Our generation is a health-conscious one. The generation is mindful of what they are putting in their bodies. A significant part of being health-conscious is the diet part of it. This involves cutting down on harmful food items and choosing healthier alternatives like salad and hibiscus tea. Hibiscus tea is one type of herbal tea. It is made by steeping parts of the plant in boiling water. It tastes similar to cranberries and can be enjoyed as a hot or cold beverage. Hibiscus has many varieties based on the location and climate. But Hibiscus Sabdariffa is most commonly used to make hibiscus tea.
Benefits Of Hibiscus
Hibiscus tea is gaining popularity around the world. But does it have any actual health benefits? Let’s find out.
1. It may help lower blood pressure
Many people turn towards hibiscus tea to help control their blood pressure. Over time, high blood pressure can cause other issues. It can strain your heart and increase the risk of other heart diseases. A study done in 2010 shows that people with mildly high blood pressure found relief in consuming hibiscus tea.
2. It is packed with antioxidants
Antioxidants prevent or slow down the damage to cells that are caused by free radicals or unstable molecules. Hibiscus tea is loaded with antioxidants. Therefore, it can prevent the diseases caused by the buildup of radicals.
3. It may help you with weight loss
Some studies show positive results when it comes to using hibiscus tea for managing weight. One such study showed that hibiscus consumption showed a reduced Body Mass Index (BMI). There was also a noticeable difference in the body fat, weight, and hip-to-waist ratio.
4. It may boost liver health
The liver is one of the vital organs that perform many vital functions like filtering the blood. Studies show that hibiscus may promote liver health and help keep it working efficiently. One such study was conducted on 19 overweight individuals. It showed that consuming the hibiscus extracts for 12 weeks improved their steatosis.
5. It may help prevent cancer
Hibiscus is high in polyphenols. They are compounds that show powerful anti-cancer properties. Even some test-tube studies have shown positive results on the effect of hibiscus extracts on cancer cells.
6. It may help fight bacteria
Bacteria can cause many types of infections that could make you sick. It is responsible for diseases like pneumonia and bronchitis, among others. The test-tube results showed that hibiscus helped fight bacteria. One such study said that it inhibited the activity of E. Coli as well. However, no human study has been done in this area.
Hibiscus teaSome Side-Effects
Hibiscus tea is good for you if taken in moderation. Without knowing the side-effects of hibiscus tea, you would have limited information. A study done in 2013 suggested that the hibiscus extract could cause liver damage if taken in high doses. If you drink hibiscus tea or plan on doing so, inform your doctor to be on the safer side. Some herbs can interact with certain medicines, which is why your doctor will know whether it is okay for you or not.
Some sources say that hibiscus consumption is not safe for people who take chloroquine, which is a medicine for treating malaria. If you have diabetes or have high blood pressure, monitor it closely while you consume hibiscus tea. The herb may decrease the levels. It is best if pregnant or breastfeeding women stay away from hibiscus tea. The key is to consume it in moderation. Most of the side-effects that we mentioned were due to high doses of hibiscus. The hibiscus tea is quite easy to make and tastes good too. Health-conscious people can sweeten it with honey and a squeeze of lemon to balance out the tartness.
You can find dried hibiscus leaves in stores and online platforms. They also come in pre-made bags. All you have to do is dip them in hot water, remove it after a while and enjoy the drink. For those who are not comfortable with boiling the leaves and draining it, pre-made bags are a better option. Once you have it cleared by your doctor, you should definitely try the tea for a few days. There are many YouTube videos available that could teach you to make interesting drinks that you can enjoy with your family or friends.
