From end-of-the-year parties to Christmas parties to New Year’s Eve festivities, the festive season is synonymous with social gatherings and overindulging in food and alcohol, which take a toll on your gut health.
One way to support your digestive system and relieve the discomfort of overeating, according to researchers, is with herbal drinks.
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Treatment of bowel diseases
A popular choice in South Africa is Rooibos, which is native to the country and comes from the leaves of the Aspalathus linearis plant.
Dr Hanel Sadie-Van Gijsen, senior researcher at the Center for Cardiometabolic Research in Africa (CARMA) in the Department of Medical Physiology at Stellenbosch University, says Recent studies have shown that Rooibos can improve various aspects of gut health and digestion, while relieving inflammation and discomfort.
He says that one of the most prominent traditional uses of Rooibos was to treat various stomach and intestinal ailments, but until recently the scientific basis for this had not been studied in much detail.
However, recent studies conducted by Stellenbosch University (SU), University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), SA Medical Research Council (SAMRC) and Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), along with other international research centers focused in nutrition, microbiology and health sciences all point a variety of actions Rooibos exerts on the gut that not only aids digestion but also improves overall health and helps manage disease.
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A healthy gut microbiome
The gut microbiome is its collective name all the microorganisms that live in our digestive systembut they are mainly found in the large intestine (large intestine).
Dr Sadie-Van Gijsen says that while the gut microbiome is technically not a natural part of our body, Its optimal function is so critical to our health and well-being that we must see it as part of our body.and we must take care of it accordingly.
“A healthy gut microbiome helps us efficiently extract nutrients from our food, aids our immune response, supports gut barrier function, reduces gut inflammation, improves metabolic function and even protects our brain health .
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Rooibos aids digestion
Rooibos, which is rich in polyphenols – a large family of plant bioactive compounds – has a proven prebiotic effect, which supports the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, while restoring and maintaining intestinal balance.
The polyphenols in Rooibos have a dual benefit, inhibiting the growth of harmful gut bacteria and stimulating the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. This prebiotic effect of Rooibos polyphenols has also been shown to reduce markers of inflammation in the blood, therefore reducing the risk of disease.
“In addition to Rooibos’ impact on gut bacteria, tisane also has many other beneficial effects on the gut,” continues Dr. Sadie-Van Gijsen.
Researchers at UKZN have shown that hot water infusions made from fermented (red) Rooibos tea bags (essentially how we would make a cup of tea at home) inhibited intestinal glucose uptake. This action can help control blood glucose.
“The work done in India found it orientin, a polyphenol found in both green and fermented Rooibos, successfully inhibited chemically induced colon cancer in mice. Other studies have shown that fermented Rooibos has antispasmodic and antidiarrheal effects by balancing the actions of potassium and calcium ions in the gut, thereby achieving smooth muscle relaxation. Rooibos also reduces the release of intestinal fluid to relieve diarrhea.”
He says that as the field of gut health and probiotics/prebiotics continues to evolve, more research into the actions of Rooibos on the gut and microbiota will build on existing evidence, which suggests that adults and children can safely consume Rooibos as a daily support for gut healthcombined with a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle practices.
5 Ways Rooibos Can Support Gut Health:
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Rooibos contains polyphenols such as flavonoids and dihydrochalcones that possess anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds may help reduce inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, potentially relieving digestive discomfort.
- Antioxidant Effects: Antioxidants found in Rooibos, such as quercetin and aspalathin (in green Rooibos), can help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. By reducing oxidative stress, tisane can contribute to overall gut health.
- Prebiotic potential: Rooibos’ bioactive compounds act as prebiotics, supporting the growth and activity of beneficial gut bacteria. This could contribute to a healthier gut microbiome and improve overall metabolic health.
- Tummy Upset Relief: Rooibos has antispasmodic properties, which means it can relieve stomach and intestinal cramps. As it does not contain caffeine, Rooibos also normalizes the release of intestinal fluid and together with its prebiotic effects, these actions can help relieve diarrhea.
- No oxalic acid: Unlike some other teas, Rooibos does not contain oxalic acid, which in excess can contribute to kidney stones or interfere with mineral absorption. This absence makes it a favorable choice for those interested in these topics.
For more information on the health benefits of Rooibos, visit sarooibos.co.za.
Author: Pedro van Gaalen
When he’s not writing about sports or health and fitness, Pedro is most likely out training for his next marathon or ultramarathon. He has worked as a fitness professional and as a marketing and comms specialist. He now combines his passions in his role as managing editor at Fitness magazine.
