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Topic 5 of 6

The body

What the evidence does and does not show.

Start with this guide Rooibos and Health A reference on rooibos and health, sorted by how strong the evidence is: what is settled (caffeine-free, low in tannins, antioxidant-rich), what one small human trial suggests, what is shown only in animals, and what has no clinical support at all. Read the guide →

Also in The body

Explainer · The body

How strong is the evidence

Each claim sits on the rung its evidence reaches, with what exists and what is missing.

  1. SettledRung 4 of 4

    Caffeine-free · Low in tannins · Rich in antioxidants, chiefly aspalathin

    What exists
    The make-up of the plant and of the cup, measured.
    What is missing
    Nothing for these facts themselves. Being rich in antioxidants describes the tea; it is not a shown effect in the body.

  2. One small human trialRung 3 of 4

    Blood fats

    What exists
    40 adults at raised risk drank six cups a day for six weeks. LDL fell about 15 percent, triglycerides 29 percent, and HDL rose 33 percent.
    What is missing
    No confirming trial since.
    Change after six weeks, one trial of 40 adults
    LDL about −15%
    Triglycerides −29%
    HDL +33%

  3. Animals onlyRung 2 of 4

    Blood sugar

    What exists
    Two rooibos compounds lowered glucose in diabetic rodents.
    What is missing
    Any clinical study in people.

  4. NoneRung 1 of 4

    Detox · Cures · Weight loss · Anti-ageing

    What exists
    No trial at all.
    What is missing
    Any trial.

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