Hibiscus Tea Health Benefits & Risks ~ How to Brew

Hibiscus Tea Health Benefits & Risks ~ How to Brew

• Health Benefits of Zobo Drink (Hibiscus Tea) And Recipe
• Hibiscus Tea ~ Is It Good for You?
• Benefits Of Hibiscus

The dried hibiscus plant leaves used to make hibiscus tea have a rich crimson color. It tastes tart and sweet like cranberries and can be consumed either hot or cold.

The possible health benefits and risks of drinking hibiscus tea are discussed in this article.

Hibiscus Tea Health Benefits & Risks ~ How to Brew Overview

The calyx is the portion of the hibiscus plant that supports and shields the flower. Hibiscus tea is made from the dried calyces.

Other beverages derived from the hibiscus plant consist of:

• Red sorrel
• Sudan tea
• Sour tea
• Agua de jamaica
• Lo-shen
• Karkade

Hibiscus tea is categorized as an herbal tea. A wide range of plants, herbs, and spices are used to make herbal tea.

Since herbal tea does not originate from the Camellia sinensis tea plant, it is not permitted to be referred to as “tea” in many countries.

Herbal tea sales are increasing despite being less well-liked than those of black and green teas, partly because of their possible health advantages.

Hibiscus Tea Health Benefits & Risks ~ What Is Hibiscus?

We get more from hibiscus plants than just beautiful blooms. They add a contrasting flavor to many recipes and create a gorgeous, vibrant tea.

Various cultures view hibiscus as a therapeutic plant, and various Hindu rituals accord it great reverence. According to a preliminary study, there may be some noteworthy health benefits associated with it as well.

The hibiscus plant yields edible flowers, leaves, and seeds. The calyx, or leaf-like portion of the flower that shields the bud while it develops, is most frequently used by humans.

Sepals, the green structures that resemble petals and enclose the flower bud, make up a calyx. Calyces is the plural version of calyx.

Hibiscus blossoms have large, juicy, red calyces once they die. Hippophae calyces, sometimes known as roselle fruit or hibiscus fruit, is used in tea infusions, sauces, syrups, and jellies.

What Is Hibiscus Tea?

Dried calyces of the tropical Hibiscus sabdariffa flower are used to make the aromatic tea known as hibiscus tea, sometimes referred to as sorrel tea or “sour tea.”

Flowers of the Hibiscus sabdariffa are native to Africa and can be found growing in various tropical and subtropical climates worldwide, such as Thailand, China, and Mexico.

A wide variety of plants, trees, and flowers belong to the mallow family, including these particular blossoms.

The flavor of hibiscus tea is delicious and pleasant, and it’s popular both hot and cold. Since it is said to provide health benefits, a lot of people drink it.

These claims might have some merit, according to the study, but there could also be dangers. More investigation is necessary.

Is Hibiscus Tea Healthful for You?

Rich in antioxidants, hibiscus has a plethora of possible health advantages.

It may specifically aid in weight loss, inhibit the growth of germs and cancerous cells, and improve liver and heart function.

Hibiscus tea has many purported health benefits, such as decreasing cholesterol and blood pressure, relieving sore throats, and helping with weight control. The stunning blossoms of the hibiscus plant (Hibiscus Sabdariffa) are well known to many people.

You can buy hibiscus as an extract or, more commonly, as a tea. Parts of the hibiscus plant are steeped in boiling water to make hibiscus tea, a herbal drink.

Hibiscus Tea Nutrition

Caffeine-free and naturally low in calories is hibiscus tea.

It has an adequate supply of minerals, including calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and zinc, according to the USDA Nutrient Database.

B vitamins like folic acid and niacin are also present. Because of its high anthocyanin content, this tea may help treat urinary tract infections (UTIs), high blood pressure, and the common cold.

Nutrients per Serving

This is what’s in an 8-ounce serving of hibiscus tea:

• Calories: 0
• Protein: 0 grams
• Fat: 0 grams
• Carbohydrates: 0 grams
• Fiber: 0 grams
• Sugar: 0 grams

In general, fresh hibiscus calyces have good amounts of these nutrients:

• Calcium
• Phosphorous
• Iron
• Niacin
• Riboflavin
• Vitamin C

Hibiscus and Hibiscus Tea Benefits

While hibiscus tea, also known as tisanes, may not have a lot of vitamins or minerals in it, it does have antioxidants like vitamin C that may be good for you.

Vitamin C

In the body, vitamin C is necessary for numerous processes. These consist of:

• Growth and repair of tissues
• The preservation of teeth, bones, and cartilage
• Wounded recovery
• Collagen production
• Absorption of iron

Antioxidants also include vitamin C. It may help prevent cell damage brought on by free radicals in the body and strengthen your immune system.

This can lower your chance of getting many serious health issues, such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.

Hibiscus, however, shouldn’t be used in place of prescription drugs for certain ailments. Additional antioxidants found in hibiscus tea include anthocyanins.

The plant’s vivid color is attributed to anthocyanins. Some chronic diseases may be prevented by them as well.

Nonetheless, additional studies are required to validate antioxidant-related health claims.

Cut Down on Blood Pressure

Your risk of heart disease is increased by high blood pressure. Compared to a placebo, several research suggests that hibiscus tea consumption may help lower systolic blood pressure readings.

According to other research, it might aid in lowering blood pressure’s diastolic and systolic levels. But, before consuming hibiscus tea, see your doctor if you take any high blood pressure medications since there may be adverse reactions.

Lower Cholesterol Levels

According to certain research, hibiscus tea may lower cholesterol, another risk factor for heart disease.

In one study, hibiscus tea drinkers saw a rise in high-density lipoproteins, or “good cholesterol,” and a drop in low-density lipoproteins, or “bad cholesterol.”

Nevertheless, a large number of recent research has only included participants with certain diseases, and some of the findings of the studies are contradictory.

Boost Hepatic Function

Studies on the benefits of hibiscus tea for liver health are few and inconsistent. According to a hamster-based study, hibiscus tea may help lower liver damage markers.

An additional investigation involving human subjects revealed that hibiscus extract might ameliorate hepatic steatosis, perhaps mitigating the likelihood of liver failure.

Prevention of Cancer

Hibiscus tea also includes polyphenols, which are antioxidants with anti-cancer potential, in addition to anthocyanins.

However, test tube studies—which are regarded as preliminary research—make up the majority of the research being conducted today.

According to one such study, hibiscus extract inhibits cell proliferation and lessens the degree of oral cancer metastasis.

According to another research conducted in test tubes, hibiscus tea may aid in stopping the spread of stomach and prostate cancer cells.

This does not imply that consuming infusions made from hibiscus flowers can shield you from cancer.

Antimicrobial Qualities

There may be antimicrobial qualities to hibiscus tea.

According to a test tube investigation, hibiscus extract inhibits E. E. Coli. It might also work well against other strains of bacteria.

However, since the research to yet has only been conducted in test tubes, hibiscus should not be used in place of antibiotics.

Promote Weight Loss

Numerous types of research indicate that hibiscus tea may help with weight loss and help prevent obesity.

According to one study, hibiscus extract decreased body mass index, body weight, and body fat after 12 weeks. However since the study was so tiny, more investigation is required.

Hibiscus Tea Recipe

Now that you are aware of all the advantages associated with just boiling water and adding dried hibiscus flowers, there are many good reasons to prepare this delightful beverage.

We enjoy the sour tang of a tropical iced tea prepared with hibiscus, but a warm cup is always appreciated.

It is not only visually stunning, but it also exudes summer vibes with its lovely coloration and scent. Check out this simple recipe for hibiscus iced tea.

Ingredients:

• Half a cup of dried hibiscus flowers
• 8 cups of water
• Honey to taste
• Lime to taste

Preparation

• Firstly, fill a pot with water, then add the hibiscus blooms.
• After bringing it to a boil, turn off the heat and let soak for fifteen minutes.
• You can add any additional flavor you choose, a squeeze of lime, or a few teaspoons of honey to the mixture once it’s almost done steeping. Other herbs that complement hibiscus well are basil and lemongrass.
• After straining, let the tea cool for a few hours in the fridge.
• For a hint of summer, garnish with a fresh hibiscus flower or serve in a tall glass filled with lots of ice and a mint sprig.

What’s the best way to take hibiscus?

Are you prepared to jump in? Hibiscus comes in a variety of forms:

• Tea: Dried hibiscus buds, also known as calyxes, can be steeped in boiling water to make hibiscus tea. If you prefer not to do things yourself, you can buy dried hibiscus or hibiscus tea bags.
• Powder: Hibiscus is also available as a powder, which is derived from finely powdered, dried plant pieces. Pour water over the powder to create a drink.
• Extract: The supplement is available in a concentrated liquid form as hibiscus extract. It is available from stores that sell herbal supplements or health foods.

When to drink it

Any time of day or night is a good time to enjoy hibiscus tea. Here are some occasions when you might wish to make some tea:

• If you’re experiencing stress or anxiety: Hibiscus tea is a great way to relax after a stressful day because it doesn’t contain caffeine.
• Having a hot beverage right before bed is a good approach to help your body relax and prepare for sleep. Choosing a caffeine-free drink at night is a wise decision for your sleep hygiene because caffeinated beverages, such as caffeinated tea and coffee, can hurt your quality of sleep if they are consumed during the night.

