Roobios Tea And CVD:
Rooibos tea is consumed around the world and is known for its strong flavor and medicinal uses. However, do those apply to cardiovascular benefits? Let’s find out.
Put the kettle on the stove and let’s dive into whether or not drinking this type of tea is a good idea if you have CVD.
According to the article, Guide To Rooibos: Health Benefits, History and Prep by the Full Leaf Tea Company, “Rooibos, also known as red bush tea, is a herbal tea made from the leaves of the Aspalathus linearis plant, which is native to South Africa. The article, Rooibos Tea: A Comprehensive Guide by Renee Brown, talks about the long tradition, from being discovered by the “indigenous Khoisan tribes to its commercial cultivation in the Cederberg region of South Africa, Rooibos tea has a story that spans centuries” (Brown, 2023). As can be expected, the fermenting methods and widespread cultural influences have created a variety of types of rooibos teas.
Brown’s article discusses three main categories of rooibos teas. Red tea is the traditional version, followed by green tea and a variety of blended types. Each has its own fermentation methods and flavors (Brown, 2023). However, all of these types are still classified as rooibos tea as they are based around the same plant and, therefore, are widely considered to be very healthy.
According to the Full Leaf Tea Company, “this naturally caffeine-free tea is beloved for its rich, sweet, and slightly nutty flavor. Unlike traditional black and green teas, rooibos is not from the Camellia sinensis plant, making it an excellent alternative for those seeking a unique and flavorful tea experience without the caffeine” (Full Leaf Tea Company, 2023). It is made by being, “harvested and processed similarly to traditional tea, but the leaves are fermented to produce its characteristic red color and distinct taste. This fermentation process enhances the tea's sweet flavor, making it a popular choice for both hot and iced beverages. In addition to its delightful taste, rooibos is packed with antioxidants and nutrients, making it a healthy addition to your daily routine” (Full Leaf Tea Company, 2023). But how healthy is it, really?
Rooibos tea actually supports a variety of aspects of one’s health. It is full of antioxidants that, “help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals, which can contribute to chronic diseases and aging” (Full Leaf Tea Company, 2023). Because of this, rooibos tea aids digestion, which assists with weight management, supports skin and bone health. It is also known to reduce the frequency and intensity of allergies and aid sleep (Full Leaf Tea Company, 2023). However, in the interests of this article, rooibos tea also for helping and maintaining the health of the cardiovascular system.
An article, Cardioprotective Effects Of Rooibos (Aspalathus Linearis) Against Isoproterenol-Induced Hypertrophy In H9c2 Cardiomyoblasts: Enhancing Antioxidative And Mitochondrial Function by S. Shaboodien et al., goes into detail about the specific benefits that consistently drinking rooibos tea can give to one’s cardiac health. Particularly, how “rooibos counteracted the isoproterenol-induced increase in H9c2 cell size, improved antioxidant enzyme (SOD, CAT) activities, reduced the expression of total Akt and total NFAT, and improved mitochondrial function via a complex-I pathway. This is the first study that tested the effects of RB against isoproterenol-induced H9c2 hypertrophy, and it demonstrates that RB has the potential as an adjuvant cardioprotective therapy, especially for heart disease patients who experience cardiac hypertrophy. However, more research is warranted” (S Shaboodien et al., 2024). This concurs with the statement in the Full Leaf Tea Company article that, “the antioxidants in rooibos, particularly quercetin, have been shown to support heart health by reducing blood pressure and improving circulation. Quercetin helps to relax blood vessels, leading to improved blood flow and lower risk of cardiovascular diseases. Incorporating rooibos into your diet can contribute to a healthier heart and better cardiovascular function” (Full Leaf Tea Company, 2023). So, not only is rooibos tea good for maintaining one’s general health, but it is also beneficial for a variety of aspects of one's cardiovascular health.
Personally, as a result of researching this article, I went out and added some red rooibos tea to my teabox. I really enjoy it along with a dollop of honey.
So, if you want to help strengthen and preserve your heart health, I’d recommend putting a pot on the stove and pouring yourself a cup of this type of tea. Your heart will thank you for it.
Have you tried rooibos tea? What do you think?
Comment below.
P.S. Are there any aspects of CVD health or pacemakers you’d like to know more about?
Feel free to email me at:
blairmueller28@gmail.com
Tune in next Wednesday and Sunday for more!
Keep ticking, everybody!
Reference List:
Brown, R. (2023). Rooibos Tea: A Comprehensive Guide. [online] weaverscoffee.com. Available at: https://weaverscoffee.com/blogs/blog/rooibos-tea-a-comprehensive-guide?srsltid=AfmBOopj65xS7y5McU4uDY6i1yGbPAzcSDdc6DWHq8DIKgnr6DLY-1w4 [Accessed 14 Dec. 2025].
Full Leaf Tea Company. (2023). What is Rooibos Tea? - History, Benefits, and More. [online] Available at: https://fullleafteacompany.com/pages/what-is-rooibos-tea-history-benefits-and-more?srsltid=AfmBOoopVKDNq9z-T5_YUvPbvudOsAqRwHWr8Nrwrjg-JYg0eeMam2zd [Accessed 14 Dec. 2025].
S Shaboodien, Payne, C., Parker, M., Marais, E., Johnson, R. and G Maarman (2024). Cardioprotective Effects Of Rooibos (Aspalathus Linearis) Against Isoproterenol-Induced Hypertrophy In H9c2 Cardiomyoblasts: Enhancing Antioxidative And Mitochondrial Function. South African Journal of Botany, 177, pp.211–224. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2024.11.040.
#cvd #tea #rooibos #cardiology #chronicillness #experience #heartdisease #chd #winter #cold