During 2012 researchers at the biochemistry department for Stellenbosch University discovered that Rooibos is able to reduce the production of Cortisol, a steroid hormone secreted by the adrenal gland also known as a stress hormone, which may prevent a number of stress-related diseases. Professor Amanda Swart and her team of researchers from the university, found that Rooibos contains components that can help alleviate stress and anxiety. Rooibos extracts and compounds were tested in the laboratory on adrenal cells that were stimulated to mimic a stress response similar to that which occurs in humans. It was found that Rooibos lowers the production of Cortisol in the cells. Aspalathin and Nothofagin, two rare components in Rooibos, were identified as contributing to the stresslowering effect. By lowering Cortisol levels, the effect of the body’s response to stress is also lowered. The findings were published in The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology during 2012. According to Swart, Cortisol is a significant part of the human metabolism and plays an important role in the way humans respond to stress. Swart says Cortisol helps regulate fat, protein and carbohydrate metabolism. Studies of the consumption of Rooibos in humans have shown the beverage was able to lower the production of the stress hormone. However, she emphasises that the steroid hormone can be overproduced due to a stressful lifestyle which is linked to a number of diseases such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance and Diabetes Type 2. She says keeping Cortisol at normal levels in the blood stream is key to a healthy lifestyle. According to Marina Joubert, science communicator of the South African Rooibos Council, Rooibos contains antioxidants that fight against lifestyle diseases and protect the body from oxidated stress. She says research over the last 10 years has proven the herb can assist in preventing cancer, protect the liver against disease, boost immune systems, delay ageing, relieve allergies and treat digestive disorders. Joubert is however adamant that despite all benefits of the herb, Rooibos should not be seen as a substitute for medicine and should not be positioned as a medicine but rather, with its preventative and curative properties as part of a healthy lifestyle. Researchers recommend that six cups of tea should be consumed throughout the day for Rooibos to be effective. Joubert admits not everyone is able to drink six cups a day, and says alternative ways of consuming it include having it in meat dishes, in potjiekos, as a marinade and in fruit juice.
Keeping children hydrated and healthy on a daily basis is often a serious challenge for Moms nationwide. Iced Rooibos tea has been proven by researchers to be a natural, delicious thirst quencher, providing sustained health for consumers of the beverage.
Mothers across the country are often concerned as to whether their children are receiving enough of the right kind of liquids to ensure they are hydrated throughout the school day. Correct hydration is just as important as ensuring children receive healthy nutrition since even mild dehydration can lead to sleepiness, fatigue, headaches and dizziness. These symptoms can make it difficult for children to pay attention in class and in more severe cases result in delirium or even unconsciousness. According to Professor Jeanine Marnewick of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Rooibos is a natural thirst quencher and drinking the equivalent of six cups a day, whether hot or cold, will provide a sustained health benefit. Although many people tend to think of Rooibos as only a hot drink, it is an exceptional flavour enhancer and is naturally sweet, which makes it a favourite ingredient for iced teas, fruit shakes, smoothies, iced lollies and many other tasty treats. It contains no caffeine, fats or carbohydrates and proven health benefits include boosting the immune system, relieving allergies and preventing heart disease and cancer. Researchers are also investigating the link between Rooibos and stress relief. Mothers can make a litre of Rooibos tea using four to six teabags and sweeten the tea with honey, leaving it in the fridge to cool overnight. The tea can be kept in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Moms can experiment by adding mint, lemon, orange, granadilla, mango, apple or a combination of juices to the tea until they find one that their children enjoy. Try mixing 25ml fruit juice with 125ml Rooibos Tea as a start. By pouring some iced tea into popsicle containers or ice-cube trays and freezing it, children will also have fun, refreshing, healthy after school or sports treats.