In a world where consumers are more informed than ever, demand for natural, functional beverages continues to grow. At Carmién, we believe in harnessing the power of rooibos not only for its flavour and versatility, but for its science-backed health benefits. Among the most promising? Rooibos’ role in supporting cardiovascular health.
A heart-friendly tea backed by science
Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) is rich in powerful antioxidants, particularly aspalathin and nothofagin, which have been shown to help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress that are two major contributors to cardiovascular disease (Marnewick et al., 2005).
Clinical studies suggest that regular consumption of rooibos may positively impact several key indicators of cardiovascular health:
- Lower blood pressure: Rooibos acts as a natural angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, which helps relax blood vessels and may support healthier blood pressure levels (Persson et al., 2010).
- Improved cholesterol profile: In a six-week clinical trial, participants who drank six cups of rooibos per day showed a significant reduction in LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and an increase in HDL (“good”) cholesterol (Marnewick et al., 2011).
- Reduced oxidative stress: Rooibos has been shown to reduce lipid peroxidation and improve antioxidant status in humans, protecting blood vessels from damage that can lead to atherosclerosis (McKay & Blumberg, 2007).
These properties make rooibos an ideal functional ingredient for wellness ranges, ready-to-drink health teas, or herbal blends targeting specific lifestyle concerns.
Rooibos is naturally caffeine-free
One of rooibos’ greatest selling points is that it’s completely caffeine-free. Unlike black or green tea, rooibos does not stimulate the nervous system, making it an ideal option for consumers who are sensitive to caffeine or managing high blood pressure. It can be enjoyed throughout the day without disrupting sleep patterns (Joubert & Schulz, 2006).
Our international bulk and packaged offering includes:
- Bulk Rooibos – Green and fermented rooibos, cut to client specification
- Private Label Services – Fully customisable tea blends and packaging options
- Retail-Ready Packaged Products – Certified organic and conventional lines, ideal for global markets
Position your brand at the heart of wellness
Whether you’re looking to cater to consumers managing hypertension, seeking natural ways to support healthy cholesterol levels, or simply expanding your range of functional herbal teas, rooibos offers both health benefits and marketing appeal.
References
- Joubert, E. and Schulz, H., 2006. Rooibos tea and health: A review. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 103(2), pp.205–215.
- Marnewick, J.L., Rautenbach, F., Venter, I., Neethling, H., Blackhurst, D.M., Wolmarans, P. and Macharia, M., 2011. Effects of rooibos tea consumption on oxidative stress and lipid profile in adults at risk for cardiovascular disease. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 133(1), pp.46–52.
- Marnewick, J.L., Van der Westhuizen, F.H. and Joubert, E., 2005. Protective effect of rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) tea against lipid peroxidation during the development of age-related diseases. Phytomedicine, 12(1-2), pp.112–118.