• When it’s hot outside Hibiscus tea, when sipped over ice, helps keep you cool and hydrated during hot weather. Hibiscus is a classic cooling beverage14.
• If you’re feeling down at the end of the day, drinking hibiscus tea will help you stay hydrated and give you the energy you need without the crash that comes with soda and sugary energy drinks. This is especially beneficial if you need a pick-me-up in the afternoon. Try having hibiscus tea along with a high-protein snack, such as trail mix, to help you stay energized and productive for the remainder of your workday.

How to serve it

Hibiscus tea is available in loose-leaf form or as ready-to-use tea bags. If you prefer your tea richer and more delicious, you might choose to buy loose-leaf hibiscus tea in larger quantities.

You can prepare a more concentrated beverage by adding more tea to your tea strainer when you use loose-leaf tea.

Give your hibiscus a few minutes to steep if you’d like a lighter tea. Steep hibiscus tea bags and loose leaves for ten to fifteen minutes to get a stronger brew.

Possible Side Effects of Hibiscus Tea

Hibiscus tea is a tasty, safe beverage that is high in health benefits, low in sugar, and low in calories. It is also rarely associated with negative side effects.

However, as it may affect estrogen levels, nursing mothers and pregnant women should speak with their doctor before making themselves a cup of tea.

Those who are sensitive to it should also seek counsel first, as it has also been linked to low blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

It’s also important to remember that hibiscus tea contains hydrochlorothiazide (a diuretic) characteristics, so use caution when consuming it.

Hibiscus tea is caffeine-free, therefore it’s suitable for those who are sensitive to caffeinated tea.

Final Verdict

A delightful treat at any time of day is hibiscus tea. Hibiscus tea is the ideal reminder of how a plant can be the ideal cure, whether it’s used as a delectable basis for a cocktail or as a warm cup on the couch.

The color is a real pleasure when you want to serve something bright and beautiful, the somewhat sour taste is full of tang, and all the health advantages are just icing on the cake.

Furthermore, there are several encouraging possible health advantages of hibiscus tea, including blood pressure reduction, blood sugar stabilization, and blood cholesterol reduction.

Before declaring hibiscus tea to be a panacea, additional research is necessary. There’s no denying that it’s a delightful method to stay cool on a hot day or warm up on a chilly one.

Medical Disclaimer

It is not appropriate to use the material in this article as medical advice; rather, it is meant to be instructive only.

People should be sure to contact a medical practitioner if they have any questions about their health.

We have not reviewed these assertions with the Food and Drug Foodnbodyistration. No disease is meant to be identified, treated, cured, or prevented by this article.

Buying & storage tips

Buying hibiscus tea from reliable retailers who are open about their sourcing and production practices is crucial when making purchases.

When buying tea bags, avoid buying ones that are made of nylon, such as “silken” tea bags, and tea bags that have adhesives like glue.

These tea bags may leave behind microplastics in your tea, according to studies, which could accumulate in your system and be harmful to your health.

Choose organic hibiscus tea whenever you can, as this guarantees that artificial pesticides and herbicides were not used during the hibiscus flower’s growth.

When stored correctly, loose-leaf hibiscus tea can last up to two years in your pantry, and tea bags can last up to three years.

Store your hibiscus tea and hibiscus leaf tea bags in an airtight container in a cold, dark, and dry place.

FAQs

What are the benefits of drinking hibiscus tea?

Advantages of Hibiscus Tea for Health

• Lowers Cholesterol: Drinking hibiscus tea can significantly lower your cholesterol levels.
• Packed with Antioxidants
• Promotes Weight Loss
• Aids in Blood Sugar Management
• Hepatic Health
• Helps Combat Cancer
• Combats Bacteria
• Rich in vitamins.

Is it safe to have hibiscus tea every day?

While moderate consumption of hibiscus in tea (2 to 4 cups daily) and foods is thought to be safe, Kristin Draayer, M.S., RDN, cautions against high doses as they can be toxic.

Draayer also mentions that hibiscus may interact with some medications, particularly those used to treat diabetes or high blood pressure.

What effects does hibiscus tea have on the body?

Studies have indicated that hibiscus tea may lower cholesterol, another risk factor for heart disease.

One study found that hibiscus tea drinkers had higher levels of “good cholesterol,” or high-density lipoproteins, and lower levels of “bad cholesterol,” or low-density lipoproteins.

