Hibiscus, or ‘roselle’ or ‘red sorrel,’ has been a component of traditional medicine for hundreds of years. Hibiscus is high in antioxidants and is present in several warm countries like India, Mexico, Sudan, Thailand, Egypt, and China. People have used various parts of hibiscus plants, like seeds, flowers, leaves, and stems, for multiple purposes worldwide. It promotes weight reduction, is anti-bacterial, prevents cancer, and supports the health of the guts and liver. Presently, hibiscus is offered in several varieties, like jams, jellies, sauces, syrups, and teas worldwide.
Hibiscus is offered as an extract or, more often, a tea. There are several hundred species of hibiscus, but ‘Hibiscus sabdariffa’ is mostly used to make hibiscus tea. It belongs to the family Malvaceae. Hibiscus tea, ‘sorrel tea,’ or ‘sour tea,’ is an herbal tea constructed from dried calyces of the hibiscus plant in boiling water and is deep red. Hibiscus tea is of course calorie and caffeine-free herbal tea that tastes like berries with a sweet, refreshing, and tangy flavour. Ruby red hibiscus tea is an alternative choice to regular tea and occasional that many enjoy hot or iced.
Dietary Value of Hibiscus Tea
Hibiscus tea is available in various forms, making it versatile for consumption. There are different options for preparation and consumption, catering to individual preferences. People can find it as:
- Single tea bags
- Ready-to-drink tea
- Loose flower petals
- Liquid extract
- Encapsulated powder
The dietary value of 100 g of brewed hibiscus tea is as follows:
- Water: 99.6 g
- Iron: 0.08 mg
- Magnesium: 3 mg
- Potassium: 20 mg
- Choline: 0.4 mg
- Calcium: 8 mg
- Phosphorus: 1 mg
- Manganese: 0.477 mg
- Sodium: 4 mg
- Vitamin B3 (niacin): 0.04 mg
- Vitamin B9 (Folate): 1 µg
Methods to Make Hibiscus Tea?
Hot Hibiscus Tea
Servings: 1
Ingredients
- Hibiscus tea bags or dried hibiscus flowers: 1-2 bags or 1-2 tsp
- Boiling water: 150 ml
- Optional: Cinnamon or ginger for added flavour
Approach to Preparation
- Boil water until it reaches a rolling boil.
- Place 1-2 hibiscus tea bags or 1-2 teaspoons of dried hibiscus flowers in a teapot or heatproof container.
- Fastidiously pour 1 cup of boiling water over the hibiscus.
- Cover the teapot or container and let the hibiscus steep for about 5-7 minutes or until the specified strength is achieved.
- You can too add cinnamon or ginger for extra flavour.
- Strain the tea right into a cup or mug to remove the hibiscus solids.
- Sip and luxuriate in your hot hibiscus tea!
Iced Hibiscus Tea
Servings: 1
Ingredients
- Hibiscus tea bags or dried hibiscus flowers: 2 bags or 2 tbsp
- Boiling water: 300 ml
- Optional: Lemon slices or mint leaves for flavour
- Ice cubes
Approach to Preparation
- Boil water until it reaches a rolling boil.
- Place 2 hibiscus tea bags or two tablespoons of dried hibiscus flowers in a heatproof pitcher or container.
- Fastidiously pour boiling water over the hibiscus.
- Cover the pitcher or container and let the hibiscus steep for about 5-7 minutes or until the tea is sufficiently strong.
- Allow the hibiscus tea to chill to room temperature, then refrigerate it until it’s cold.
- Before serving, add ice cubes to a glass and pour the chilled hibiscus tea over the ice.
- You can too add lemon slices or fresh mint leaves for added flavour and garnish.
- Sip and luxuriate in your refreshing iced hibiscus tea!
11 Advantages of Hibiscus Tea
Wealthy in Antioxidants
While the human body produces antioxidants naturally, adding antioxidant-rich foods like hibiscus tea can provide additional support. Hibiscus is wealthy in antioxidants like beta-carotene, vitamin C, and anthocyanin. These antioxidants combat the build-up of free radicals within the body, reducing the danger of diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart issues. Hibiscus extract also reduces oxidative stress and increases antioxidant levels within the blood. Meaning it will possibly prevent issues that may originate as a result of the presence of oxidative stress, including cancer.
