Why Is Hibiscus Tea Good For You 7 Health Benefits
This is a paid partnership with HIBSO to discuss the health benefits of Hibiscus tea. I was gifted the tea for the purposes of styling this post. All thoughts, words and images as ever are entirely my own.
Looking for a healthy tipple to balance out all the excesses of the upcoming festive season? Here are 7 health benefits of HIBSO Hibiscus tea my new favourite go-to drink.
Quick View of What You’ll Find on This Page
May Help With Weight Management
According to a tiny study, hibiscus may have the ability to help with healthy weight management.
Just like the other potential benefits, researchers think that this is because of how much polyphenol is in hibiscus extracts.
“In addition, a 2019paper in Molecules found that hibiscus seems to aid healthy weight management, as well as a healthy metabolism, as stated by animal, cell, and human studies.”
May Improve Liver Health
The antioxidants and flavonoids in hibiscus extracts may help improve liver health . Hibiscus anthocyanins , which are the natural pigments available in dried hibiscus flowers, were found to reduce the incidence of liver lesions in rats . A study also found that hibiscus extracts may help prevent fat accumulation and treat fatty liver disease .
The ethanolic extracts of hibiscus leaves and calyces contain polyphenols and flavonoids. These compounds possess antioxidant and anti-hyperlipidemic effects . Besides, the dried hibiscus flowers have antioxidant effects that may help prevent liver fibrosis .
Read Also: Skinnyfit Detox Tea Energizing Tea Blend Reviews
Health Benefits Of Drinking Hibiscus Tea
1. Its caffeine-free.
This is brilliant for me as it means I can have a cup before bedtime, with no worries of being kept awake!
Its the perfect drink at any time of day.
2. Hibiscus tea is low in calories.
The HIBSO instant tea sachets do contain sugar but Hibiscus flowers are naturally sweet too, so if youve a taste for something sweet, Hibiscus tea is a really great way of satisfying a craving.
3. Its rich in antioxidants and vitamins.
HIBSO teas contains vitamin C a strong antioxidant that is well renowned for keeping our immune systems healthy.
But Hibiscus is also high in iron a mineral that keeps our immune systems balanced and helps the body to maintain red blood cells.
As vitamin C helps to increase the absorption of iron, the health benefits of Hibiscus tea are doubled.
Winning all round, Id say.
4. HIBSO may help to lower blood pressure.
Studies have shown that drinking Hibiscus may benefit our hearts, by lowering both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
5. Another health benefit is that it could lower cholesterol.
In some studies, it has reportedly lowered LDL the bad cholesterol and triglycerides .
But Hibiscus tea can actually increase HDL, which is good cholesterol.More in-depth studies are still needed to examine the effects of Hibiscus tea and cholesterol reduction but on the face of things, it looks really positive.
6. Hibiscus tea could help us to maintain a balanced weight.
It Is High In Minerals
Hibiscus tea is very popular all over the world and many places its consumed as a medicinal tea. It is naturally low in calories and is caffeine-free. According to USDA Food Database it does contain many minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous and potassium. Of course, the nutrition will also depend upon the other ingredients in the recipe.
Because hibiscus tea in itself is really tart, you often add sugar. This will naturally add to the carbohydrates and calories, but its still high in these minerals, making it a healthier drink than many others. Just keep the sugar in mind.
Recommended Reading: Chamomile Tea Uti
Don’t Miss: Twisted Tea Hard Iced Tea Nutrition Facts
Special Precautions & Warnings
Pregnancy and breast-feedingPOSSIBLY UNSAFE
Diabetes: Hibiscus might decrease blood sugar levels. The dose of your diabetes medications might need to be adjusted by your healthcare provider.
Low blood pressure: Hibiscus might lower blood pressure. In theory, taking hibiscus might make blood pressure become too low in people with low blood pressure.
Surgery: Hibiscus might affect blood sugar levels, making blood sugar control difficult during and after surgery. Stop using hibiscus at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Recommended Reading: Dunkin Donuts Milk Tea
Prevents And Treats High Blood Pressure
This is also because of the anti-inflammatory reasons I stated in the weight loss paragraph. For it to lower blood pressure you would need to drink two cups a day. In a 2008 research study, the volunteers who drank hibiscus tea had a 7.2 point drop in their systolic blood pressure, compared to a 1.3 point drop in those who drank placebo.
- The tea with the most antiviral properties
- The antioxidants relieves pain and may help to get a good nights sleep
- Can boost hair growth and hair color
Im sure the list could go on, but you get the picture. Im not getting into detail on every point in this list, but Im linking to other great sources to get deep into the health benefits of hibiscus tea.
If this was enticing to you, you should also look into calendula tea and calendula tea grapefruit cider! I mention there that if you cant find calendula, chamomile is a great substitute too!
You May Like: How Many Calories In Twisted Tea Half And Half
Read Also: Raspberry Iaso Tea Reviews
Hibiscus Tea And Pregnancy
A debate persists as to whether Hibiscus Tea is safe during and immediately after pregnancy. For this reason, The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company recommend you exercise caution when considering Hibiscus Tea while breastfeeding, and especially while pregnant.
