, ovulation problems with conception.

Benefits for men:

• B vitamins regulate liver and support the sexual function.
• Zinc is the main constituent element for the formation of testosterone.
• By drinking tea increases performance and endurance during heavy physical activity due to the presence in the composition and aspalatina notofagina that help withstand stress.

Benefits for children and the elderly:

• Rooibos tea helps to cope with colic and allergies in infants.
• During the formation of the child's body needs vitamins and minerals: potassium, manganese, magnesium, zinc and fluorine. All these elements are contained in Rooibos tea.
• Due to the lack of caffeine drink is useful for the elderly. It contributes to the normalization of blood pressure, heart rate equalization, improvement of metabolism.

Possible risk of harm and contraindications

Laboratory studies have shown that drinking tea Rooibos can reduce iron absorption. This slows down the rate of metabolism and protein digestibility in the body. This caution applies only to those people who are on a low calorie diet and do not get iron from meat products.

Precautions should be taken to people with low blood pressure, as excessive use of herbal rooibos may cause malfunction of the cardiovascular system.

How to use tea during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Rooibos tea is made exclusively from natural raw materials - leaves African shrub, processed in a safe way. Dyes, artificial flavors and genetically modified additives are not allowed, which is confirmed by the quality certificate. Contraindications to the use of tea during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not revealed.

Caution should be used in the I trimester of pregnancy due to the fact that the composition of tea includes flavonoid rutin.

Application of diabetes

The composition includes glycosides leaves that impart a sweet taste medicinal drink. This makes it possible for people suffering from type 2 diabetes, drink tea in the amount of daily fluid intake if they refuse to sugar or honey as an additive.

In addition, the composition includes the natural tea flavonoid aspalatin which normalizes blood glucose levels, and also helps to reduce insulin resistance.

For the nervous system

Initially, indigenous people have used the infusion of red leaves to relieve stress and strong, deep sleep.

Scientific studies have shown that in the tea found izoviteksin which strengthens the nervous system. It is recommended to drink 1 cup of Rooibos tea before going to bed.

swelling

When swelling Rooibos tea should be consumed with caution. The structure includes flavonoids, which promotes relaxation and a slight decrease in blood pressure, which in turn can lead to lower urinary renal function.

against worms

In combined treatment of infection by worms Rooibos tea is present assistant. It includes a natural antibiotic tetracycline, which violates the integrity of the cell membranes of worms that leads to their death. Tea can be used and as a preventive measure against intestinal worms.

slimming

One cup of tea Rooibos contains only 2 calories. In addition, rich in vitamins and trace elements, it helps to maintain the immune system and gastrointestinal tract, enhancing peristalsis. The drink helps to overcome the feeling of hunger between meals. It is a tonic and gives extra energy, increases efficiency.

with hypertension

The composition of tea includes routines - flavonoid glucoside, which plays a major role in lowering blood pressure, slowing heart rate and strengthen capillary walls. Doctors are advised to include in the diet of foods such as buckwheat, oranges, bananas because they contain potassium, magnesium, and rutin. All these elements are present in Rooibos tea.

As Rooibos contains no caffeine, people with hypertension can eat drink to quench their thirst in the summer and as a warming tea in the winter without the threat cause hypertensive crisis.

For the cardiovascular system

Apart from the above routine, which increases the strength and elasticity of the capillaries of the Rooibos tea enters vitexin. The preparations with the content of this bioflavonoid is prescribed for disorders of cardiac activity, heart rhythm disorders, tachycardia.

For healthy bones

As part of the tea, scientists have discovered calcium, which is essential to the maintenance of bone tissue in a healthy condition.

Calcium strengthens bones and prevents osteoporosis. Minor presence of fluorine in rooibos leaves promotes tooth enamel and prevents caries.

For healthy skin

A large amount of antioxidants in tea positively affects the skin. They bind, neutralize free radicals and remove them from the body. This helps to stop premature aging.

For the prevention of diseases

The composition of Rooibos tea includes a number of important vitamins C, A, D, E, K, PP, group B (B1, B2, B5, B6 and B12) and trace elements, which It helps to strengthen the immune system and are used for the prevention of diseases such as influenza, respiratory diseases, inflammatory diseases character.

hangover

Antioxidants remove the toxins from the body, and plant flavonoids contribute to the restoration of liver cells after the disastrous influence of the big servings of alcohol. After waking requires 1 h. l. Rooibos tea Dry pour 200 ml of boiling water and infuse 15 minutes.

allergies

Rutin with P-vitamin properties and quercetin are especially important in anti-inflammatory and antihistaminic effects. They have a mild antispasmodic effect on blood vessels, stimulate respiration cover tissues and have a beneficial effect on the activity of endocrine glands.

Digestive system

Quercetin in the tea Rooibos - a unique flavonoid that has anti-edematous, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory actions. He helps with digestive system disorders, to get rid of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation.

Urolithiasis

Patients with a diagnosis of urolithiasis is not forbidden to drink rooibos tea. In addition, the composition of the infusion of the leaves becomes an important component - vitexin. Preparations containing vitexin, administered to patients with impaired renal function and urolithiasis.

Baby Health

Rooibos tea is used to eliminate colic in infants. Tea brewed in a conventional manner, then diluted with boiling water in a ratio of 1: 3. Before use, consult a pediatrician.

Rooibos tea decoction is used as a bath in the case of diaper rash or a rash. For this '30 dried leaves must be filled with 1 liter of cold water, bring to a boil over medium heat and boil for 10 minutes. Then the broth should be cool, strain through several layers of cheesecloth and pour into water for bathing a baby.

The use of tea in cosmetics

The structure includes a leaf flavonoid orientin, which is used in high-end products for skin care face. At home, to eliminate dark circles under the eyes and facial wrinkles effectively used lotions from tea Rooibos.

For this it is necessary to brew tea rate of 1 h. l. 200 ml of boiled water (100^aboutC) infuse for 10 minutes, cool to room temperature, strain. Then wet a cotton pads in the infusion and put on closed eyelids for 15 minutes.

Soothing and healing baths with Rooibos

As a natural antidepressant used bath with strong tea Rooibos. Recommended 30 g of dried leaves to make 1 liter of boiled water (100^aboutC) insist 15 min. Pour into the tub with warm water 37.5 - 38 degrees.

Duration of the treatment 20 minutes. When dermatitis, eczema, allergy brewed tea Roybus same manner as for removal of nervous tension. Duration of treatment 20-30 minutes.

How to choose and store tea?

Rooibos tea quality depends on the reputation of the manufacturer. When choosing tea should pay attention to the absence of impurities, many branches and on the length of the cut sheet. high quality tea has a minimum cut. When you select should pay attention to the color of tea. Green Rooibos has more healing properties than red, but the latter more intense, bright taste.

Rooibos tea leaves are sensitive, so keep them in a dry, cool place. Odors can be absorbed and spoil the taste of the tea. This means that the tea leaves must be placed in an opaque container with a tight-fitting lid. The average shelf life of 1-2 years, release date is indicated on the packaging.

Where to buy tea, price

Rooibos tea can be purchased at specialty tea online stores, as well as in supermarkets and grocery stores with tea departments. The price of exotic tea ranges from 350 to 500 rubles. 100 g of product.

Rooibos has appeared in our stores and on supermarket shelves is not so long ago, but has already won the love and trust of tea drinkers. The correct choice of varieties and simple cooking, which preserves all the beneficial properties can reveal its delicate flavor and unique taste.

Registration of the article: Lozinski Oleg

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Rooibos tea: useful properties and contraindications: