With its bright red color, the hibiscus flower (Hibiscus sabdariffa) will certainly catch your attention. But, this tropical plant is not only relaxing to the eyes. Drinking a tea made from the calyxes of hibiscus can also offer some benefits, especially when consumed regularly. This healthful beverage has a cranberry-like flavor that may or may not entice your taste buds. Nonetheless, this product can strengthen your body and has many health benefits.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF HIBISCUS TEA
1. UPLIFTS YOUR MOOD
Ongoing stress is a common trigger of hormone imbalance that eventually leads to depressive symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, and loss of interest in your day-to-day activities. Fortunately, various foods and drinks can help boost your energy and mood. An example is hibiscus tea. This ruby-colored beverage contains flavonoids with antidepressant properties, which can calm your nerves and reduce anxiety.
2. FIGHTS DISEASE-CAUSING FREE RADICALS
Some of the health benefits of hibiscus tea are due to its antioxidants. As you know, exposure to harmful chemicals, like free radicals, can result in numerous ailments such as diabetes, chronic inflammation, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease. Thankfully, there are various ways to protect your body. An excellent method is to consume foods and beverages rich in antioxidants, like hibiscus tea. This healthful product has anthocyanins, compounds responsible for the flower’s reddish hue. But, that’s not all. Anthocyanins are also potent antioxidants that can stop the free radicals from endangering your health.
3. MAY WARD OFF HEART DISEASES
As of today, there are numerous heart-friendly teas that can help prevent cardiovascular diseases. The great thing about hibiscus tea is that it can naturally reduce bad cholesterol levels and lower high blood pressure.
As revealed in one study, hibiscus tea was more effective than hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) in decreasing the blood pressure of hypertensive Nigerians. The best part is that, unlike the drug, the red-colored tea did not cause electrolyte imbalance.
Because of these heart-promoting effects, drinking hibiscus tea may lower your risk of stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. However, if you’re taking any heart medication, you need to consult your doctor before consuming this healthful beverage as it could cause complications.
4. MAY HELP YOU LOSE WEIGHT
One of the most popular health benefits of hibiscus tea is its ability to aid in your weight loss journey, which occurs in two ways. First, drinking this beneficial beverage can boost your metabolism, allowing you to burn more calories. Second, hibiscus tea has phaseolamin, a compound that blocks amylase production. Amylase is responsible for breaking down carbohydrates. Without this enzyme, your body can’t absorb a lot of sugars and starches, resulting in weight loss. This is why you’ll find hibiscus tea in numerous weight loss supplements.
5. BOOSTS LIVER HEALTH
As you know, a healthy liver can efficiently break down substances and cleanse your body. But, your liver’s health may be compromised, especially if you have poor eating and lifestyle habits. Fortunately, hibiscus tea can help protect your liver. As shown in one study, this tangy-tasting beverage was able to reduce the fat build-up in the liver of the participants.
6. PROMOTES A YOUTHFUL APPEARANCE
The last in this list of health benefits of hibiscus tea is the drink’s ability to promote a youthful appearance. Today, various substances are present in your environment that can harm your skin. Free radicals, for example, are unstable molecules capable of damaging skin cells and destroying collagen, leading to wrinkles and other signs premature aging. The good news is that hibiscus tea contains antioxidants that can stop the free radicals. Additionally, the vitamin C in this red-colored drink can stimulate collagen production.
SOME PRECAUTIONS BEFORE DRINKING HIBISCUS TEA
Like other healthful teas and supplements, hibiscus tea should be consumed with your doctor’s approval. This is especially true if you’re taking any medications. Furthermore, some studies have revealed that taking high doses of this red-colored flower may lead to liver toxicity. As recommended, the safest dose to reap the health benefits of hibiscus tea is four cups or less. Aside from that, pregnant women should avoid this beneficial beverage. This is due to emmenagogue effects of the tea, which may stimulate menstruation and premature labor. Other than those precautions, as presented, including hibiscus tea to your diet can certainly help improve your overall health.
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