The Perfect Drink for Children: Rooibos Tea

For anyone who has never heard of Rooibos tea, you are in for a real treat! Rooibos tea is originally from South Africa where even the oldest civilizations realized the amazing benefits of tea. Because most teas contain caffeine, parents are often reluctant to feed their children any such products. However, Rooibos tea is one drink that you should be feeding your little one. Discover how Rooibos tea can be beneficial to your child’s health and how to encourage your tots to drink this delicious tea.

How can children benefit from drinking Rooibos tea?

Hydration

We are always encouraged to consume a sufficient amount of fluids every day and this basic rule doesn’t only apply to adults. Parents need to encourage their children to drink enough liquids too. Keeping your body hydrated helps your organs function better and can help prevent problems involving the bladder, kidneys and urinary tract.

Encourage healthy habits

Instead of giving your child a constant supply of sweet fruit juices or sugary drinks, offer them Rooibos tea instead. It is naturally sweet and there is no need for added sugar. A tiny dash of honey can be added if you desire, but in very small amounts. Healthy eating and drinking habits are essential from an early stage, as they influence the quality of life later on.

Tastes great hot or cold

This tea can be consumed throughout the whole year. During the winter months, it is delicious served warm with a squeeze of lemon and a drop of honey to help give the body’s immune system an important boost and to add a bit of extra sweetness. During the summer, you can do the same, but this time you can serve Rooibos as an ice tea.

Other health benefits of Rooibos tea

Pure natural goodness

There are a number of varieties of Rooibos tea on the market. You can find anything from vanilla to caramel flavors. However, plain Rooibos tea has a sweet aroma and enjoyable taste that even a child will enjoy. Unlike many other types of tea, Rooibos does not contain any caffeine and is perfectly safe for toddlers and children.

Antioxidant

Rooibos tea contains a host of amazing antioxidants including Nothofagin and Aspalathin. Nothofagin is known to aid in the prevention of heart disease, cancer and strokes. Aspalathin is only found in Rooibos tea and is extremely effective in getting the body rid of free radicals. It’s even more effective than Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) found in green tea.

Good for your heart

Like a handful of other select types of tea, Rooibos tea is known to have significant cardiovascular benefits. Drinking this tea can help with high blood pressure and heart disease. Green tea and some other black teas also boast similar results but are not suitable for children or toddlers.

Breathe easy

Rooibos tea is also believed to have a positive effect in the case of respiratory and gastrointestinal problems. It is known to be abronchodilator as well as antispasmodic. If you find that your child is having such problems, consult with your doctor regarding supplementing your child’s treatment with Rooibos tea.

Why should I encourage my child to drink Rooibos tea?

As a parent, it is my responsibility to teach my child the correct habits. It’s not just a matter of teaching them how to say “Please” and “Thank you”, but also teach them nutritional habits. The sooner you begin telling them about healthy food and drink options, the better. If you allow your child to consume sugary drinks or soda at an early stage, it will be much tougher later in life to get on a healthy track.

How to get my child to drink Rooibos tea?

• Never force your child to any kind of food or drink. You will only cause unnecessary emotional trauma and your child could end up resenting that specific food or drink for a long time.
• If you are introducing Rooibos into your toddler’s diet, put a little bit of lukewarm tea into his bottle or sippy cup. Avoid adding any honey at first. He might not be accustomed at first, but try once again. If he still refuses, set the tea aside and try later. Remember, a young child is used to the sweet taste of milk and it can be difficult for them to accept anything that isn’t quite as sweet.
• Set a good example as a parent. Your child will usually want to eat and drink what you eat and drink. So, when you want to introduce your child to Rooibos tea, start by making a cup for yourself and make a big fuss over how delicious it is. Your child will surely ask for some and it’s perfectly fine to give them a sip. Just make sure it’s not too hot. If they don’t like it at first, say something like, “You don’t know what you’re missing!” and keep on making those yummy noises. Your child will come around eventually, so be patient.
• If your child is old enough, make this experience fun and show him how to make a cup of tea. Don’t leave him unattended and do not allow him to come too close to the boiling hot water. A fun and interesting demonstration will grab their attention! Feel free to sing and go a little crazy to get your child to laugh. Explain every little step and answer any questions they might have. Let them hold and smell the box of loose leaf tea and hand it over to you when you need it. Making your child feel part of the process is a great confidence boost! He will want to taste what you’ve made together, for sure.

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