By now you must have heard the term ‘antioxidant’ somewhere and also how beneficial it is for you. But why and how? If you literally break down the word, “anti” and “oxidants”, you can already start to unravel the mystery. Anti, meaning “opposed to or against” and oxidant meaning “oxidising agent”.
The very simplified scientific explanation:
- A small number of oxygen molecules in the body may become electrically charged due to environmental factors such as smoke or radiation.
- When the oxygen molecule is oxidised (reaction giving away electrons) it becomes a “Free radical”.
- Free radicals try to “steal” electrons from other molecules (including DNA and cellular membranes)
- These become repeated chain reactions that can cause damage to cells.
- This damage to cells is what is known mostly as the results of ageing, cancer and heart diseases.
- Antioxidants neutralise Free radicals by giving up electrons and remain neutral at the same time.
Do you need antioxidants?
Being healthy becomes more difficult day by day as we are no longer the only ones that affect our health. Even if you are not a smoker or lead an otherwise healthy life, you should be taking antioxidants. As mentioned earlier, environmental factors are the source of the causes of damage. These factors are things like polluted water, radiation, polluted air, toxins in foods and much more.
Where can I find antioxidants?
Antioxidants are found in thiols, ascorbic acid and polyphenols. Here are some examples:
· Thiols: Onions, Oysters, Garlic.
· Ascorbic Acid: Citrus Fruits, Broccoli, Tomatoes.
· Polyphenols: Bluberries, Strawberries, Dark Chocolate.
Did you know that the Rooibos herb has a staggering amount of antioxidants?
If you’re looking for your daily dose of antioxidants, you don’t have to reach very far. It’s as simple as a cup of tea- literally! Scientific research was recently done on this wonderful herb, especially regarding antioxidants. In the 1980’s Japanese and American scientists found a powerful and stable antioxidant called super-oxide dismutase in Rooibos tea. It was confirmed that Rooibos tea is the only source for aspalathin, that is an exceptionally beneficial and a rare antioxidant. The combination of antioxidants in the tea has the ability to measurably elevate the antioxidants in the body to a peak within one hour of drinking 400 – 500ml. What this means is that your internal defence system against diseases gets a significant boost. Another antioxidant found in Rooibos tea in limited quantities is chrysoeriol which prevents and treats vascular diseases. These are life-threatening diseases we are aware of as ‘my arteries are blocked’, or ‘I have high blood pressure problems’ to even ‘my arteries have hardened’.
Red vs Green: Join the Revolution
The main difference between the Red and Green Rooibos is that Red Rooibos is made in the traditional way of fermenting and pasteurising the Rooibos plant until it achieves the famous red colour, while Green Rooibos is made from drying the Rooibos plant as it is, bypassing the fermentation and pasteurisation process.
With a unique blend of antioxidants and actives, Annique will now roll out a new generation of ground breaking products that combines Red and Green Rooibos extract. The goal is to standardise this new extract blend across our skin and body care ranges. The first product to contain this upgraded Rooibos extract combination, is the revolutionary Resque Crème, which is already established as the product with the highest amount of Rooibos extract in its formula and that has phenomenal proven results in rapid skin healing and repair.
The ORAC unit is: Oxygen Radical Absorbance capacity– a value assigned by researchers to measure the antioxidant value of a given food, substance or supplement and provides a method of determining its antioxidant potency. Red and Green Rooibos extracts are both high in ORAC values. We have set a standard of 1200 ORAC per cup and the combined extracts are now even more potent.
In summary, the following scientific research was done on Rooibos with exceptional results:
• Rooibos is very high in antioxidants, especially green Rooibos, which means the levels of antioxidants are higher than black, green or honeybush tea
• Rooibos can prevent and treat vascular diseases
• Rooibos can promote a healthy heart
• Rooibos can treat high blood pressure
• Rooibos can increase hair growth
• Rooibos has anti-cancer properties
• Rooibos is beneficial in treatment of acne
• Rooibos contains no caffeine
• Rooibos is low in tannin
• Rooibos helps with nervous tension, allergies and digestive problems
• Rooibos alleviates baby colic, allergies, asthma and skin problems
• Rinsing with Rooibos can protect your skin against infections and fungus
• Rinsing your skin with Rooibos can prevent and alleviate acne and skin irritations
• There is an extract of Rooibos used for the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes
• New research is being done to investigate the plant-derived estrogens in Rooibos for their potential as an alternative to estrogens in hormone replacement therapy … so this is one to really keep an eye on …
•Acts as “chemopreventors” in skin cancer as external application could possibly suppress tumour growth
• Further research into Rooibos has shown it suppresses mutations and as such potentially prevents cancer
• Rooibos has a calming effect on the digestive system
• Further research is being done on Rooibos as a bronchodilator which goes with lowering blood pressure and relieving spasms
• The Japanese found an immune boosting ingredient
• Rooibos has huge anti-ageing effects
• And lastly, no negative or adverse effects …
Annique sells Super Export Grade Rooibos tea which contains at least 80% Rooibos leaves. Some of the Rooibos tea found on Supermarket shelves contain less than 20% leaves. This is critical since the active ingredients in Rooibos are essentially found in the leaves and not the sticks!
Annique Rooibos tea, Herbal tea and all other Annique Health and Beauty products are available at Annique Day Spa:
Annique Beauty Salon & Day Spa
012 654 0602/7
info@anniquedayspa.co.za / bookings@anniquedayspa.co.za
195 Constance Avenue
Clubview
Centurion