The Benefits of Hibiscus Tea
Do you want to make a healthy lifestyle change but don’t know where to start? Consider incorporating hibiscus tea
into your diet! Also known as sorrel tea or “sour tea,” hibiscus tea is made from the dried calyxes of Hibiscus sabdariffa flowers. Although these flowers are native to Africa, they can be found across many tropical and subtropical regions including Thailand, China, and Mexico. As one of the highest antioxidant drinks available, drinking hibiscus tea can help prevent damage and disease caused by free radicals. Let’s take a look at some of the amazing benefits that come with drinking this wonderful beverage.
Rich in Vitamin C: One of the most important properties of hibiscus tea is its high content of vitamin C. In fact, it contains up to 4 times more vitamin C than orange juice! Vitamin C is essential for maintaining good health and helps boost immunity, keep skin healthy, and even reduce inflammation. Additionally, vitamin C helps reduce fatigue so if you’re feeling worn out after a long day - reach for a cup of steaming hot hibiscus tea!
Antioxidant
Hibiscus tea is indeed rich in antioxidants, which play a crucial role in protecting the body from damage caused by free radicals. Here are some key points about its antioxidant properties:
- Rich in Anthocyanins: These are powerful antioxidants that give hibiscus tea its vibrant red color and help combat oxidative stress.
- Polyphenolic Compounds: Hibiscus tea contains various polyphenols, which have been shown to reduce inflammation and support overall health.
- Vitamin C: This essential vitamin is abundant in hibiscus tea, further boosting its antioxidant capacity.
For more detailed scientific insights, you can refer to these peer-reviewed papers:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis on Hibiscus sabdariffa
- Comparative studies on antioxidant activity of hibiscus tea
- Antioxidant and antibacterial activities of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. extracts
Feel free to explore these studies for a deeper understanding!
Cardiovascular Health
Not only does hibiscus contain Vitamin C but it also has other heart-friendly compounds such as flavonoids and anthocyanins which have been linked to lower cholesterol levels and improved heart health. A study published in 2009 found that daily consumption of hibiscus extract significantly lowered cholesterol levels in participants. So if you’re looking for an easy way to support your cardiovascular health - consider adding this delicious brew into your diet!
Relieves Stress & Anxiety
The calming effects of hibiscus tea have been known to reduce stress and anxiety levels while providing a sense of
calmness. It contains natural compounds that help decrease cortisol levels (the “stress hormone”) which helps improve mental clarity and focus. Additionally, its mild sedative effects can be helpful for restless sleepers who struggle with insomnia or anxiety-related sleep issues. So if you need some relaxation after a stressful day - kick back with a cup of soothing hibiscus tea!
Liver health
Hibiscus tea has been studied for its positive effects on liver health. A study conducted on 19 people who were overweight showed that taking Hibiscus extract over a period of 12 weeks had significant beneficial results in terms of liver steatosis. This debilitating condition refers to an accumulation of fat in the liver which could eventually result in liver failure. Hibiscus tea could act as a preventative measure against this and many other related illnesses, making it highly recommended for those looking to safeguard their livers.
Marfan syndrome
A study conducted by researchers at the Meiji University of Integrative Medicine revealed the potential of Hibiscus tea for those suffering from Marfan Syndrome, a condition usually caused by an inherited gene mutation that affects connective tissue and can lead to weakened cardiovascular systems. The study found that consuming an infusion with Hibiscus extract can reduce oxidative stress levels in patients, in turn leading to improved heart health. Those interested in potentially mitigating their Marfan Syndrome symptoms might find it worthwhile to incorporate Hibiscus tea into their daily routine!
Weight Loss
Hibiscus Tea is naturally caffeine-free, sweet in taste and associated with various health benefits. Recent studies suggest that Hibiscus tea may contain certain compounds that could help support weight loss and reduce obesity. Specifically, certain polyphenolic compounds found in Hibiscus tea have been known to reduce fat tissue, boost metabolism, improve thermogenesis (heat production) and reduce fat absorption. Furthermore, Hibiscus tea has diuretic effects which can help reduce water retention and it also contributes to feelings of fullness to prevent overeating or binge eating. Therefore, drinking Hibiscus tea especially when combined with a balanced diet and exercise plan may be beneficial for those looking to lose weight and take control of their health.
Cancer Prevention
Hibiscus tea is known to contain powerful antioxidants such as anthocyanins and polyphenols, which have been
studied extensively for their potential cancer prevention benefits. A number of test-tube studies have been conducted that confirm Hibiscus tea may be helpful in limiting cell growth associated with several types of cancer, including mouth, prostate and stomach cancer. These studies highlight Hibiscus tea's potential to be a helpful part of your diet in the fight against cancer.
Antibacterial Properties
Hibiscus tea has moved from a beverage to a medicinal supplement, thanks to its reported antibacterial properties.Although current research is limited to test-tube studies, one such study showed that hibiscus extract was able to inhibit E. coli. Research also suggests that it may be as effective as some medications at fighting different strains of bacteria. Hibiscus Tea is a potential natural remedy for those wanting an alternative to traditional medicine. As research continues on the antibacterial effects of Hibiscus tea, it may prove to be the perfect answer for those trying to find an all-natural way to fight infection.
Potential Risks of Hibiscus Tea
Hibiscus tea may come with some risks that should not be overlooked. If you suffer from allergies to Hibiscus flowers, or any other plants of the mallow family, Hibiscus tea is not recommended for your consumption. Additionally, medications such as chloroquine used for malaria or high blood pressure or diabetes medications may interact with Hibiscus Tea, resulting in a significant drop in blood pressure. Finally, Hibiscus Tea contains plant estrogens (phytoestrogens) which might interfere with the effectiveness of birth control medication and cause complications during pregnancy. It is therefore important to exercise caution when consuming Hibiscus Tea, and preferably consult your medical practitioner.