'Rooibos is good for you, and we've got R2m to prove it'

South African researchers will conduct a R2-million research project to scientifically showcase the soothing, disease-prevention and weight loss properties of rooibos tea, the Star reported on Wednesday.

The research, which will include examining the anti-ageing, anti-obesity and cancer-preventing properties of the tea, would be conducted this year, the newspaper reported.

The SA Rooibos Council has set aside a budget for the research.

There is a “long held belief” that a cup of rooibos tea helps one relax and cope better with stress.

The University of Stellenbosch biochemistry department research team, led by Professor Amanda Swart, found that the tea contains components that can help alleviate stress and anxiety.

The team identified two rare components of rooibos, aspalathin and nothofagin, that contribute to the stress-lowering effect. These findings were published last year.—Sapa