The health benefits of Hibiscus tea, also known as Agua De Jamaica, include relief from high blood pressure and high cholesterol, digestive and immune system disturbances, and inflammatory problems. In addition, it helps to cure liver diseases and reduces the risk of cancer. It can also speed up metabolism and support healthy, gradual weight loss. It is rich in vitamin C, minerals, and various antioxidants, and it also helps treat hypertension and anxiety.
Hibiscus tea is prepared by boiling parts of the hibiscus plant, specifically the flower, known by its scientific name Hibiscus sabdariffa. It is a very popular drink worldwide and is often used as a medicinal tea. However, Hibiscus flowers have various local names, and they might be called by another, more common name, "Roselle."
Hibiscus tea is ruby red and has a sour taste. Therefore, it is also known as sour tea and has a flavor similar to cranberry. It is widely available in the market throughout the tea-drinking world and can be consumed hot or cold, depending on your preference. This tea is low in calories and is caffeine-free.
Health Benefits of Hibiscus Tea
The various benefits of hibiscus tea, which help keep the human body healthy and fit, are listed below. Find them out and get healthier!
1. Manages Blood Pressure
A report from the AHA (American Heart Association), published in November 2008, states that consuming this tea lowers blood pressure in pre-hypertensive and mildly hypertensive adults. It also states that 1/3 of adults in the United States suffer from high blood pressure, also called hypertension. In addition, a study conducted by Odigie IP suggests that it has antihypertensive and cardioprotective properties that can benefit people suffering from hypertension and those at high risk of cardiovascular diseases.
According to research from Tufts University in Boston, Hibiscus tea can reduce blood pressure by up to 10 points due to its anti-inflammatory properties. However, for this drastic improvement to occur, you need to regularly consume three cups of this tea every day for a few weeks. Also, it has diuretic properties that increase urine output and lower blood pressure.
2. Lowers Cholesterol
It helps lower "bad" LDL cholesterol levels in the body, thereby protecting against heart diseases and protecting blood vessels from damage. In addition, hibiscus tea's hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic properties can benefit those who suffer from blood sugar disorders like diabetes. A study of patients with type II diabetes suggests that consuming Hibiscus sour tea lowers cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, which may help manage this unpredictable disease.
3. Protects Liver
Research studies have also suggested that the antioxidant properties of Hibiscus tea may help treat liver diseases. Antioxidants help protect your body from disease by neutralizing free radicals in body tissues and cells. Therefore, we can confidently say that drinking Hibiscus tea could increase your lifespan by maintaining good overall health.
4. Anti-cancer Properties
Hibiscus tea contains protocatechuic acid, from hibiscus, which has anti-tumor and antioxidant properties. A study conducted by the Department of Biochemistry and the Institute of Biochemistry at the Chung Shan Medical and Dental College in Taichung, Taiwan, suggests that hibiscus slows the growth of cancerous cells by inducing apoptosis, commonly known as programmed cell death.
5. Anti-inflammatory and Antibacterial Agent
It is rich in ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C. It is an essential nutrient that your body requires to boost immune system activity. Hibiscus tea is also known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Therefore, it helps prevent you from catching colds and the flu. It is also used to treat fever-related discomfort due to its cooling effect.
6. Relieves Menstrual Pain
The health benefits of Hibiscus tea also include relief from cramps and menstrual pain. It helps restore hormonal balance, which can reduce the symptoms of menstruation like mood swings, depression, and overeating.
7. Acts as an Antidepressant Agent
Hibiscus tea contains vitamins and minerals like flavonoids, which have antidepressant properties. Consumption of Hibiscus tea can help calm down the nervous system, and it may reduce anxiety and depression by creating a relaxed sensation in the mind and body.
8. Improves Digestion
Many people drink Hibiscus tea to improve Digestion. It regularizes both urination and bowel movements. Since it has diuretic properties, it is also used to treat constipation, which helps you lose weight, improve the health of your gastrointestinal system, and reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.
9. Satiates Thirst
Hibiscus tea is also used as a sports drink to satiate thirst. For this purpose, iced Hibiscus tea is typically consumed. Many people include it in their diet because this variety of tea can cool the body very quickly.
10. Helps in Weight Loss
Hibiscus tea is beneficial for losing weight. If you consume food rich in carbohydrates, which means that it contains sugar and starch, you are likely to gain weight. However, research studies have suggested that Hibiscus extract lowers the absorption of starch and glucose and may help in weight loss. Hibiscus inhibits amylase production, which helps absorb carbohydrates and starch, so drinking Hibiscus tea prevents the absorption from occurring. Therefore, Hibiscus tea is found in many weight loss products.
11. Both Summer and Winter Drink
You can drink Hibiscus tea either hot or iced. If you want to keep yourself warm in the winter, brew it and drink it straight away. It only takes a few minutes to make. If you do not want to drink it hot, you can have Hibiscus iced tea in the summer. It takes about 20 minutes to prepare, and then you can cool off in a healthy, refreshing way.
Tastes Great
Hibiscus tea tastes very similar to cranberry juice. It can be described as tart, so you can add sugar or honey to increase the sweetness. Depending on your taste, you can also add spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger.
Side Effects of Hibiscus Tea
Although Hibiscus tea is a health enhancer and a natural weight loss booster, there are some possible side effects you should be aware of.
Blood Pressure: The health benefits of Hibiscus tea include lowering blood pressure (antihypertensive property). Therefore, it is not recommended for people who already have low blood pressure or hypotension. In addition, it may cause faintness, dizziness, and even damage the heart or brain if consumed by anyone with low blood pressure.
Pregnancy and Fertility: Hibiscus tea is not recommended for pregnant women, mainly due to its emmenagogue effects, which may stimulate menstruation or blood flow in the uterus or pelvic region. For those undergoing hormonal treatments or taking birth control pills, it is recommended to consult your health specialist regarding the consumption of Hibiscus tea.
Hallucinatory Effect: Some people may feel intoxicated or experience hallucinations after drinking Hibiscus tea. Therefore, you should be cautious until you know how your body reacts to the tea. Don't drive a car or try anything particularly dangerous until you know how it affects your system.
Allergy: Some people might develop allergic reactions, such as itchy, red eyes, sinus issues, or hay fever, when consuming Hibiscus tea.
Source: organicfacts.net
Links
- Back to genus Hibiscus
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin