Awesome Rooibos Tea Benefits

You know what black tea is. And you've heard of green tea. But what about rooibos tea? And what are rooibos tea benefits?

Also known as red tea or red bush tea, rooibos tea is a flavorful, calorie-free and caffeine-free alternative to green and black tea that grows naturally in South Africa.

This herbal tea is gaining popularity for its delicious taste—nutty, fruity and bold. Sweeten it with some milk (or not) and sugar for taste. Transform it into a cold iced tea. Or drink it hot—plain or as an espresso, a latte or cappuccino. The longer it steeps, the more flavorful it gets.

Here are just a few rooibos tea benefits. (In general, this tea is safe, and negative side effects are rare.) And find out more about the best teas for weight loss, including drinking green tea for weight loss.

It may benefit people with heart-disease risk.
Antioxidants in rooibos tea have been linked to a healthier heart. Studies have shown it may have beneficial and positive effects on blood pressure. It may improve cholesterol levels, decreasing LDL (bad) cholesterol and increasing HDL (good) cholesterol.

It has low tannin levels.
Compared to black or green tea, rooibos tea has low tannin levels. Tannins are a natural compound found in green and black teas. They often get a bad rap since they can interfere with the absorption of nutrients like iron.

It lacks oxalic acid.
Oxalic acid is an organic acid found in many plants. Consuming too much can increase your kidney stone risk.

It's loaded with powerful antioxidants.
Rooibos is packed with good-for-you antioxidants. That includes aspalathin, a compound shown to reduce stress hormones that trigger fat storage and hunger and help inhibit metabolic disorders. It also helps regulate blood sugar, so it can help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. It boasts the antioxidant quercetin, which benefits the heart, lowers the risk of various types of cancer, fights viruses and is an anti-inflammatory that decreases the risk of many types of heart disorders. These antioxidants may help protect cells from damage by free radicals, the toxic by-product of natural biological processes that can damage cells and lead to cancer.

Are you intrigued to try rooibos and reap its benefits? Then why not make some of your own. Serve it up hot, cold or something in between. Here are a few rooibos recipes you can try.

Rooibos Iced Tea: Place teabags, lemon, mint leaves and sugar in a large pot. Pour in boiling water and let steep. Stir occasionally until cool. Then remove teabags and refrigerate.

Rooibos Limeade: In this tropical take on the Arnold Palmer, lime wedges, thyme sprigs, and fresh ginger are muddled together, then mixed with chilled rooibos tea.

Red Rooibos Latte: Mix brewed tea with honey. Top with steamed milk, cinnamon and honey. Serve immediately.

Rooibos Tea Peach Punch: This quick and easy peach punch is a refreshing summer cocktail. But, the beverage is just as enjoyable without vodka.

Rooibos-Raspberry Iced Tea with Vanilla: This iced tea can be refrigerated in a covered pitcher for up to two days.