The hibiscus (Karkade) plant is more than just an ornamental plant with pretty, colorful flowers. It also has some health benefits. These beautiful plants are primarily native to North Africa and Southeast Asia. Different parts of plants have been used for various purposes, mainly food and medicine.
The dried parts of this plant are used to make hibiscus tea, which turns deep red when brewed. It has a sweet and sour taste similar to cranberries, and is rich in flavor. It can be drunk as a traditional hot tea or as an iced tea during the warmer months, and is packed with health benefits and is a good choice if you want to feel energized and stay healthy.
If you want to spice up your usual afternoon chai or breakfast drink, try Hibiscus tea. This herbal tea is religiously made by steeping dried hibiscus parts in boiling water and brewing to your liking. Scroll down to read the benefits of hibiscus tea in your daily life.
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What are the health benefits of hibiscus tea?
Hibiscus (Karkade) tea is used in several African countries as an alternative medicine to help manage body temperature during fevers. History tells us that it has also been widely used to treat heart disease, sore throats, and high blood pressure. The potential health benefits of hibiscus are listed below.
1. Rich in antioxidants
Hibiscus tea is often preferred because it is concentrated in antioxidants and contains no caffeine. The antioxidant properties of this ‘chai’ help fight free radicals that attack the body’s cells and accelerate the aging process. Not only do we age faster, but we also tend to be more susceptible to diseases such as dementia, diabetes, and heart disease.
The antioxidants found in hibiscus tea may not be able to completely block this harmful process. After all, aging is inevitable, but you may be able to slow down the aging process and keep your skin and body as healthy and young as possible.
2. Help your heart
was there research study Hibiscus tea consumption has been directly linked to heart-healthy properties, including lowering dangerous high blood pressure.this study It was observed that participants who consumed 8 ounces of 3 cups of hibiscus herbal tea daily experienced an improvement in their hypertension status.
It is worth mentioning that hibiscus tea showed considerable improvement in lowering both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. However, if you have a history of severe heart disease, it is highly recommended that you consult a medical professional about consuming hibiscus tea to improve your heart condition.
3. Improves cholesterol levels
This health benefit still requires extensive research. However, despite being minimal; the study, it was revealed that hibiscus tea consumption mainly affected blood cholesterol levels. Hibiscus tea helps increase HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) and reduce LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol).
However, there are also some contradictory studies that directly contradict the above results. Therefore, further research is needed in this area before concrete decisions can be made.
4. Associated with weight loss
Hibiscus tea is just an herbal tea and is not a replacement for a healthy, balanced diet. It won’t make your excess weight go away overnight, but its diuretic properties may help you in your weight loss mission. Some research has linked hibiscus tea to weight loss, but more research is needed to make a concrete statement.
Additionally, hibiscus’ anti-inflammatory properties keep stress hormones at bay. Fat accumulation in the body is primarily due to the stress hormone cortisol. Hibiscus tea, which is rich in anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants, can help combat it.
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5. Hibiscus tea suppresses appetite
Do you often find yourself craving something sweet or sour after a meal to change the taste in your mouth? Is there a healthier option than hibiscus tea? It’s the perfect combination of sweet and sour that will make you forget all your strange cravings that may even be unhealthy. If you don’t like the taste of tart, adding a drop of honey may be a healthier way to satisfy your after-meal cravings.
6. Relieve menstrual pain
Hibiscus tea is rich in compounds such as anthocyanins, flavonoids, and polyphenols, which have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. During menstruation, the body releases hormones called prostaglandins that cause inflammation and muscle contractions in the uterus, causing cramps. The anti-inflammatory compounds found in hibiscus tea help reduce the production of these prostaglandins, thereby reducing inflammation and associated menstrual pain.
Also read: 7 super healthy drinks that can help with menstrual pain
7. Aids in digestion
Hibiscus tea’s diuretic properties promote the amount of salt and water removed from the body through daily urination. This same property also helps lower blood pressure. In this case, the effect of drawing salts from the bloodstream plays an important role. Additionally, drinking hibiscus infused tea is like drinking a healthy flavored water. This will naturally help you stay hydrated and prevent constipation. All this will also help the digestive process, as will the game of dominoes.
8. Supports the immune system
Hibiscus tea is rich in vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant and widely involved in maintaining a healthy immune system. Additionally, hibiscus tea is an excellent source of iron, an essential mineral that helps maintain immune system balance and red blood cells. The vitamin C in tea also helps absorb iron from the blood, which is beneficial overall.
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9. Helps the kidneys
A study on rats revealed that hibiscus tea was highly beneficial in preventing the formation of kidney stones due to calcium oxalate crystals. Of course, more research is needed before making any concrete statements. More research is needed to conclude that hibiscus tea does indeed help prevent kidney stones in humans.
10. Helps the liver
This tea is essential after a particularly lively night of drinking and partying. research study Hibiscus tea has been shown to protect against liver damage in animals and humans. Some of these studies have found that signs of liver damage are reduced, while others have been found to have increased levels of detoxifying enzymes in the liver.
However, it should be noted that these studies used hibiscus extract rather than hibiscus tea, and the former is much more potent than the latter. It is recommended not to consume hibiscus tea as a direct solution for liver damage. It would be helpful if you could discuss the treatment options available to you in detail with your health care professional.
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Is hibiscus tea really good for you?
Hibiscus tea is generally considered to be good for you and has several potential health benefits. This vibrant herbal tea is made from the dried sepals of hibiscus flowers and is rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds that contribute to its therapeutic benefits.
One of the main reasons hibiscus tea is so good for you is that it is rich in antioxidants. It contains powerful antioxidants such as vitamin C, anthocyanins, and polyphenols, which neutralize harmful free radicals and protect the body from oxidative stress, which is a major cause of various chronic diseases.
Additionally, hibiscus tea has been associated with several health benefits, including lowering blood pressure, improving cholesterol levels, and supporting weight management. It has diuretic properties and the potential to accelerate metabolism, making it a valuable aid for those who want to lose excess weight.
Can dried hibiscus flowers be used to make tea?
Dried hibiscus flowers can be used to make hibiscus tea, also known as agua de Jamaica tea or flor de Jamaica tea. The bright crimson calyx of the hibiscus plant (the cup-shaped structure that protects the flower bud) is harvested, dried, and soaked in boiling water to create an infusion of this tart, refreshing herb. Dried hibiscus flowers are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants such as anthocyanins, and other beneficial compounds that contribute to the tea’s potential health benefits. Hibiscus tea can be enjoyed hot or cold and has a tangy and slightly sweet flavor, making it a fun and nutritious drink. In many cultures around the world, especially in regions where the hibiscus plant is commonly cultivated, it is accepted to use dried hibiscus flowers in tea making due to its unique taste and potential therapeutic effects. I am.
conclusion
Learn about the benefits of hibiscus tea in this article. Hibiscus tea offers countless health benefits due to its rich nutritional profile and powerful bioactive compounds. From promoting heart health and supporting weight management to relieving menstrual cramps and promoting digestion, this vibrant herbal infusion is a versatile addition to your daily routine. However, it is important to consume hibiscus tea in moderation and consult your health care provider, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking prescription medications.
