Rooibos Is Your Next Anti-Ageing Ingredient

Rooibos tea is an extremely well known South African treasure. And though it is the tea of choice for many, it’s benefits extend far beyond being just a beloved hot beverage. Now scientists  from the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in South Africa are discovering it has the ability to help keep ageing-related diseases from developing.

What Do We Already Know about Rooibos Tea?

 Okay, so when it comes to its preparation, whether you want to squeeze a wedge of lemon and drop dollop of honey in it, or possibly add a little milk and vanilla. The idea is pretty standard.

Here are some of the health benefits that come along with it:

1. Naturally caffeine free
2. Packed with antioxidants
3. High in minerals such as zinc and iron  
4. Great for circulation 
5. An anti-inflammatory for your skin (can help you with conditions such as eczema and psoriasis)

 

TOP TIP: Ditch the tablets if you have a mild stomach cramp and have a cup of Rooibos. It has high levels of flavonoids that have the ability to ease your abdominal aches…

 

So What Is The Link to Anti-Ageing?

As we age, a sufficient amount of the fat held under our skin moves and sets base around other organs in our body. This can end up causing quite a few, relatively serious health issues. Immediately making us more prone to lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.

“Loss of fat under the skin also results in the appearance of wrinkles, sunken eyes and skin folds. In simple terms, with old age there is less fat in places where it should be and more fat in deposits where it shouldn’t be. It’s this, that significantly alters one’s state of health as one ages,” explains Professor van de Venter.

Why Rooibos?

1. It has the ability to protect the main cells found in fat tissue from degenerating, called preadipocytes.  
2. It can also partially restore the function of these main cells that have already aged. Meaning it’s got  great anti-ageing properties.

So Where Do We Stand Now?

Although the basic research has been done, there are still a lot more questions that need answering before rooibos can be promoted as an anti-ageing product, including:

1. What exactly does contain that makes it so good at protecting and restoring preadipocytes?
2. What is the best way to consume it in order for the most efficient absorption into your body?
3. How much is actually needed per dose?

 

 “Our research shows that Rooibos is more than just an antioxidant. But we still need to do further research in order to understand precisely what compounds are responsible for its anti-ageing abilities.” explains Dr Koekemoer.