The Amazing Health Benefits of Hibiscus Tea
Also known as “Sorrell tea” or “sour tea”, Hibiscus tea is a popular beverage among many cultures and regions, such as Egypt, Iran, Mexico and in many parts of South Asia and Southeast Asia. The flower itself has a long history of use in many regional cuisines and traditional medicine, with numerous health claims ranging from being an effective remedy for treating appetite loss and the common cold to reducing swelling, stomach irritation and treating heart and nerve disorders among others.
While there are many varieties of Hibiscus flowers that are being utilised in cuisines and beverages in different parts of the world, the most common one is that of the tropical Hibiscus sabdariffa. The dried calyxes or petals of these flowers are steeped in boiling water to give a deep reddish colour tea with flavours that are fruity, sweet and tart, somehow similar to cranberry juice. The tea can be enjoyed either hot or cold with additional ingredients added to it per preference. It is low in calories and naturally caffeine-free. In fact, a cold iced hibiscus tea makes a perfect healthy refreshing drink for the hot summer days!
Besides its refreshing flavour, the other great thing about hibiscus tea is its wide range of potential health benefits, which is also the reason why many people have become drawn to this tea in recent years. To better understand, here are some of the potential claims and health benefits of hibiscus tea, including its heart health benefits:
1. May Lower Blood Pressure
One of the health claims with regards to hibiscus tea is its heart health benefits. This is mainly because hibiscus tea has been shown to be beneficial for lowering high blood pressure –mainly due to its rich anti-inflammatory properties. That said, a 2015 study demonstrated that drinking hibiscus tea regularly helps to lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Likewise, according to a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, it was suggested that hibiscus has antihypertensive and cardioprotective properties, which can be helpful for people with hypertension and those at high risks of cardiovascular diseases.
2. May Reduce Cholesterol Levels
Besides lowering high blood pressure, the other heart health benefit of hibiscus tea is its cholesterol-lowering ability, especially the bad ‘LDL’ cholesterol. This is mostly due to the presence of bioflavonoids in the tea. According to a study, drinking hibiscus tea regularly showed potential benefits in increasing good ‘HDL’ cholesterol while decreasing bad ‘LDL’ cholesterol, as well as triglycerides. This shows how hibiscus tea is an ideal beverage to help protect the heart against heart diseases and protect the blood vessels from damage. However, despite these encouraging results, more studies are still needed to be done to really understand its effects on humans.
3. May Help Prevent Certain Cancer
Hibiscus contains a great deal of antioxidants, such as polyphenols and anthocyanins, which are known to have anti-cancer properties. Test-tube studies using hibiscus extract shows how hibiscus extract helps in suppressing cell growth, as well as in limiting the growth of mouth and plasma cell cancers. Other test-tube studies also demonstrated hibiscus extracts positive effects in reducing prostate and stomach cancer cell growth. This shows hibiscus may have the potential in preventing cancer.
4. May Improve Liver Health
Several studies have suggested that the rich antioxidant present in hibiscus tea may be beneficial in improving liver health and for it to work efficiently. In fact, a study published in the Food & Function Journal shows how consuming hibiscus tea extract for 12 weeks help improve the condition of the liver among its 19 obese participants with liver steatosis, a condition that could lead to liver failure. However, since most of these studies are primarily using concentrated hibiscus extract and not the tea itself, more studies are needed to know the effects hibiscus tea has on the human liver.
5. May Promote Weight Loss
Just as it is with liver health, most of the studies conducted on the weight loss benefits of hibiscus tea are based on the use of concentrated doses of hibiscus extract rather than the tea itself. Nonetheless, these studies have shown that hibiscus extract proves to be a beneficial aid in reducing body weight and protecting the body against obesity. That said, more studies are needed to learn how hibiscus tea influences weight loss.
6. May Improve Digestion
Due to its diuretic and laxative properties, hibiscus tea has been used in many traditional remedies to help treat constipation, regularize bowel movements and relieve other common digestive issues. Recent studies are also suggesting that drinking hibiscus tea may help in regularizing both urination and bowel movement, which may be beneficial for reducing constipation and improving overall gastrointestinal health.
7. May Possess Antibacterial Properties
Several studies have demonstrated hibiscus extract to possess antibacterial properties, which help in fighting bacterial infections, particularly in inhibiting the activity of E. coli, which is a strain of bacteria that causes cramping, gas and diarrhoea symptoms. Likewise, another test-tube study also suggested hibiscus extract to be as effective as certain anti-bacterial drugs. However, more human studies are needed to determine these effects.
Introducing Preserva’s DAILY HEART CARE TEA
Looking for ways to get your hands on the perfect blend of Hibiscus Tea? Look no further, Daily Heart Care Tea by Preserva Wellness is the one! With a rich combination of real natural ingredients like Hibiscus, Peach fruit, Green Tea Leaves, Arjuna, Mulberry leaves, Moringa and Cinnamon powder, Preserva’s newly-launched Daily Heart Care Tea offers a refreshing and flavourful way to soothe your senses and protect your heart health with every sip you take! The unique blend of ingredients offers a wide range of nutrients, along with antioxidants and natural anti-inflammatory properties that will help you in strengthening your heart muscles, enhance its overall health and functioning and lower your risk of heart disease! The tea is entirely 100% vegetarian, sugar-free, gluten-free and has no GMOs or chemicals, making it completely safe for consumption!
The Bottom Line
Hibiscus tea has its fair share of health benefits. This is also why this tea has become quite popular among many herbal tea enthusiasts in recent years. From its heart health benefits to its weight loss and anti-cancer properties, there is no reason to not love this flavourful tea. However, it is also important to know that hibiscus tea may also present some risks. Hence, it is important to limit your consumption to the recommended dosage, which is 2 to 3 cups per day, or to consult with a health care professional in case of any doubts or concerns.
Disclaimer- This article is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult with your healthcare provider in case of any health complications