The health benefits of hibiscus tea include its ability to reduce high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and inflammatory problems, aid in relieving the disturbed digestive and immune system, and potentially help treat diseases of the liver and cancer.
Hibiscus tea may also speed up the metabolism aiding in healthy, gradual weight loss. It can also be linked with better mental health. This tea is rich in vitamin C, minerals, and antioxidants.
What is Hibiscus Tea?
Hibiscus tea, also known as Agua de Jamaica and by its scientific name Hibiscus sabdariffa is prepared by boiling parts of the hibiscus plant. Hibiscus tea is ruby red or deep magenta in color and has a sour taste.
It is a very popular beverage throughout the world and is often used as a medicinal tea. Hibiscus flowers have various names and are known as “Roselle” in some places. [1] 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.
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Hibiscus Tea Nutrition
Hibiscus tea is naturally low in calories and is caffeine-free. According to the USDA Nutrient Database, it has a good supply of minerals including calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and zinc. [2] It also contains B-vitamins like niacin and folic acid. This tea is a good source of anthocyanins, which make it beneficial for managing elevated blood pressure levels, the common cold, and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Health Benefits of Hibiscus Tea
The various benefits of hibiscus flower tea which can help in keeping the human body fit are given below. Read on and get healthier!
Manages Blood Pressure
A report from the AHA (American Heart Association), published in November 2008, suggests that consuming this tea lowers the blood pressure in pre-hypertensive and mildly hypertensive adults. [3]It also states that 1/3 of adults in the United States suffer from high blood pressure, also referred to as hypertension.
A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology suggests that hibiscus has antihypertensive and cardioprotective properties, which can be beneficial for people suffering from hypertension and those at high risks of cardiovascular diseases. [4]
Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, hibiscus tea can reduce blood pressure by up to 10 points, according to research done at Tufts University in Boston. [1] 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 urination and simultaneously lower blood pressure.
Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, hibiscus tea can reduce blood pressure by up to 10 points, according to research done at Tufts University in Boston. [1] 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 urination and simultaneously lower blood pressure.
Weight Loss
Hibiscus herbal tea can be beneficial for weight loss. [5] Studies have suggested that hibiscus extract lowers the absorption of starch and glucose the two dietary components that can lead to weight gain and may help aid in weight loss.
Hibiscus inhibits the production of amylase, which helps in the absorption of carbohydrates and starch, so drinking it lessens the absorption from occurring. Therefore, hibiscus can be found in many weight loss products.
Lowers Cholesterol
Hibiscus tea helps to lower the levels of (bad) LDL cholesterol from the body, thereby helping to protect against heart diseases and protecting blood vessels from damage. The hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic properties of hibiscus tea can be beneficial for those who suffer from blood sugar disorders like diabetes.
A research study conducted on patients with type II diabetes suggests that consumption of hibiscus and sour tea lowers cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and increases (good) high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, which helps to manage this unpredictable disease. [6]
Protects Liver
Research studies have also suggested that the antioxidant properties of hibiscus tea may help in treating liver diseases. [7] Antioxidants help protect your body from diseases because they help neutralize the free radicals present in body tissues and cells. Therefore, drinking the beneficial oxidants from caffeine-free hibiscus tea could lengthen your lifespan by maintaining good overall health.
Anticancer Properties
Hibiscus tea contains hibiscus protocatechuic acid, which has antitumor and antioxidant properties.
A study conducted by the Department and Institute of Biochemistry at the Chung Shan Medical and Dental College, in Taichung, Taiwan suggests that hibiscus may slow down the growth of cancerous cells specifically human leukemia cells by inducing apoptosis, commonly known as programmed cell death. [8]
Another study by Karina H. Goldberg and her research team reported that hibiscus extracts may inhibit the growth of skin cancer cells. [9] Further, Lin HH, et al. in their research found hibiscus extract induces apoptosis or cell death in gastric cancer cells. [10]
However, more research and scientific evidence are required to confirm the anticancer potential of hibiscus extracts.
Anti-inflammatory & Antibacterial Agent
The hibiscus plant’s loose leaf tea is rich in ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C. [11] It is an essential nutrient required by your body to boost and stimulate the activity of the immune system. Hibiscus tea is also known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Therefore, it can help protect you from catching a cold and flu. It may also be used to treat discomfort caused by fever, due to its cooling effect.
Relieves Menstrual Pain
The health benefits of hibiscus tea include relief from cramps and menstrual pain. It helps in restoring hormonal balance as well, which can reduce the symptoms of menstruation such as mood swings, depression, and overeating.
Acts as an Antidepressant Agent
Hibiscus tea contains vitamins and minerals, specifically flavonoids, which have been associated with antidepressant properties in some animal studies. [12] Consumption of hibiscus tea may help calm down the nervous system, and it may reduce anxiety and depression by creating a relaxed sensation in the mind and body. More research is needed to identify the true efficacy of these antidepressant properties
Improves Digestion
Many people drink hibiscus tea to improve digestion as it regularizes both urination and bowel movements. Since it has diuretic properties, it is also used to treat constipation, improve the health of your gastrointestinal system, and reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.
Satiates Thirst
Hibiscus tea is also used as a sports drink in order to satiate thirst. For this purpose, hibiscus tea is typically consumed cold, as an iced tea. Many people include it in their diet since this variety of tea has the ability to cool down the body very fast.
Summer & Winter Drink
You can drink hibiscus tea either as a hot tea or an iced tea. If you want to keep yourself warm in the winter, brew it and drink it straight away. It takes only a few minutes to make. In case you do not want to drink it hot, during the warmer weather, you have the option to drink hibiscus iced tea by steeping organic hibiscus flowers in water. It takes about 20 minutes for preparation, and then you can cool yourself off in a healthy, refreshing way.
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