Assist in Lowering Blood Pressure
Hibiscus tea has gained fame for its ability to lower blood pressure. Hypertension can lead to varied issues like heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems. Hibiscus tea helps reduce each systolic and diastolic blood pressure. It signifies that it prevents the occurrence of irregular blood pressure levels. While it could not replace hypertension medications, it will possibly be a invaluable addition to a heart-healthy weight loss plan.
Those on hypertension medication should seek the advice of a physician before adding hibiscus tea to their every day routine. That may help avoid any medication interactions.
Improve Cholesterol Levels
Maintaining an excellent cholesterol level is crucial for a healthy heart since high cholesterol leads to several severe diseases like diabetes, heart attack and stroke. Hibiscus may help maintain healthy levels of cholesterol. It helps in increasing “good” HDL cholesterol and decreasing “bad” LDL Cholesterol and triglycerides. Nevertheless, the outcomes are vague, and more research is required to be certain of those effects.
Aid in Weight Management
If someone desires to shed a number of kilos, hibiscus tea is likely to be a helpful addition to their routine. Several studies of hibiscus tea have shown promise in weight management and protection against obesity. It may lead to weight reduction, reduced body fat, and improved body mass index. Nevertheless, these studies have used concentrated doses, so more research is required to ascertain the advantages of hibiscus tea for weight management.`
Moreover, it can have a gentle diuretic effect, which may result in temporary weight reduction through water loss. While hibiscus tea is usually a healthy beverage alternative as a part of a balanced weight loss plan and lively lifestyle, it isn’t a miracle weight reduction solution.
Lowering Blood Sugar Levels
Preliminary research suggests hibiscus tea is wealthy in polyphenols that help reduce blood sugar levels and manage diabetes by inhibiting enzymes reminiscent of α-glucosidase and α-amylase. These enzymes are accountable for digesting carbohydrates and increasing blood sugar levels. Nevertheless, more human studies are needed to substantiate these effects. If someone has concerns about their blood sugar levels, it is best to watch them recurrently and seek the advice of a physician.
Reducing Inflammation
Hibiscus has anti-inflammatory effects. These effects could possibly be as a result of compounds like saponins, flavonoids, and plant sterols. Furthermore, hibiscus tea may inhibit cyclooxygenase, an enzyme that elevates the degrees of prostaglandins (lipids accountable for inflammation). While findings are promising, more research is required to know how hibiscus tea may impact human inflammation.
Promote Easy Digestion
Hibiscus tea acts as a natural diuretic. It helps to tug salt out of the body and might be used to treat constipation and improve the health of the gastrointestinal system. It is understood to enhance digestion because it regularises bowel movement and prevents constipation. Hibiscus tea is like drinking sugar-free and caffeine-free flavoured water, which is able to keep people hydrated.
Boost Immune System
Probably the most vital advantages of this pink tea (hibiscus tea) is its ability to spice up the immune system. It’s because hibiscus tea is wealthy in ascorbic acid (vitamin C), a potent antioxidant accountable for keeping the immune system healthy. Hibiscus tea can be wealthy in iron, a mineral that helps balance the immune system and helps the body maintain the red blood cells (RBCs). Furthermore, hibiscus tea is renowned for its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that may also work as an immunity booster.
Helpful for Skin Care and Anti-ageing
Hibiscus tea provides vitamin C, which advantages the skin. It promotes the production of collagen within the body. It’s also source of an antioxidant called myricetin that helps reduce collagen breakdown. Furthermore, hibiscus tea comprises an antioxidative called anthocyanin, which helps reduce oxidative stress. Thus, it is going to also decelerate the signs of skin ageing and is a terrific solution to detoxify the body.
Promotes Hair Health
Hibiscus tea comprises antioxidants, helping in producing melanin. It’s the pigment which is accountable for giving a natural hair color. It prevents premature grey hairs. As aforementioned, hibiscus tea is a wonderful source of vitamin C, helping increase collagen production and thus promoting hair growth. Furthermore, amino acids on this tea also generate more red blood cells within the body. It’s going to profit the hair roots by promoting healthy blood circulation.
