With society becoming more health concious, super foods are becoming more popular and with this comes a whole host of super drinks and teas that have amazing health benefits. Hibiscus tea, notorious for it's deep red colour and slightly sour taste is an amazing addition to your diet - so let's dig deep and find out some of the amazing health benefits.
High Blood Pressure - If you suffer from high blood pressure also known as hypertension, hibiscus tea can help by reducing your reading by up to 10 points. It also helps to cure liver disease and reduces the risk of cancer as well as speeding up metabolism , which means it can also aid weight loss - whoop! Hibiscus tea is rich in vitamin C, minerals and various antioxidants, while also help in the treatment of anxiety.
Lowering Cholesterol - Hibiscus tea also has impressive antioxidant properties which helps to lower “bad” LDL cholesterol from the body, thereby helping to protect against heart disease and protecting blood vessels from damage. The hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic properties of hibiscus tea can be beneficial for those who suffer from blood sugar disorders like diabetes.
Menstrual Pain: Do you over eat, become moody or a little blue around your menstrual cycle? Well guess what? Hibiscus tea can help reduce these symptoms and may also include relief from cramps and menstrual pain.
Antidepressant Properties - Hibiscus tea contains vitamins and minerals like flavonoids which have antidepressant properties. Consumption of hibiscus tea can help to calm down the nervous system, and it may reduce anxiety and depression by creating a relaxed sensation in the body and mind.
Weight Loss: If you eat many rich in carbohydrate foods, your consumption of sugar and starch will be quite high, so guess what that leads to? Weight gain. Research has suggested that hibiscus extract lowers the absorption of starch and glucose and may help with weight loss as hibiscus inhibits the production of amylase, which helps in the absorption of carbohydrates and starch, so drinking hibiscus tea prevents that absorption from occurring.
Pregnancy and Fertility Note: Hibiscus tea is not recommended for pregnant women, particularly due to its emmenagogue effects which may stimulate menstruation or blood flow in the uterus or pelvic region. For those undergoing hormonal treatments or taking birth control pills, it is recommended to consult your health specialist regarding any consumption of hibiscus tea, and let him give you a yes or no.