Red tea, or rooibos, is growing in popularity in the United States as an herbal drink and as part of a comprehensive weight loss program. Combined with a healthy diet, red tea may help you lose weight. Red tea is not a true “tea.” It is an herbal drink made from the rooibos plant native to South Africa. The people of South Africa have used this tea as a treatment for inflammation and stomach ailments like colic in babies, and it’s rich in antioxidants that help prevent cell damage caused by free radicals in the body.
The flavonoids in rooibos may also help reduce the risk of cancer and stimulate the immune system. When you are dieting for weight loss, it is important to support your immune system. Rooibos tea can help calm an upset stomach. Anecdotal evidence suggests that drinking red tea can help calm the digestive system and relieve stomach ailments. People who drink rooibos tea report feeling calmer and relaxed, which can be beneficial when faced with the stress of weight loss.
Red tea contains no caffeine. This nutrient-dense herbal drink also facilitates the absorption of iron and contains potassium, which is necessary for normal metabolism. Essential minerals like calcium, zinc, manganese, magnesium and fluoride are also present in this herbal tea. Rooibos tea may be a natural appetite suppressant. Caffeine can cause the body to retain water, which results in increased weight. A diet that limits caffeine intake can help you lose weight. Since red tea is caffeine free, you can drink it throughout the day as part of a healthy weight loss program. Cutting back on caffeine can also help you sleep better at night.
Red tea is a great source of antioxidant phytochemicals. Phytochemicals stimulate the body’s metabolism without the negative side effects of drugs like caffeine. Foods like blackberries, strawberries and blueberries are rich in natural phytochemicals. Combining natural sources of phytochemicals with the metabolic benefits of red tea may help you lose weight. There is no need to add sugar or artificial sweeteners to this tea because it is naturally flavorful and sweet. Drinking rooibos tea may satisfy your craving for a sweet beverage without the negative effects of sugar in your diet.