Drink hibiscus tea – proven health benefits, uses, recipes and more facts

Some of the health benefits of hibiscus tea, also known as Agua de Jamaica, include natural treatment of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, boost metabolism, digestive and immune system, helpful in liver diseases, improve skin health and cancer prevention. It aid in natural weight loss. It is rich in vitamin C, minerals, and antioxidants which is helpful in treatment of hypertension and anxiety.

Mostly 15-30% of hibiscus tea is composed of organic acids. These acids are malic acid, tartaric acid, and citric acid. They are commonly found in fruits such as grapes and wine.

Hibiscus tea has diuretic and choleretic effects, which helps to control blood viscosity by reducing blood pressure and enhancing digestion.

Hibiscus tea, flower

How to prepare or make hibiscus tea?

The scientific name of hibiscus plant is Hibiscus sabdariffa. Hibiscus tea has many valuable medicinal properties and often prepared by boiling parts of the hibiscus plant, particularly the flower.

This tea is ruby red in color and has a sour taste. The flavor of this tea is similar to cranberry. It is widely available in the market in powdered, whole dried flower, tea bags or can be prepared from fresh flower too. It is low in calories, caffeine-free and can be consumed hot or cold depending on your preference.

Just add 1 or 2 fresh or dried flower in to a cup of hot water. Let it steep for about 5 to 10 minutes. Add lemon juice for extra flavor and natural sweetener like stevia etc can be used.

You can also add other spices and herbs like clove, ginger, nutmeg, black pepper etc for great taste.

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, perhaps in the summer, you have the option to drink hibiscus iced tea. It takes about 20 minutes for preparation, and then you can cool yourself off in a healthy, refreshing way

Health Benefits Of Hibiscus Tea

Manages Blood Pressure

Study has shown that consuming this tea helps to lowers the high blood pressure in pre-hypertensive and mildly hypertensive adults.

Another study suggests that it has antihypertensive and cardioprotective properties, which can be beneficial for people suffering from hypertension and those at high risks of cardiovascular diseases.

Regularly consumption of about three cups of this tea every day. Also, it has anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties that increase urination and simultaneously lower blood pressure.

Lowers Cholesterol and sugar

It helps to lower the levels of (bad) LDL cholesterol from the body, thereby  helps to maintain blood vessels health and protecting them against damage.

This tea is rich in hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic properties, makes it beneficial for those who suffer from blood sugar disorders like diabetes.

research studyconducted on patients with type II diabetes suggests that consumption of hibiscus sour tea lowers cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, which helps to manage this unpredictable disease.

Protects Liver

Research studies have also suggested that the antioxidant properties of hibiscus tea also help in treating liver diseases.

Antioxidants found in this tea is very effective to  neutralize the free radicals damage in body tissues and cells.  Regular drink of hibiscus tea can help to increase lifespan by maintaining good overall health.

Anti-cancer Properties

Hibiscus tea contains hibiscus protocatechuic acid which has anti-tumor and antioxidant properties.

study suggests that hibiscus slows down the growth of cancerous cells by inducing apoptosis, commonly known as programmed cell death.

Anti-inflammatory & Antibacterial Agent

It is rich in ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C. 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 helps to provide protection against common bacterial health problems like cold and flu.

It is also used to treat discomfort caused by fever, due to its cooling effect.

Relieves Menstrual Pain

Intake of this tea benefits to provide relief from menstrual pain and cramps .

It helps in restoring hormonal balance as well, which can reduce the symptoms of menstruation like mood swings, depression, and overeating.

Helpful in depression

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.

Good for Digestion / constipation

Regular intake of hibiscus tea helps to improve digestion as it regularizes both urination and bowel movements.

Since it has diuretic properties, it is also used to treat constipation and improve gastrointestinal function.

Quench Thirst

Hibiscus tea is also used as a sports drink in order to satiate thirst.

Many people include it in their diet since this variety of tea has the ability to cool down the body very fast.

Weight Loss

Hibiscus tea is beneficial in losing weight.

Studies have suggested that hibiscus extract lowers the absorption of starch and glucose and may help in weight loss.

Hibiscus inhibits the production of amylase, which helps in the absorption of carbohydrates and starch, so drinking hibiscus tea prevents the absorption from occurring.

Therefore, hibiscus tea is used as natural healthy weight loss drink too.

Caution/ Side Effects Of Hibiscus Tea

Although hibiscus tea has many health benefits but use it with caution if you have

Blood Pressure: The health benefits of hibiscus tea include lowering blood pressure (anti-hypertensive property). Therefore, it is not recommended for people who already have low blood pressure, a condition called hypotension. It may cause faintness, dizziness, and can 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, particularly due to its emmenagogic 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 consumption of hibiscus tea.

Hallucinatory Effect: Some people may feel intoxicated or experience hallucinations after drinking hibiscus tea. Therefore, 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 what its effects are on your system.

Allergy: Some people develop allergic reactions such as itchy red eyes, sinus or hay fever when consuming hibiscus tea.

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