Hibiscus is a flowering plant innate to subtropical and tropical counties throughout the world. In India, you usually find them blossomed mostly during the summertime. It is also commonly known as shoe flower. This plant commonly belongs to the Malvaceae family which is quite a vast family. The flower is typically bigger than other flowers.
It has 5 or more petals; the colour may range from orange to red to white, depending upon its variety.
Did you know? There are at least 679 species of hibiscus plant and mainly are used to prepare tea both hot and cold.
In India, the shoe flower is known as Lord Ganesh’s favourite flower and hence you will always see the hibiscus flower in every Ganesh temple. The significance behind offering this flower includes overall prosperity and destruction of enemies.
In the same way, hibiscus when taken in the form of tea can help fight many free radical enemies and help improve our overall health. Let’s have a look:
We all have heard about green tea, but hibiscus tea is now trending among the Indian population mainly because of its higher antioxidant compound. Usually, the flowers or the extract of flowers are used to make hibiscus tea. Or many times the calyces are dried and used to prepare the tea or syrup or added in the Indian or Southeast Asian preparation.
There are many herbal teas available in the market, but hibiscus tea wins the race of antioxidants. It has the maximum amount of antioxidants. Antioxidants are known for a century now to help protect from free radical damage and thus improves immunity and overall functioning of the body.
The bright red colour of the hibiscus comes from the presence of the antioxidant called anthocyanin. This antioxidant has been studied extensively to help fight many chronic diseases.
One of the very well-known studies done on humans was to understand the benefit of hibiscus tea on high blood pressure. It was found out that the daily use of tea can help reduce systolic pressure by an average of 7.5 mm hg and diastolic pressure by an average of 3.5 mm Hg. The result did show a positive effect on lowering the BP, but its benefit may have a counteracting effect and hence it may be risky to consume it without a doctor’s or dietician’s advice.
People suffering from type-2 diabetes may benefit from hibiscus tea. In 2013, a study done on diabetic rats showed the positive impact of hibiscus tea on their blood sugar levels. It was reduced to 12% which was considered to be a significant change. No change was found out in rats with high blood sugar levels. Most of the evidence is animal-based and hence more research and a human trial is required.
It was during the same rat trial, it was observed that the hibiscus trial also affected the rat’s cholesterol levels. And later they found out that hibiscus tea not only lowers cholesterol in people with diabetes but also those without too. It mainly reduces the ”bad” i.e. LDL cholesterol and increases the ”good” i.e. HDL cholesterol. But definitely more studies are required and a human trial will help a lot.
Hibiscus tea got numerous benefits for your skin. Hibiscus tea is rich in Vitamin C that can help improve collagen production naturally in the body. Hibiscus tea is high in antioxidants and thus prevents inflammation of the skin and protects it from acne or skin pigmentation.
6. Fights Inflammation
Several human and animal studies have proven that hibiscus has the ability to fight inflammation in the body. Inflammation plays a role in the growth and development of many illnesses, including Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, tumour, asthma, several CVDs (heart diseases) and rheumatoid arthritis. While more research is yet to be conducted on this front, it seems that the anti-inflammatory properties of hibiscus can be seen when consumed in moderation.
7. Fights Bacteria
In laboratory studies, hibiscus extracts kept certain types of bacteria in check. While it’s clear hibiscus has antibacterial properties, more research is yet to be made to check its effectiveness in fighting bacteria when it comes to human beings.
8. Supports healthy liver
According to several studies, hibiscus extracts have been proven to support healthy liver functioning in human beings. Due to its antioxidant properties, hibiscus extracts protect the liver from several harmful toxins from entering and affecting the liver. In some lab tests, hibiscus extracts have also shown anti-cancer activity in liver cell tests.
You can make hibiscus tea with readymade tea packets or can use dried hibiscus petals or calyces. For a cup of boiling tea, take a deep pan; bring water to a boiling point. Now, add the measured dried hibiscus petals (approx. 1 tsp) and let them simmer for 5 minutes. You can strain it or have it just like that. Try a few variations by adding ginger. honey, cinnamon or maple syrup.
Hibiscus tea taken in an appropriate amount is generally considered to be safe. It has been shown to have fewer side effects, which can be ignored. Problems occur when hibiscus supplements or capsules are taken in a larger dose. This may cause stomach upset, gas, constipation, problems while urinating, headache, and tinnitus.
Always speak to your healthcare professional especially when you are pregnant, lactating mother, or when on medication. Hibiscus tea may interfere with diabetes medications or hypertensive medications and may cause a further drop in blood sugar and blood pressure and this can hurt your health. Consult your doctor to avoid any interactions and side effects.
Hibiscus tea, one of the popular tea may be a nice supply of antioxidants, its wide standard for its ability to assist lower pressure levels, management cardiovascular disease; skin-friendly, moderate consumption of this tea carefully is usually thought-about safe.
However, people taking medicines ought to consult a health professional, as irresistible drinking in any type might act with bound medications.
Read more about: 20 Foods to Eat For a Healthy Skin!
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