Is hibiscus flower used for ZOBO drink?

Made from Roselle leaves (Hibiscus Sabdariffa), zobo is a delightful drink that is not only refreshing but also very nutritious due to the high nutritional value of the hibiscus blossoms used in its preparation.

As a result, it has numerous health benefits.

What part of hibiscus is used in drinks?

calyx

According to Chris Smith, author of “The Whole Okra” and founder and executive director of the Utopian Seed Project in Asheville, North Carolina, the calyx of the plant—the portion of the flower that shields the petals—is the best for use in food and drink preparation in terms of flavor depth; however, the

Is Zobo leaf the same as hibiscus?

The popular plant known as hibiscus, or zobo in Nigeria, is primarily produced in the country’s northern regions and tropical regions; its fleshy crimson leaves are a favorite beverage enjoyed by many people throughout the nation.

What ingredients go into creating Zobo?

Ingredients

• 150g Zobo leaves (Hibiscus sabdariffa)
• 7 Liters water.
• 30g Dry ginger or Fresh ginger.
• 3 tbsps. Cloves a.k.a Konofiri.
• 1 Large Pineapple OR Honey.

What is the English name for the zobo flower?

Common names: Rosalla, colorado (a Zobo beverage), sour tea, red tea, red sorrel, Jamaica sorrel, karkade, and roselle are other names for hibiscus.

Is it healthy to consume Zobo every day?

Because of its high fiber content, zobo is a healthy option for preventing constipation.

Regular use of Zobo is recommended if you suffer from constipation and are looking for a healthy remedy.

Zobo is packed with powerful elements, and one of them is fiber, as previously said. Fibre is an enhancer of the digestive system.

What are the 5 medicinal uses of hibiscus?

Teas, powders, and extracts made from hibiscus have been demonstrated to lower blood pressure, reduce body fat, enhance metabolic syndrome, shield the liver, and inhibit the growth of cancerous cells.

Hibiscus tea health benefits beverage Ayurveda

Properties of Hibiscus Tea:

• It might reduce cholesterol.
• The blood pressure can drop.
• It might cause blood sugar levels to drop.
• It could have antimicrobial properties.
• Possibly an antioxidant.
• It might aid in weight management.
• Might have anti-cancer properties.
• It could lessen inflammation.

Effect of hibiscus tea on kidneys

Benefits of Hibiscus Tea for the Kidneys: In this 8-week study, 60 participants were given a cup of Hibiscus tea or a placebo.

The hibiscus tea drinkers showed notable improvements in their kidney function, including lower levels of uric acid and urea nitrogen and improved creatinine clearance.

Side effects of hibiscus tea

Pregnancy:

Hibiscus sabdariffa may not be safe to take during pregnancy; nevertheless, it has been safely used in dosages of up to 720 mL daily for up to 6 weeks.

Side effects are rare but may include upset stomach, gas, and constipation.

Best time to drink hibiscus tea

Morning

The best time to drink hibiscus tea is in the morning when it can be a great way to start your day; it is naturally caffeine-free, so it won’t keep you up at night, and it can give you a natural energy boost.

High in vitamin C, hibiscus tea can help maintain your health and support your immune system.

Benefits of hibiscus tea for skin

Rich in Vitamin A, hibiscus is one of the best things you can do for your skin because it reduces redness and soreness when applied topically.

In addition, the acids in hibiscus encourage the production of a protein that accelerates healing by boosting cell regeneration.

Hibiscus tea side effects estrogen

Because of this, hibiscus tea can lower blood pressure by inhibiting the body’s estrogen receptors, which may raise the amount of circulating estrogen.

However, depending on the individual’s hormonal balance, this may have unfavorable side effects like breast tenderness and irregular menstruation.

How to make hibiscus tea for high blood pressure ~ How to make hibiscus tea for high BP?

Step-by-Step Brewing Instructions

1. Bring water to a boil.

It’s easy to get the water temperature just right when using an electric kettle with temperature settings; boil a little more than you need because you’ll want extra to reheat the teapot.

2. Reheat the teapot.

Add a little hot water to the teapot, stir, and then discard the water.

3. Add hot water to the teapot, add the dried hibiscus, cover, and steep.
4. Transfer hot tea into a teacup after straining the hibiscus solids.

Is it okay to have hibiscus tea daily?

When taken orally:

Hibiscus sabdariffa is often eaten in foods. When taken medicinally, it may be safe. Up to 720 mL of hibiscus tea can be taken safely each day for up to six weeks. Although side effects are rare, they could include constipation, upset stomach, and gas.

PHOTO CREDIT