By P. A. Alaniz
I enjoyed a cup of tea long before I knew it could help me in my quest to become a healthier person. Upon discovering that something I enjoyed doing on a daily basis could actually help improve my health, I decided it was time to do some research. So, I read books about tea, attended workshops on tea, and even went to work at a tea factory to learn more about the subject. Green tea always seemed to come up first on the list for overall health benefits. Yet, after learning more about types of teas and tisanes I discovered there was an even better option. When it comes to drinking tea for its health attributes it might surprise you that green tea is not the one with the most benefits. While green tea is the healthiest among true teas, Rooibos tea contains a longer list of health properties, making it a super tea. It is also caffeine free which makes it a great alternative for people trying to stay away from caffeine.
Rooibos tea is actually a tisane. It is often referred to as African red bush tea. While it is usually found in its red and oxidized form, it can also be green. It is both antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory, which means that it promotes relaxation as well as helps to reduce pain. Its superpowers do not stop there, though. Other health benefits attributed to Rooibos are lower blood pressure, lower blood sugar levels, weight loss, reduced appetite, and has even been attributed to limiting the formation of new fat cells. If that were not enough, it has an estimated 45 to 47 percent higher antioxidants per cup than green tea, as well as being rich in copper, fluoride, potassium, calcium, and magnesium.
Rooibos, which is red in color due to the oxidation process, has notes of honey, caramel, and vanilla to it. Whereas the green rooibos tends to have more of a grassier taste similar to green tea. Because Rooibos is a tisane instead of a true tea, you can leave it to infuse for longer period in hot water without fear of a bitter taste. It pairs well with cinnamon and is great with whiskey in a hot toddy. If you prefer a more refreshing drink, add ice and gin to bring out the grassier notes to the tea. In the summer it is great iced along with a splash of either grape, apple, orange, or cranberry juice. My suggestion, since it already has vanilla notes in it, would be to try it with vanilla vodka over ice.
Rooibos Vanilla Cooler
Ingredients:
4 cups boiling water
1 shot of vanilla vodka per glass
2 tablespoons of Rooibos tea
1 cup of ice per glass
Bring water to a boil and place in the tea caddy or bag filled with rooibos tea. Let it steep for five to ten minutes. You can leave it in the water longer if you would like a stronger flavor. Once removed, allow the tea to cool in the refrigerator. After chilled, add one cup of ice per 16-ounce glass, one shot of vanilla vodka, and fill the remainder of the glass with chilled rooibos tea. Drink and enjoy!
P.A. Alaniz is a tea enthusiast. She received an MFA from Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado. She has been published by Chicken Soup for the Soul and writes regularly for her blog, Tea, Travel and Spirits.
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