Were a family business with family values, and it is not in our interest to sell falsehoods. While some mothers and mothers-to-be drink Hibiscus Tea, institutes such as Baby Center, as well as its UK and Canadian equivalents, recommend against it.
Meanwhile, we recommend seeking a medical consultation before consuming Hibiscus Tea while breastfeeding, as well as while being pregnant.
Hibiscus Tea Might Support Your Immune System
Thats rightdrinking this pink tea may keep away the sniffles. This is because hibiscus tea contains vitamin C, a strong antioxidant that we know is responsible for keeping our immune systems healthy, says Michalczyk.
Whats more, hibiscus tea is also high in iron, a mineral that keeps the immune system balanced and helps the body to maintain red blood cells, she adds. Plus, the vitamin C helps to increase the absorption of the iron, which is great for maximum rewards all around.
Don’t Miss: Teavana Royal English Breakfast
Can Help Boost Metabolism
Hibiscus has also been shown to help boost metabolism and maintain a healthy weight. Studies have shown that consuming hibiscus can help to reduce body fat percentage and BMI. Hibiscus also improves overall metabolic health, and can be a great addition to a balanced diet if youre looking to better regulate your metabolism and maintain a healthy weight.
May Act As An Antidepressant
Hibiscus tea may contain vitamins and minerals, specifically flavonoids, which have been associated with antidepressant properties in some animal studies. Consumption of hibiscus tea may help calm down the nervous system, and it may reduce anxiety and depression by creating a relaxed sensation in the mind and body, says research published in the Indian Journal of Pharmacology.
Also Check: Does Hibiscus Make You Sleepy
Known To Help With Menstrual Relief
Okay, so theres no magic cure to menstrual discomfort however, there could be a way to lessen its symptoms. Hibiscus Tea, a beverage that has, for hundreds of years, been consumed for this very reason.
The inevitability of menstrual discomfort once every month can be very frustrating. Amazingly, though, the frequent consumption of this beverage can balance your hormones, thus easing cramps, as well as reducing common symptoms such as mood swings, depression and overeating.
Hibiscus Tea benefits menstrual cycles further with its antispasmodic qualities, which often tackles cramping right at the source of the pain.
Before modern science confirmed what we already knew, the 5,000-year-old practice of Ayurvedic Medicine recognised that Hibiscus could alleviate irregular menstruation.
Herbal Infusion Caffeine Levels
As mentioned earlier in our guide, not all herbal teas are caffeine-free.
Some popular caffeine-free teas, like hibiscus, include:
- Chamomile,
Herbal infusions that do contain caffeine include:
- Yerba mate,
- Guarana,
- Certain citrus flowers and leaves.
To learn more about loose leaf herbs that may contain caffeine, read our Guide to Herbal Teas.
Also Check: Lipton Green Tea Good For Weight Loss
Contains High Levels Of Vitamin C
One thing we do know for certain is that hibiscus tea contains a significant amount of Vitamin C. Vitamin C is needed for many critical bodily functions, including:
- Forming new blood vessels
- Developing cartilage, muscle, and collagen
- Stimulating the healing process
- Absorbing and storing iron
Along with being a necessity for these processes, daily Vitamin C also offers the following perks:
- Skin health Vitamin C improves collagen synthesis, which keeps your skin supple and reduces the appearance of wrinkles. Vitamin C is also associated with faster healing of wounds and a reduction in the appearance of scars.
- Heart health While adding Vitamin C to your diet has not been shown to decrease the risk of heart problems, deficiencies in Vitamin C have been linked to cardiovascular disease.
- Fewer infections Increased Vitamin C intake helps alleviate and prevent some bacterial and viral infections.
Sufficient Vitamin C in the diet is vital for your health. To that end, a cup of hibiscus tea in the morning or at night may support to glowing skin and full-body wellness.
Potential Health Benefits Of Hibiscus Tea
Also Check: Dunkin Boba Drink Flavors
Equips Your Body With Antioxidants
Hibiscus tea contains many antioxidants, called flavonoids. Regularly consuming food that contains significant levels of flavonoids may be linked to heart and full-body health. Plus, consuming hibiscus tea regularly can pack your body with antioxidant weapons to help fight against harmful compounds called free radicals.
Free radicals can cause damage if they accumulate in high levels in your body. Free radical damage is linked to a host of chronic health problems, including:
- Cardiovascular disease*
To that end, a cup of hibiscus tea a day may keep the doctor away.
Hibiscus Tea Is Packed With Antioxidants
First up on our list of hibiscus benefits is antioxidants.
