Made from dried hibiscus plants, hibiscus tea is an herbal tea with a tart flavor reminiscent of cranberry juice. People drink it hot or iced to reap the many health benefits. Hibiscus tea has been known to boost energy levels, reduce blood lipid levels, and assist with blood pressure and cholesterol reduction. Some people drink hibiscus tea because it helps contribute to a slimmer waistline.
What Is Hibiscus?
The hibiscus plant originated in North Africa and Southeast Asia, but it currently grows in many tropical and subtropical climates worldwide. The flower has a long history of use in folk medicine, being an excellent source of phytonutrients and antioxidants like vitamin C. Additionally, the flower contains the calyx, which experts believe is the source of its health benefits, but it also helps to protect the plant.
6 Benefits Of Drinking Hibiscus Tea
Antioxidants Galore
Hibiscus is rich in anthocyanins, which give the flowers their signature red hue. These plant compounds work to fight free radicals in the body. Free radicals contribute to oxidative stress, which can lead to early signs of aging and and increased risk of chronic illness and disease. Several studies found a link between a reduction in free radicals and a lower risk of dementia, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The high concentration of antioxidants in hibiscus tea may be able to slow the onset of these chronic illnesses. They may even keep your skin looking flawless!
Antibacterial Properties
Hibiscus flower petals are excellent sources of vitamin C, which is a known immunity booster and powerful antioxidant. It also boasts natural antibacterial properties, which help fight off pathogens that cause infections in the body. One study in 2016 found that hibiscus extract effectively combatted gram-positive and negative bacteria. The extract proved to be more effective than penicillin against certain bacterial strains. Another study found that hibiscus extract was effective against E. coli bacteria in a lab setting.
Beneficial For Your Heart
According to several studies, drinking hibiscus tea can help to lower blood pressure. The Journal of Nutrition said that adults who regularly consumed three eight-ounce servings of hibiscus tea daily for six weeks experienced a reduction in overall blood pressure. In a separate study, researchers concluded that a daily cup of hibiscus tea was able to reduce systolic blood pressure by 7.5 mmHg and the diastolic blood pressure by 3.53 mmHg.
May Assist With Weight Loss
The anthocyanins in hibiscus have antihyperlipidemic properties, which work to prevent fat from accumulating in the body. Hibiscus also contains water, which has demonstrated an ability to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The way it does this is by preventing lipid absorption in the digestive system. In a lab study, people consumed 100 milligrams of hibiscus extract for one month. At the end of the study, every person experienced reduced blood glucose levels, and HDL (good cholesterol) levels increased. For people who are already overweight, hibiscus tea may help to cut down abdominal fat. It helps stave off cravings for sweets by changing the taste in your mouth to bitter.
Good For The Liver
The liver is one of the hardest working organs in the body, working to secrete bile and flush out toxins from your system. Several studies found that hibiscus tea helps to improve overall performance and health. One study, which involved 19 obese people, involved taking hibiscus extract for three months. At the end of the study, the participants experienced improved liver steatosis, which is caused by fat accumulating in the liver. In other research studies, scientists found that the polyphenols in hibiscus helped reduce liver enzymes during inflammation, or after eating fatty foods. This can reduce oxidative damage to the liver and may even prevent lipid peroxidation.
Immune Support
Need a little help keeping the sniffles away? Hibiscus tea is the perfect beverage to keep your immune system strong. The hibiscus flower is rich in vitamin C, which works to keep immune cells healthy. It’s a known antioxidant that also helps to reduce free radical damage. Additionally, hibiscus tea is rich in iron, which is essential for red blood cell production and balancing the immune system. The fact that hibiscus has both vitamin C and iron is amazing because vitamin C increases the bioavailability of iron, meaning your body can absorb it more easily.
