According to the South African Rooibos Council, rooibos can lower blood sugar levels and help fight inflammation, amongst others. OFM News’ Olebogeng Motse spoke to Joe Swart, Research Director at the council, about the benefits of drinking rooibos tea as well as its role in managing diabetes.

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Swart says rooibos is only grown in the Clanwilliam area in the Western Cape and that about half the crop is exported while half of it is consumed by South Africans. He adds that in order for the crop to grow successfully, it needs winter rainfall, extremely hot summers without almost any rain, as well as very sandy soil.  

Swart says because rooibos is naturally sweet, no sugar is needed. He explains that research has been done and showed that aspalathin – a unique phenolic compound found only in the Rooibos species – has been shown to improve blood glucose levels and therefore could help to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Research found that aspalathin was especially effective at lowering raised blood glucose levels in animal studies. Swart says these studies showed that aspalathin enhanced insulin activity - the hormone that controls blood sugar levels - by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, which are factors that underlie the development of metabolic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. “Rooibos is not the golden bullet to clear the disease. As I say, if you drink rooibos and combine that with a healthy lifestyle it will go a long way in improving any diabetic’s condition,” adds Swart.

In order for rooibos to be effective, he says one needs to drink about six cups of rooibos tea throughout the day on a daily basis. The tea could be consumed hot or cold.

Furthermore, Swart says the reason why rooibos has been gaining popularity abroad is because of the health benefits that it contains. He says the demand for rooibos locally has increased as well, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. This, as people are reaching for healthier beverages.

With all of the benefits rooibos holds, the council’s aim is to bring attention to diabetes and also encourage a cleaner living as a preventative measure in the days leading up to World Diabetes Day, which is commemorated on 14 November.

OFM News