Antioxidant polyphenols (the same elements as contained in green tea) without the caffeine. Red Rooibos tea not only appears to not have some of the negative affects of green tea, but it contains higher quantities of the things that are prized in green tea.

It has a long history in South Africa, where it is grown. It has long been used for soothing, healing, and prevention of disease.

This tea reputedly has a naturally sweet taste. For diabetics, that alone is a powerful benefit, since it completely avoids the issue of sugar or artificial sweeteners. It is used iced, or hot, and won’t keep you up late if you use it at night. I find that the flavor is not really all that sweet, but it does only take a single packet of Stevia to sweeten a very large mug (20 oz).

This tea is also non-addictive – it does not contain the addictive elements that green tea has. Safety during pregnancy or nursing is not known.

I have found some sources that indicate that it may directly influence blood sugar levels, others just cite it as a diabetes support supplement, because it can help slow down cell damage, and help get the rest of your body functioning as well as possible.

Either way, it appears that it may be a safer bet than green tea, and a way to get the benefits of the nutrients without the nasty side effects that green tea can have.

I have used this tea, both in combination with peppermint (to help with a sinus headache), and as a warm drink in the evening when I needed to relax. I have not noticed any ill effects, but it is a tea I feel safe using during pregnancy, and for my kids – this is just my own personal feeling on it, and my own choice.