Does rooibos burn fat? Stellenbosch University conducts a study…

Africa Melane speaks to Professor Elmarie Terblanche, the lead researcher at the Department of Exercise, Sport, and Lifestyle Medicine at Stellenbosch University.

Listen below.

Past studies reveal that the antioxidants in rooibos tea are linked to managing obesity, Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular disease (CVD), and can protect against cancer and strokes.

In a pioneering study, Terblanche and her team are now examining the effects of rooibos consumption on weight loss.

This research might make rooibos a key part of fighting obesity and related health issues, offering a natural and accessible option for improving well-being.

“Our study aims to investigate the health effects of rooibos consumption in women who are overweight or obese. We are particularly interested in examining changes in body composition, inflammation, glycaemic control, and cardiovascular fitness,” says Terblanche.

The study is meticulously structured, involving two distinct groups to assess the effects of different interventions.

Those in the rooibos groups will drink six cups daily for eight weeks.

Meanwhile, the exercise group will engage in supervised high-intensity interval training sessions three times a week, without consuming rooibos.

The research is divided into two phases:

• The first phase, which recently began, involves women aged 18 to 40.
• The second, expected to be completed by mid-2025, will focus on women over 40 who are pre-diabetic or diabetic.

Terblanche notes substantial evidence suggests that rooibos can improve cardiovascular and metabolic health.

However, most of these studies have used rooibos extracts in concentrated capsule forms.

"Our study is the first to examine the effects of rooibos consumption – in tisane (herbal infusion) form – in humans, specifically women, together with a healthy lifestyle.

"We’ll also look at participants’ diets, as high carb intake could reduce rooibos’ benefits," she added.

No previous research has considered diet in this way.

Obesity is a major risk factor for diseases like Type 2 diabetes and CVD, causing insulin resistance, unhealthy fat distribution, and chronic inflammation.

Traditional treatments often have significant side effects and can be inaccessible, especially in low-income countries. 

The first batch of results will be out in November, says Terblanche.

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.