Rooibos, the beloved South African herbal tea, is not just a delicious and caffeine-free alternative to traditional teas. It’s also gaining recognition for its potential role in combating obesity and related health issues like type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular disease (CVD).
In a pioneering study, researchers are now examining the real-world effects of rooibos consumption on human health.
Rooibos, with its sweet and earthy flavour and rich reddish-brown hue, has long been cherished for its high antioxidant content. This native South African tisane is celebrated for being caffeine-free, offering a soothing alternative to coffee without the dreaded crash.
But its benefits may extend beyond mere enjoyment. Rooibos might also support heart health and aid in weight management.
Leading this groundbreaking research is Professor Elmarie Terblanche from the Department of Exercise, Sport, and Lifestyle Medicine at Stellenbosch University. Her team and her are conducting a study to explore how rooibos consumption impacts women who are overweight or obese.
“Our study aims to investigate the health effects of rooibos consumption in women who are overweight or obese. We are particularly interested in examining changes in body composition, inflammation, glycaemic control, and cardiovascular fitness,” explained Terblanche.
The study is meticulously structured, involving two distinct groups to assess the effects of different interventions:
Those in the rooibos groups will drink six cups of rooibos daily for eight weeks. Meanwhile, the exercise group will engage in supervised high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions three times a week, without consuming rooibos.
“Each exercise session lasts about 20 minutes, yet it’s as effective in improving cardiovascular fitness as traditional 60-minute sessions of low to moderate intensity exercise,” added Terblanche.
The research is divided into two phases. The first phase, which recently began, involves women aged 18 to 40. The second phase, expected to be completed by mid-2025, will focus on women over 40 who are pre-diabetic or diabetic.
When it comes to NCDs, why use rooibos?
Rooibos is packed with unique polyphenols known for their antioxidant properties. Preliminary studies using cell cultures and animal models have shown promising results regarding these compounds.
Terblanche noted: “There is substantial evidence suggesting that rooibos can improve cardiovascular and metabolic health. However, most of these studies have used rooibos extracts in concentrated capsule forms.
“Our study is the first to examine the effects of rooibos consumption – in tisane (herbal infusion) form – in humans, specifically women.”
This research might make rooibos a key part of fighting obesity and related health issues, offering a natural and accessible option for improving well-being.
“We’ll also look at participants’ diets, as high carb intake could reduce rooibos’ benefits,” she added.
This makes their study unique, as no previous research has considered diet in this way.
Obesity is a major risk factor for diseases like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, causing insulin resistance, unhealthy fat distribution, and chronic inflammation.
Traditional treatments often have significant side effects and can be inaccessible, especially in low-income countries. This study could offer new, healthier options for managing these conditions.
“Healthy eating and regular exercise are crucial in managing and preventing T2D, CVD, and many other diseases of lifestyle,” added Terblanche. “However, many people struggle to maintain these healthy habits. Rooibos could provide a simpler, more accessible intervention.”
“If regular rooibos consumption can offer the health benefits as suggested by animal studies, it might be a viable option for those unable or unwilling to adhere to strict exercise regimens. However, whether rooibos alone can mitigate the effects of a poor diet remains to be seen.”
Despite the promising preliminary evidence, long-term studies on the effects of rooibos in humans are scarce.
“Current research suggests a dosage of six cups per day, but this is based on short-term studies. We need more comprehensive, long-term research to determine if rooibos can be a sustainable remedy for managing T2D and CVD.”
Terblanche’s study is a significant step in this direction. By examining the combined effects of rooibos and exercise, and considering dietary influences, the research aims to provide actionable insights into the potential of rooibos as a health intervention.
The quest for effective, accessible treatments for obesity-related conditions like T2D and CVD is ongoing. Her study represents a pioneering effort to explore rooibos’ potential in this context.
“I’m confident about rooibos, but as researchers, we need to test it in real-world conditions. If our findings are positive, it could pave the way for more focused research and ultimately provide a natural, accessible option for improving health outcomes,” she said.