Rooibos: Study Highlights Its Longevity Benefits for Women

More and more women than ever are making the switch to healthier beverages, with  South Africa’s Rooibos emerging as a top contender. 

Rooibos and Women’s Health

Prof Elmarie Terblanche, a leading researcher from the Department of Exercise, Sport, and Lifestyle Medicine at Stellenbosch University (SU), speaks on the trend of women turning to rooibos as their favourite beverage.

“Rooibos is more than just a traditional herbal tisane – it’s a wellness companion for women at every stage of life. It’s natural, caffeine-free composition aligns with women’s evolving health priorities, whether they’re studying, raising families, or managing age-related health concerns.”

A 2023 review published in the Journal of Public Health in Africa found that rooibos interventions across a broad age range (6–83 years) significantly improved lipid profiles, antioxidant status, and blood glucose control – even in high-risk individuals.

Further research by leading South African scientists reinforces Rooibos’ potential as a natural tool for supporting overall health.

Prof. Jeanine Marnewick is Director of the Applied Microbial and Health Biotechnology Institute at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT). She has shown through her extensive research that rooibos is rich in powerful antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress – a key factor in the development of many chronic conditions.

Blood sugar levels and your health

Similarly, Prof. Amanda Swart, Emeritus Professor of Biochemistry at SU, has identified Rooibos’ unique compound, aspalathin, as beneficial for balancing blood sugar levels and supporting adrenal health – an important factor for stress resilience.

Adding to this, research by Prof. Christo Muller, Chief Specialist Scientist at the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), highlights Rooibos’ ability to positively influence glucose metabolism and reduce inflammation – suggesting it may help prevent or manage type 2 diabetes.

“Together, these findings paint a compelling picture of Rooibos as a functional drink that supports women’s wellbeing across multiple systems in the body.” –Prof Terblanche

“Its potential to assist with blood sugar control, cardiovascular health, and stress regulation makes it a smart addition to a daily wellness routine.”

Rooibos Benefits Through The Years

From adolescence to menopause, here’s how rooibos contributes to women’s health at every stage:

Girls (ages 6–12)

• Rich in antioxidants, which support healthy development
• Naturally sweet and caffeine-free – ideal for children
• Low in tannins, so it won’t interfere with iron absorption during key growth years

Teenagers and young women (ages 13–25)

• May help reduce menstrual discomfort, due to its anti-inflammatory properties
• Supports hydration and promotes mental focus during exams and sport
• Encourages healthier drinking habits amid rising sugary beverage consumption and energy-drink craze 

Women of reproductive age (ages 26–40)

• Safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding (consultation with a healthcare provider is still advised)
• Offers a soothing, iron-friendly alternative to regular tea or coffee
• Linked to better blood sugar control, heart health, and reduced oxidative stress 

Midlife and menopausal women (ages 41–60+)

• Compounds like aspalathin and nothofagin support metabolic health
• May help manage symptoms related to menopause, such as hot flushes and fatigue
• Contributes to cardiovascular wellness and reduces inflammation

Takeaway

Rooibos’ growing appeal also lies in its versatility. From traditional brews and ready-to-drink teas to concentrated shots, capsules, and blends with probiotics or botanicals, it fits both modern and traditional lifestyles. Its accessibility across age, culture, and income groups ensures it remains relevant and inclusive.

As more women in SA and across the globe prioritise their health, the shift away from sugary, high-caffeine drinks is accelerating. Rooibos is not just a heritage beverage, but is fast becoming a cornerstone of the country’s evolving wellness narrative, with women at the forefront of this transformation.

References

Afrifa, D., Engelbrecht, L., Eijnde, B.O. and Terblanche, E. (2023). The health benefits of rooibos tea in humans (aspalathus linearis)-a scoping review. Journal of Public Health in Africa, [online] 14(12), p.2784. doi:https://doi.org/10.4081/jphia.2023.2784.

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