Top 7 Benefits of Hibiscus Tea
Hibiscus tea is a herbal tea made as an infusion from crimson or deep magenta-coloured calyces (sepals) of the roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) flower. It is consumed both hot and cold.
It has a tart, cranberry-like flavour, and sugar or honey is often added to sweeten it. The tea contains vitamin C and minerals and is used traditionally as a mild medicine. In west Sudan a white hibiscus flower is favoured for its bitter taste and is customarily served to guests.
Hibiscus tea contains 15-30% organic acids, including citric acid, malic acid, and tartaric acid. It also contains acidic polysaccharides and flavonoid glycosides, such as cyanidin and delphinidin, that give it its characteristic deep red colour.
The drink is sometimes called roselle (a name for the flower) or rosella (Australia); sorrel in Jamaica, Belize, Barbados, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago; red sorrel in the wider Caribbean; and Agua/Rosa de Jamaica or simply Jamaica in the United States, México, and Central America. It is also known as "Zobo" or Bissap in African countries like Nigeria
Hibiscus tea is very effective in lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL or ‘bad’ cholesterol) levels. It is particularly helpful for people with Type 2 diabetes. It exhibits anti-atherosclerosis activity and contains antioxidant compounds that help prevent the oxidation of LDL. Also, it prevents plaque buildup in the arteries, thereby lowering your cholesterol levels and preventing atherosclerosis and heart disease.
2. Blood Pressure Management:
A report from the AHA (American Heart Association) that was published in November of 2008 states that consuming it lowers the Blood Pressure in pre-hypertensive and mildly hypertensive adults. It also states that 1/3 of adults in the United States suffers from high blood pressure, which is also called hypertension. A study conducted by Odigie IP suggests that it has anti-hypertensive and cardio-protective properties that can be beneficial to people suffering from hypertension and those at high risks of carious cardiovascular diseases.
3. Anti-Inflammatory Properties:
3. Anti-Inflammatory Properties:
Hibiscus tea can reduce blood pressure by up to 10 points, according to a research done at Tufts University in Boston. For this drastic improvement to occur, you need to consume three cups every day for a few weeks. Also, it has diuretic properties that increase urination, simultaneously lowering blood pressure.
4. Weight Loss:
4. Weight Loss:
Hibiscus tea is also beneficial for losing weight. If you consume food that is rich in carbohydrates, that means that it contains sugar and starch, so you are likely to gain weight. However, research studies have suggested that hibiscus extract lowers the absorption of starch and glucose and may help with weight loss. Hibiscus inhibits the production of amylase, which helps in the absorption of carbohydrates and starch, so drinking hibiscus tea prevents that absorption from occurring. Therefore, hibiscus tea is found in many weight loss products.
5. Anti-cancer Properties:
The hibiscus protocatechuic acid found in hibiscus tea has strong antioxidant and anti-tumor properties.
In a study published in the journal Biochemical Pharmacology in 2000, researchers from the Department and Institute of Biochemistry at the Chung Shan Medical and Dental College in Taichung, Taiwan suggested that the protocatechuic acid in hibiscus tea inhibits cancer cell growth by inducing cell death in human leukemia cells.
6. Improves Digestion:
Hibiscus tea is also considered a valuable digestive aid, and it is thought to improve bowel and bladder function. The diuretic properties of hibiscus tea will also help treat constipation and improve the strength of the gastrointestinal system. The anti-spasmodic effect of hibiscus tea is considered useful for symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome.
7. Allergy:
Some people might develop allergic reactions such as itchy red eyes, sinus, or hay fever when consuming hibiscus tea.Not many people are aware that almost 15-30% of hibiscus tea is composed of organic acids. These acids are malic acid, tartaric acid and citric acid. These acids are commonly found in many fruits such as grapes and wine. They help in boosting immunity, promoting better skin, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, managing inflammation, and improving digestive issues. Hibiscus tea has diuretic and choleretic effects, thus controlling blood viscosity by reducing blood pressure and enhancing digestion.
5. Anti-cancer Properties:
The hibiscus protocatechuic acid found in hibiscus tea has strong antioxidant and anti-tumor properties.
In a study published in the journal Biochemical Pharmacology in 2000, researchers from the Department and Institute of Biochemistry at the Chung Shan Medical and Dental College in Taichung, Taiwan suggested that the protocatechuic acid in hibiscus tea inhibits cancer cell growth by inducing cell death in human leukemia cells.
6. Improves Digestion:
Hibiscus tea is also considered a valuable digestive aid, and it is thought to improve bowel and bladder function. The diuretic properties of hibiscus tea will also help treat constipation and improve the strength of the gastrointestinal system. The anti-spasmodic effect of hibiscus tea is considered useful for symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome.
7. Allergy:
Some people might develop allergic reactions such as itchy red eyes, sinus, or hay fever when consuming hibiscus tea.Not many people are aware that almost 15-30% of hibiscus tea is composed of organic acids. These acids are malic acid, tartaric acid and citric acid. These acids are commonly found in many fruits such as grapes and wine. They help in boosting immunity, promoting better skin, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, managing inflammation, and improving digestive issues. Hibiscus tea has diuretic and choleretic effects, thus controlling blood viscosity by reducing blood pressure and enhancing digestion.
