Health Benefits of Hibiscus Tea
The Hibiscus tea reduces the cholesterol and high blood pressure, aids immune system, digestive system and inflammatory problems. It diminishes the chances of cancer. It increases metabolism which leads to the weight loss. The Hibiscus tea possesses high minerals, Vitamin C and antioxidants which help to treat anxiety ad hypertension.
1. Blood Pressure Management
American Heart Association reported that the blood pressure is lowered by the consumption of hibiscus tea. In United States, 1/3 of the adults suffer from the high blood pressure which is also known as hypertension. The study made by Odigie IP addresses that those people having the chances of cardiovascular disease and hypertension may be benefited by the hibiscus tea due to the presence of cardio-protective and anti-hypertensive properties. The research made at Tufts University in Boston summarizes that the anti-inflammatory properties in hibiscus tea helps to lower the blood pressure. Three cups of hibiscus tea should be consumed daily for few weeks to achieve the improvement. Due to the diuretic properties, the blood pressure is lowered by increasing urination. Those who drank 3 cups of hibiscus tea for 6 weeks found that the arterial blood pressure was decreased. The blood pressure would be effectively controlled if 8 ounces is drink 3 times per day regularly.
2. Lowering cholesterol
The anti-oxidant properties in hibiscus tea help to reduce the bad LDL cholesterol which helps to eliminate the heart disease by preventing the blood vessel damage. The diabetic patients could be benefited by the hibiscus tea due to the presence of hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties. The research made on diabetic patients found out that the consumption of hibiscus tea lowers the triglycerides, cholesterol and lipo-protein cholesterol which help to control this disease. A study of Phytomedicine in June 2010 reported that the cholesterol level was decreased when the metabolic syndrome patients took a dose of 100 grams of Hibiscus sabdariffa extract powder regularly. The bioflavonoids prevents from the diseases caused from the buildup on arteries.
3. Protects liver
The antioxidants in hibiscus tea counteracts with free radicals which helps to prevent from diseases. The life span is increased if hibiscus tea is consumed as it keeps the overall health healthy.
4. Anti-Cancer Properties
The hibiscus tea possesses the anti-oxidant and anti-tumor properties. The analysis made by Department and Institute of Biochemistry at the Chung Shan Medical and Dental College in Taichung, Taiwan reported that the programmed cell death (apoptosis) is promoted which helps to reduce the development of cancerous cells.
5. Anti-Inflammatory and Antibacterial Properties
The hibiscus tea contains Vitamin C which helps to boost the immune system. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which eliminates the flu and cold. It provides a cooling effect which helps to cure the discomfort caused by fever. The anti-oxidants help to eliminate the free radical which leads to wrinkles, premature aging, heart disease, cancer, diabetes and arthritis. The antioxidants helps to reduce the chronic inflammation which leads to IBS, Alzheimer’s, obesity, Parkinson’s, infertility and diabetes. It slows down the sign of aging by maintaining the elasticity of the skin.
6. Menstrual Pain
It provides the relief from the menstrual pain and cramps. The hormonal balance is maintained along with the lowering the menstruation symptoms such as depression, mood swings and overeating.
7. Antidepressant Properties
The hibiscus tea has the flavonoids such as minerals and vitamins as the antidepressant properties. The nervous system is soothed and provides the relaxed body and mind which helps to treat the depression and anxiety.
8. Aids Digestion
It helps to boost digestion by increasing the bowel movements and urination. The presence of diuretic properties helps to cure the constipation and enhance the gastrointestinal system leading to lose weight and eliminate colorectal cancer. The anti-spasmodic effects of Hibiscus tea helps to cure the painful constipation and digestive issues such as irritable bowel syndrome.
9. Satiates Thirst
It is mostly consumed in an iced form. This tea is able to cool the body instantly. The medicinal property in hibiscus tea helps to eliminate toxins from the body.
10. Weight Loss
It helps to reduce the starch and glucose absorption that leads to weight loss. The production of amylase is restricted which absorbs the starch and carbohydrates. Many weight loss products include hibiscus tea because of its weight loss properties. It helps to burn more fat and slows the fat absorption. Drinking a cup of Hibiscus tea regularly leads to weight loss.
11. Good for both summer and winter
The hibiscus tea can be consumed in the form of ice tea or hot tea. In winter, it can be brewed and drink to keep warm. It requires only few minutes to prepare. In summer, it can be drink as hibiscus iced tea. It requires 20 minutes to prepare.
12. Great Taste
Its taste is quite similar to cranberry juice. As it is tart, the honey or sugar could be added for sweetness. The cloves, ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg could be added for taste preferences.