Depression and Anxiety
Depression and anxiety are psychological problems which may cause various physical and emotional symptoms. Hibiscus tea is a terrific solution to improve mental health and support the nervous system. It comprises substances like flavonoids, anthocyanins, and anthocyanidins that might help with depression. Nevertheless, more research is required to assert these effects on humans.
Summary
Hibiscus is a wonderful source of antioxidants, including—beta-carotene, vitamin C, and anthocyanin. They provide protection against several diseases like cancer and diabetes. Nevertheless, further research is required to know its full impact on human health. Hibiscus tea can contribute to lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. It also improves levels of cholesterol by increasing “good” cholesterol and decreasing “bad” cholesterol and triglycerides. Nevertheless, it isn’t an alternative choice to prescribed medications. Hibiscus extract may contribute to weight management and body fat, but more studies must confirm its effectiveness in tea form. Hibiscus tea comprises polyphenols. It regulates blood sugar levels, making hibiscus tea a possible aid in managing diabetes. Hibiscus tea has anti-inflammatory effects as a result of the presence of compounds like saponins, flavonoids, and plant sterols. It’s a natural diuretic and helps in digestion by regulating bowel movement and stopping constipation. Hibiscus tea’s vitamin C content promotes collagen production. It helps in reducing signs of skin ageing and detoxifying the body. Hibiscus tea comprises flavonoids and anthocyanins. They might assist in mental health by potentially alleviating symptoms of depression.
Risks and Precautions of Hibiscus Tea
While hibiscus tea offers many advantages, one must still concentrate on potential risks and precautions. Here’s what people must know:
Allergies
If someone is allergic to hibiscus, it’s best to avoid hibiscus tea. The allergic reactions might range from mild discomfort to severe health hazards.
Medication Interactions
Hibiscus tea can interact with certain medications, potentially reducing their effectiveness. It’s crucial to be cautious if someone is taking medications for hypertension, diabetes, or contraception. At all times seek the advice of a physician if someone is taking these meds.
Pregnancy Concerns
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should exercise caution with regards to hibiscus tea. The phytoestrogens in hibiscus may result in complications while pregnant, including the danger of triggering preterm labour.
Liver Damage
High concentrations of hibiscus extract might potentially harm the liver. Hibiscus comprises compounds, reminiscent of anthocyanins and flavonoids, which, when taken in high concentrations, may overwhelm the liver’s cleansing processes. More research is required to know this risk fully.
Quality Control
Not all hibiscus varieties are suitable for consumption. If someone is using hibiscus products from their garden, start with small amounts to ascertain for any hostile reactions.
Moderation is Key
Consuming hibiscus tea moderately, typically 2 to 4 cups every day, is mostly considered secure. Nevertheless, excessive consumption can result in toxicity.
Unregulated Products
Be cautious with hibiscus supplements, capsules, or extracts, as they might not at all times contain what they claim.
Summary
Hibiscus tea offers various health advantages but requires caution as a result of potential risks. Allergic individuals should avoid it, as it will possibly result in mild discomfort or severe reactions. Hibiscus may interact with medications like those for hypertension, diabetes, and contraception, potentially reducing their efficacy. Pregnant and breastfeeding women must be cautious as a result of potential complications. High hibiscus extract concentrations might harm the liver, and never all hibiscus varieties are secure for consumption. Moderation is suggested, with 2 to 4 cups every day considered secure. Watch out for unregulated hibiscus products and supplements, as their contents might not be accurate.
HealthifyMe Suggestion
I like hibiscus tea due to its peculiar sour taste. But, did you already know it’s even used to make food coloring? A 100% natural red food color might be made by hibiscus flower.
It will possibly be used to make icing. ice cream, beverages, etc.
This natural red colouring is heat stable, filled with potent antioxidants, and suitable for many baking applications. It is crucial to take caution to not overcook this color and to relax the top product quickly.
The Final Word
Hibiscus tea is enjoyed by many for its potential health advantages, supported by each tradition and modern science. While research suggests its positive impact, caution is obligatory as a result of potential risks, reminiscent of allergic reactions and liver damage in high doses. To harness its advantages safely, consulting a healthcare provider, mainly if you could have underlying health conditions or are on medications, is advisable. Further research is important to know hibiscus tea’s potential fully, making careful consideration vital for those incorporating it into their routine.
