Aspalathus linearis (Rooibos, Green)

Green Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis, unfermented) is a low-calorie, caffeine-free herbal tisane with negligible macronutrients per brewed cup (<2 kcal, ~0g fat, ~0.1g protein, ~0.4g carbohydrates). Its primary value lies in its exceptional bioactive compound profile. Key polyphenols include aspalathin (the dominant and unique C-glucosyl dihydrochalcone, ~1,470–2,000 mg/100g dry leaf, significantly higher than in fermented red rooibos), nothofagin (~200–400 mg/100g dry leaf), orientin, isoorientin, vitexin, isovitexin, rutin, and quercetin. Green rooibos contains approximately 50% more total polyphenols than fermented rooibos, with ORAC values estimated at 2,500–3,000 µmol TE per gram dry extract. Minerals per brewed cup (200ml) include calcium (~7–10 mg), magnesium (~2–4 mg), potassium (~7–10 mg), iron (~0.1–0.2 mg), zinc (~0.04–0.06 mg), and manganese (~0.04 mg). Fluoride is present at trace levels (~0.04 mg/cup). Vitamin content is minimal; small amounts of vitamin C precursors and phenolic acids (including ferulic acid and caffeic acid derivatives) contribute antioxidant activity. Dietary fiber is negligible in brewed form. Bioavailability: aspalathin undergoes partial gut metabolism to phenolic acids; bioavailability is enhanced when consumed without milk proteins, which can bind polyphenols. The unfermented form preserves aspalathin integrity better than fermented rooibos due to absence of oxidative enzymatic processing.