Does Drinking This Sort Of Tea Really Help With Gut Health?

Surely we all want to take good care of our bodies, including our digestive system, so for many, maintaining good gut health is an absolute necessity. There are plenty of things we can take for that purpose, like our superfood overnight oats recipe, but you don't have to plan entire meals around your gut. Improving it could be as simple as drinking a cup of tea in the morning.

Rooibos is an herbal antioxidant-rich tea that comes from the Aspalathus linearis plant, native to South Africa. It's long been prepared and enjoyed by indigenous Africans but has gained worldwide popularity over the last two decades. It's also called red tea thanks to the deep red color produced after steeping the plant's leaves. Rooibos comes in different flavors and varieties, but even just the standard version has a deep profile that typically combines vanilla, caramel, honey, and woody flavors to create a tasty, complex blend.

Supposedly, rooibos has many health benefits, namely reducing heart disease and cancer risks, managing diabetes and blood sugar, reducing inflammation, and aiding digestion. Its gut benefits come from prebiotics called polyphenols, which feed the good bacteria in your digestive system and help them thrive, while at the same time inhibiting bad bacteria. Just like chia seed-based drinks, rooibos also contains antioxidants that help support your immune system.

If rooibos is so good for you, should you make it a part of your morning routine? Maybe. Barring any allergies or health conditions, it's perfectly safe to drink in moderation. You just have to be careful not to go overboard, since practically anything can turn harmful in large enough quantities. Of course, always consult a doctor before starting something for your health, since rooibos can have possible drug interactions. And always ensure the tea you're drinking is fresh. Teabags are generally safe to drink even if expired, but if your teabags or ground tea show signs of mold, throw them out.

That said, you're not guaranteed to see results from your rooibos tea. Per the Journal of Public Health in Africa, research into its health benefits is still ongoing, and more study is needed to determine just how much, if at all, it helps most people. Consider that some studies have used high doses, like six cups a day every day for an extended period, so drinking rooibos casually may not yield the same potential benefits. Also, everyone's bodies can have unique metabolic needs, so even if someone you know benefits from it, you may not. 

That said, if you already drink tea daily, rooibos could be a healthier alternative. Common black or green teas contain caffeine and can inhibit iron absorption in regular drinkers. Rooibos lacks caffeine and has less of the iron-inhibiting tannins that cause these effects, so if you like black or green teas but experience negative effects from them, it could be worth making the switch.