13. Prevention from Cancer
The presence of phenolic acid prevents from the cancer in cells. The research made in 2011 by Current Medicinal Chemistry reported that the phenolic acid eliminates the liver damage and removes the toxic chemicals which cause cancer. It functions as a natural means for the prevention of cancer. It destroys the free radical in the body.
14. Common Cold
The presence of Vitamin C helps to prevent the common cold, illness and flu. It helps to cure the cold rapid fast. It also speeds up the healing process of open wounds.
15. Aging
The free radicals are eliminated from the body which helps to slow down the aging process.
16. Depression
Those suffering from the depression and mood swings would benefit from drinking 8 ounces of hibiscus tea regularly. The minerals and vitamins of Hibiscus tea soothe the nervous system. It eliminates the mental related symptoms and anxiety.
17. Heart disease
The study made by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute addresses that those who drink 14 cups or more tea have the lowest chances of death after the heart attack. It reduces the chances of heart related disease and its symptoms.
18. Diabetes and Liver Disease
In India, both type of diabetes is used to treat Hibiscus tea. It is also used in the Eastern medicine to cure the liver disease. It destroys the free radicals and the vitamins and minerals helps to purify the liver. The study performed on the mice showed that it helps to prevent from the liver damage which was occurred by the consumption of pain killer, Tylenol, acetaminophen.
19. Strong Bones and teeth
The Hibiscus flower possesses calcium which helps to make the bones and teeth stronger than those who don’t drink. It also helps to reduce the feeling of numbness as well as tingling of feet and hands.
20. Alcohol Absorption Rates
The hibiscus tea helps to reduce the absorption of alcohol and its effect on the body. It also lessens the mild hangovers, headaches, nausea etc.
How to make Hibiscus Tea
Firstly, the water should be boiled and then put the tea into the water which helps to acquire the medicinal qualities. It is steep for the long time then it provides a bitter flavor. The hot water is required to obtain the medicinal qualities. It can be enjoyed hot or cold.
Preparing the Hibiscus Flower for tea
- Firstly one should pick the flower.
- Then dry out the herbs and flowers.
- It should be fully dried.
- The leaves and stems should be removed.
- Then the petals should be gathered to make a hibiscus tea.
Hot Tea
Firstly the water should be boiled. The hibiscus petals should be kept on the tea bag and put it into the water and leave for 3-5 minutes.
Cold Tea
It requires much time than the hot method. The petals should be prepared. In 8 cups of cold water put one cup of petals and let it remain for a day or two. The tea is ready to drink when the color starts to fade. It can also be refrigerated for the later use.
Side Effects of Hibiscus Tea
Though the hibiscus tea provides benefits such as strengthen immune system with Vitamin C and antioxidants, treating acne and dandruff, weight loss, the red hibiscus has some side effects as well which are as follows:
1. Lower Hormone Levels
It should not be consumed by the pregnant women because it can reduce the estrogen and prompt menstruation which may result to miscarriage. The women who are undergoing for hormone replacement and taking birth control pills should avoid the Hibiscus tea. It possesses polycylic aromatic hydrocarbons which are related to birth defects and cancer.
2. Lower Blood Pressure
The one who have low blood pressure should avoid this tea because it can reduce the blood pressure much more. Those having hypotension should also avoid the Hibiscus tea.
3. Health Risk
The Bastyr Center for Natural Health at the University of Pennsylvania reports that the hibiscus tea could increase the chances of heart disease by expanding the blood vessels. Those who are under the medication of low blood pressure and hypertension should avoid drinking this tea.
4. Medical Interactions
The pain medicines react with the hibiscus tea. So the doctor should be consulted before using Hibiscus tea while using pain medications. Anti-depressants, sedatives and anticonvulsants may also react when merged with Hibiscus tea. The cancer medication patients should also avoid this tea as it could reverse the medication effects.
5. Drowsiness
The Hibiscus tea leads to feeling sleepy after drinking. This is not an extensive side effect but the one who should drive and operate heavy machinery should avoid this tea.
6. Hallucinations
Some people got the hallucinogenic effects after drinking the hibiscus tea. The one should not operate the vehicle or machinery until the effect of tea on you is known.
7. Pregnancy Risk
Research carried out at the Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology in India regarding pregnancy and fertility revealed that hibiscus tea has got estrogenic qualities. Additional hibiscus restricts along with female fertility as well as childbirth. It decreases the level of estrogen particularly in women. Hibiscus tea comprehends polycylic perfumed hydrocarbons that are related with cancer and birth defects. Expectant mothers need to avoid hibiscus tea.
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