Rooibos industry boosts research fund to prove health claims
The South African Rooibos Council, an industry body, has granted over $250,000 to fund further research on potential health benefits of rooibos tea in 2012. The organization seeks scientific evidence on soothing, healing, disease-prevention and weight-loss properties of rooibos, a bush cultivated only in South Africa. The grant also covers studies on anti-aging, anti-obesity and cancer-preventing properties of rooibos tea, and the role of rooibos in performance during exercise and post-exercise recovery. Previous studies indicate that rooibos tea may alleviate stress and anxiety, as well as prevent skin cancer and other diseases.