11/12/2021
Benefits
Historically, hibiscus tea has been used in African countries to decrease body temperature, treat heart disease, and sooth a sore throat. In Iran, hibiscus tea is used to treat high blood pressure. Recent studies have looked at the possible role of hibiscus in the treatment of high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
High blood pressure
A 2010 study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that consuming hibiscus tea lowered blood pressure in people at risk of high blood pressure and those with mildly high blood pressure. Study participants consumed three 8-ounce servings of hibiscus tea or a placebo beverage daily for 6 weeks. Those who drank the hibiscus tea saw a significant reduction in their systolic blood pressure, compared to those who consumed the placebo drink. A meta-analysis of studies published in 2015, found that drinking hibiscus tea significantly lowered both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. More studies are needed to confirm the results.
Cholesterol
Research published in 2011 compared the results of consuming hibiscus versus black tea on cholesterol levels. Ninety people with high blood pressure consumed either hibiscus or black tea twice a day for 15 days. After 30 days, neither group had meaningful changes in their LDL or “bad” cholesterol levels. However, both groups had significant increases in their total and HDL or “good” cholesterol levels. However, other studies have shown mixed results. A review published in 2013, found that drinking hibiscus tea did not significantly decrease cholesterol levels. Other studies, including a 2014 review of a number of clinical trials, showed that consuming hibiscus tea or extract increased good cholesterol and decreased bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Better quality studies are still needed to investigate the impact of hibiscus consumption on cholesterol levels.
Weight loss
Some studies have demonstrated positive effects when examining the effects of concentrated hibiscus on managing body weight. One report showed that hibiscus resulted in a lower body mass index (BMI), body weight, body fat, and hip-to-waist ratio. An older study showed that hibiscus extract led to reductions in cholesterol and triglycerides in the Mexican population. This can lead to a reduced risk of obesity. However, it should be noted that these studies used concentrated doses, and further research is needed to fully confirm the benefits of hibiscus in tea.
Nutrition
Naturally calorie and caffeine-free, hibiscus tea may be served with sugar or honey as a sweetener. Hibiscus tea is naturally calorie and caffeine-free. It can be served hot or iced. Because hibiscus tea is naturally tart, sugar or honey is often added as a sweetener, adding calories and carbohydrates. The heart health benefits associated with hibiscus tea are believed to be due to compounds called anthocyanins, the same naturally occurring chemicals that give berries their color.
Side effects and risks
A 2013 review of studies reported that very high doses of hibiscus extract could potentially cause liver damage. The same review reported that hibiscus extract was shown to interact with hydrochlorothiazide (a diuretic) in animals and with acetaminophen in humans. Individuals who drink herbal teas should let their doctors know, as some herbs have the potential to interact with medications. According to other sources, hibiscus consumption is not safe for people who take chloroquine, a medication for malaria. Hibiscus may decrease how well the medicine works in the body. People with diabetes or on high blood pressure medications should monitor their blood sugar and blood pressure levels when consuming hibiscus. This is because it may decrease blood sugar or blood pressure levels. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not drink hibiscus tea. Drinking hibiscus tea in moderation is generally considered safe.
shorturl.at/jsGPZ