Disclaimer: The aim of this text is simply to disperse knowledge and lift awareness. It doesn’t intend to switch medical advice from professionals. For further information, please contact our certified nutritionists Here.
Often Asked Questions
Q. What’s hibiscus tea, and the way is it made?
A. Hibiscus tea is an herbal tea constructed from dried calyces of the hibiscus plant, primarily hibiscus sabdariffa. It is ready by steeping these dried calyces in boiling water, leading to a deep red, naturally caffeine and calorie-free. It has a sweet, refreshing and tangy flavour.
Q. What are the potential advantages of drinking hibiscus tea?
A. Hibiscus tea is wealthy in antioxidants. These antioxidants help combat free radicals within the body. It leads to reducing the danger of diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart issues.
Q. Can hibiscus tea help lower blood pressure naturally?
A. Yes, hibiscus tea helps lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. It makes hibiscus tea a invaluable addition to a heart-healthy weight loss plan.
Q. Is there scientific evidence supporting the cholesterol-lowering effects of hibiscus tea?
A. Some studies suggest hibiscus tea improves levels of cholesterol by increasing “good” HDL cholesterol and decreasing “bad” LDL cholesterol. Nevertheless, further research is obligatory for conclusive evidence.
Q. Does hibiscus tea aid in weight reduction and metabolism?
A. Some studies suggest that hibiscus extract may help reduce body weight and body fat in animal models. Moreover, it can have a gentle diuretic effect, which may result in temporary weight reduction through water loss. While hibiscus tea is usually a healthy beverage alternative as a part of a balanced weight loss plan and lively lifestyle, it isn’t a miracle weight reduction solution.
Q. Can hibiscus tea improve digestion and alleviate stomach issues?
A. Hibiscus tea is a natural diuretic. It improves digestion by regularising bowel movements and stopping constipation. It also keeps the body hydrated.
Q. Can hibiscus tea assist in managing diabetes?
A. Preliminary research suggests hibiscus tea is wealthy in polyphenols. It helps lower blood sugar levels and combat diabetes. Nevertheless, more human studies are needed to substantiate these effects.
Q. Can hibiscus tea boost the immune system?
A. Hibiscus tea is wealthy in ascorbic acid, which helps keep the immune system healthy. It also comprises iron, balancing the immune system and aiding within the production of red blood cells.
Q. Are there potential advantages of hibiscus tea for hair health?
A. Hibiscus tea comprises antioxidants that promote melanin production. It prevents premature grey hairs. It also supports hair growth by increasing collagen production and improving blood circulation within the scalp.
Q. Is hibiscus tea helpful for skin health and anti-ageing?
A. Hibiscus tea is wealthy in vitamin C, which promotes collagen production. It also provides antioxidants that help reduce oxidative stress, potentially slowing down the signs of skin ageing.
Q. Does hibiscus tea have anti-inflammatory properties?
A. Hibiscus tea has anti-inflammatory effects as a result of compounds like saponins, flavonoids, and plant sterols. Nevertheless, further research is required to know its impact on human inflammation.
Q. Are there antioxidants in hibiscus tea, and what do they do for the body?
A. Hibiscus tea is wealthy in antioxidants like beta-carotene, vitamin C, and anthocyanin. They protect the body against free radicals and reduce the danger of assorted diseases.
Q. How does hibiscus tea compare to other herbal teas regarding health advantages?
A. Hibiscus tea stands out for its wealthy antioxidant content, benefiting overall health. Nevertheless, individual preferences and health needs may vary, so it’s crucial to go for teas that align with specific health goals.
Q. Are there any known unintended effects or interactions related to hibiscus tea consumption?
A. While hibiscus tea provides quite a few advantages, it is important to know potential unintended effects reminiscent of allergies, medication interactions and liver damage. People should eat it moderately to avoid toxicity. Consulting a healthcare provider is advisable, especially if someone has underlying health conditions or is taking medications.
Research Sources
The US Department of Agriculture on tea, hibiscus, brewed
Understanding oxidants and antioxidants: Classical team with recent players
Effect of hibiscus sabdariffa on blood pressure in patients with stage 1 hypertension
In vivo and in vitro evaluation of hair growth potential of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn
Potential of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. and Hibiscus Acid to Reverse Skin Aging
Anti-inflammatory effects of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis var. alba ethanol extracts