Amazing Hibiscus Tea Benefits
The health benefits of hibiscus tea include its ability to reduce high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and inflammatory problems, aid in relieving the disturbed digestive and immune system, and potentially help treat diseases of the liver and cancer.
Hibiscus tea may also speed up metabolism aiding in healthy, gradual weight loss. It can also be linked with better mental health. This tea is rich in vitamin C, minerals, and antioxidants.
What is Hibiscus Tea?
Hibiscus tea, also known as Agua de Jamaica and by its scientific name Hibiscus sabdariffa is prepared by boiling parts of the hibiscus plant. Hibiscus tea is ruby red or deep magenta in color and has a sour taste.
It is a very popular beverage throughout the world and is often used as a medicinal tea. Hibiscus flowers have various names and are known as “Roselle” in some places. It is widely available in the market throughout the tea-drinking world and can be consumed hot or cold depending on your preference. This tea is low in calories and is caffeine-free.
Protects Liver
Research studies have also suggested that the antioxidant properties of hibiscus tea may help in treating liver diseases. According to a 2014 study published in the Food & Function Journal, when 19 obese people were administered with hibiscus tea extract for 12 weeks, there was a significant improvement seen in liver steatosis – a condition they all had been suffering from. Liver steatosis is a condition which constitutes of fat accumulation in the liver. This could lead to liver failure.
Hibiscus tea also consists of antioxidants that help protect your body from diseases because they help neutralize the free radicals present in body tissues and cells. Therefore, drinking the beneficial oxidants from caffeine-free hibiscus tea could lengthen your lifespan by maintaining good overall health.
Anticancer Properties
Hibiscus tea contains hibiscus protocatechuic acid, which has antitumor and antioxidant properties.
A study conducted by the Department and Institute of Biochemistry at the Chung Shan Medical and Dental College, in Taichung, Taiwan suggests that hibiscus may slow down the growth of cancerous cells specifically human leukemia cells by inducing apoptosis, commonly known as programmed cell death.
Another study by Karina H. Goldberg and her research team reported that hibiscus extracts may inhibit the growth of skin cancer cells. Further, Lin HH, et al. in their research found hibiscus extract induces apoptosis or cell death in gastric cancer cells.
However, more research and scientific evidence are required to confirm the anticancer potential of hibiscus extracts.
Anti-inflammatory & Antibacterial Agent
The hibiscus plant’s loose leaf tea is rich in ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C. It is an essential nutrient required by your body to boost and stimulate the activity of the immune system. Hibiscus tea is also known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. In a study published in the Drug and Chemical Toxicology, when rats were administered with hibiscus extract, it increased the number of antioxidant enzymes in their bodies and reduced the harmful effects of free radicals by not less than 92 %. While this is an animal study, more studies are needed to determine how antioxidants in hibiscus tea may affect humans.
Acts as an Antidepressant Agent
Hibiscus tea contains 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. More research is needed to identify the true efficacy of these antidepressant properties