Hibiscus tea is packed full of anti-oxidants which may help prevent damage to the cells and oxidative stress caused by the build-up of free radicals.6
Studies conducted on animals have shown that hibiscus extract can reduce the harmful effects of free radicals by up to 92%.7
Free radicals not only cause ageing but they can also heighten your risk of illness and diseases.8
Don’t Miss: Green Tea Latte Art
Zobo Drink May Manage High Blood Pressure
Consuming zobo drink may lower the blood pressure in pre-hypertensive and mildly hypertensive adults. A study in the Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology & Research found that it has antihypertensive and cardioprotective properties, which may be beneficial for people suffering from hypertension, and those at high risks of cardiovascular diseases.
What Are The Side Effects Of Hibiscus Tea
Hibiscus in low dose as in tea is safe, however higher concentrations are toxic to liver, sperms and have diuretic effect. Hibiscus has week inhibitory action on Cytochrome P450 and hence can alter availability of many drugs. Thus, Hibiscus should not be taken with Hydrochlorothiazide medicine and Paracetamol should be taken 3 to 4 hours before taking Hibiscus tea. We recommend you to consult your doctor before starting Hibiscus tea on regular basis, especially if you are on regular medications.
You May Like: Star Bucks Boba
It Could Help With Weight Loss
Hibiscus naturally does not contain any sugar, so tea made from hibiscus can serve as a refreshing, sugar-free beverage option, according to Livestrong.com. However, some people do prefer to add sweetness to their tea with additions like granulated sugar or honey, which also add in calories. If you are a lover of sweet tea, be cautious and aware of this if you are hoping for weight loss, or consider trying calorie-free sweeteners like stevia.
In addition to naturally not containing sugar, hibiscus tea can also help with weight loss efforts by providing satiety, or a feeling of fullness. When your stomach is full, even if it is with liquid, your brain will recognize this fullness, and this can keep you from reaching for a potentially calorie-rich snack. On top of its nutritional benefits, hibiscus is also just a more flavorful option for increasing your fluid intake if you get tired of plain old water.
Hibiscus Tea May Support Your Weight
There have been some studies that suggest that hibiscus may have the ability to aid in weight loss, she says. One study found that taking hibiscus extract for 12 weeks resulted in lower body weight, abdominal fat, and BMI in overweight/obese individuals.
It’s important to keep in mind that this study uses hibiscus extract, which is more concentrated than the tea. While you may see similar benefits by sipping the tea, they’ll likely be on a smaller scale.
You May Like: Twisted Tea Light Ingredients
Hibiscus Tea Could Serve As An Immune Booster
In order to have a healthy, well-functioning immune system, there are many nutrients that are important. However, it is no secret that the antioxidant vitamin C is one of those essential for a healthy immune system, as discussed in this 2017 study . As you may have already guessed, hibiscus tea is a great source of vitamin C. According to this 2017 study, the calyxes of the H. sabdariffa flower contains 17 mg of vitamin C, which is about 19% of the recommended dietary allowance for men and 23% of the RDA for women, per Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
According to Well + Good, vitamin C isnt the only antioxidant found in hibiscus that can aid the immune system polyphenols are also very helpful and effective in setting us up for success against foreign bodies that could make us sick or even cause long-term health conditions. According to WebMD, this powerful nutrient can help with many different diseases and health problems. The beneficial applications currently found for polyphenols include improvements in circulation, reduction in inflammation, and even potentially prevention of tumor growth or the killing of cancer cells.
Whats The Best Way To Take Hibiscus
Ready to take the plunge? Hibiscus is available in several forms:
- Tea:You can make hibiscus tea by steeping dried hibiscus buds in boiling water. If youre not into the DIY method, you can also purchase dried hibiscus or hibiscus tea bags.
- Powder:You can also buy hibiscus as a powder, which is made from dried plant parts that are finely ground. Mix the powder with water to make a beverage.
- Extract:Hibiscus extract is a concentrated liquid form of the supplement. You can buy it from health food or herbal supplement retailers.
Czerwony recommends drinking hibiscus tea rather than powder or extract. Hibiscus tea whether you buy it already prepared, use tea bags or steep it yourself from the dried plant is the least expensive and most readily available, she says. And the powders and extracts may differ in strength and concentration, so you may be getting a dose thats too strong.
Next time you find yourself at your favorite java spot, consider forgoing your frothy coffee in favor of hibiscus tea. When people ask me about hibiscus tea, Czerwony says, I tell them its perfectly acceptable, and possibly beneficial, to drink a cup of hibiscus tea a day.
Read Also: Snapple Have Caffeine
May Help Treat Inflammatory Diseases
A meta-analysis of three randomized controlled trials published in the journal “Australian Family Physician” in July 2012 reviewed the evidence suggesting that rosehip powder may be a reasonable substitute for traditional medicines used in treating inflammatory diseases such as arthritis. In the controlled trials, three months of supplementation with rosehip powder was found to reduce pain scores steadily in study participants with osteoarthritis. In contrast to conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, rosehip is safer because it does not boost the risk of ulcers. In addition, rosehip does not inhibit platelet function and has no impact on fibrinolysis — a natural body process that prevents blood clots from growing and causing problems.