Hibiscus for Well-Being: 11 Major Health Benefits of Hibiscus Tea

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You may be familiar with the beautiful red and pink flowers of the hibiscus, a plant that thrives in tropical climates. But, did you know that drinking tea from the hibiscus flowers has many health benefits?

Hibiscus tea is a vibrant red herbal tea made from dried hibiscus. Brewing the plant creates a delicious tart and sweet flavor that is enjoyed hot and cold.

For centuries, people from tropical countries have been harvesting the hibiscus flower for its medicinal properties. To this day, this powerful drink is used in many cultures to ease ailments such as sore throats, high blood pressure, and heart disease. 

benefits of hibiscus tea

 

11 Health Benefits of Hibiscus

You can reap the benefits of this delicious and nutritious drink too! Here are some of the ways hibiscus can help you...

 

1. Can Help to Lower Blood Pressure 

Recent studies have found hibiscus tea to help lower blood pressure in those at risk of hypertension. High blood pressure can increase risk of heart attack or stroke, so maintaining a healthy blood pressure level is essential for long term health. Unmanaged hypertension can create many issues in the body, from hardened arteries to metabolism malfunctions. If you’re at risk for high blood pressure, try hibiscus to naturally prevent cardiovascular damage. Multiple studies show drinking hibiscus tea regularly can lower systolic blood pressure by an average of 7 points in people with high blood pressure. This could significantly reduce heart disease risk.

2. Contains Antioxidants to Fight Free Radicals

Hibiscus is full of amazing antioxidants that heal your body from within. Vitamin C is one of these antioxidants that boost immunity and prevents cell damage. The beautiful color of hibiscus is due in part to the antioxidants called anthocyanins. This compound fights free radicals and can prevent chronic diseases. 

Free radicals are oxygen molecules with unstable atoms that can cause oxidative stress in your body. Oxidative stress damages the cells in your body, leading to higher risk of disease and premature aging. By adding hibiscus to your diet, you can naturally fight free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, thus lowering risks of chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease.

3. Can Help Boost Liver Health  

If you’re interested in a sober lifestyle, swapping booze for hibiscus tea can help your liver in more ways than one! Animal studies have shown hibiscus can decrease signs of liver damage. Other studies have found that hibiscus tea can reduce risk of liver failure by improving liver steatosis

A healthy liver is essential to overall health, as this vital organ metabolizes fat, proteins, an carbohydrates, manages enzymes, and store vitamins and minerals. Hibiscus can help your liver function properly and maintain healthy levels of nutrients. The antioxidants in hibiscus may also promote liver health by reducing damage and inflammation.

benefits of hibiscus tea

4. Can Help To Lower Cholesterol

Hibiscus may help regulate cholesterol levels and promote good cholesterol. Studies have shown that drinking hibiscus tea can help lower blood lipid levels that are associated with high cholesterol in mild cases while improving good cholesterol levels. Cholesterol can negatively affect heart health by building fat deposits in blood vessels. High triglycerides may cause fatigue or chronic pain and can contribute to heart failure. 

5. Has Antibacterial Properties

Hibiscus tea can fight harmful bacteria in your body. Bacteria can cause all kinds of ailments, from infections to diseases like bronchitis or pneumonia. Studies have shown that hibiscus tea can inhibit bacteria like E. coli and help your body manage these strains. Other studies have found hibiscus can fight many strains of bacteria, and even work as well as medications in some cases. 

6. Has Anti-cancer Properties 

Some studies show it may inhibit growth of cancer cells like prostate, stomach and mouth cancers. That’s because hibiscus is full of powerful compounds called polyphenols.These compounds have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that heal the body from within. Some studies have found polyphenols to block tumor growth and fight cancerous cells.

7. Can Promote Weight Loss  

The low calorie count of hibiscus tea may support weight loss efforts by reducing appetite and increasing fat burn, helping you to maintain a healthy weight naturally. In one study, drinkers of hibiscus tea experienced reduced body fat and improved body mass index. While more studies are needed for conclusive results, hibiscus shows promise in promoting healthy weight. 

8. Can Regulate Blood Sugar

Research indicates hibiscus tea may aid blood sugar control in diabetics by helping regulate blood sugar levels and reducing symptoms of type 2 diabetes. Studies have shown that drinking hibiscus tea or water can help control the blood sugar levels in the system and reduce symptoms of Type 2 diabetes.

benefits of hibiscus tea

9. Has Anti-Inflammatory Effects

There are a variety of compounds in hibiscus tea that may have anti-inflammatory effects, making it a potential natural remedy for conditions such as arthritis and other inflammatory diseases and conditions including high blood pressure and heart disease.

10. Can Boost Your Immune System

As we’ve already discussed, hibiscus is full of vitamin C, which is important for a healthy immune system. The vitamin C content in hibiscus tea may stimulate the immune system to protect against illness.

11. Tea Can Aid Digestion 

Traditionally used for digestive issues, hibiscus tea may have laxative properties that relieve constipation and bloating. Its lack of caffeine makes it a good evening drink. Hibiscus tea contains fiber that can support healthy digestion by breaking down fats and keeping you regular.

Bonus: Can Relieve Stress and Anxiety

When mixed with adaptogen drinks that contain other medicinal herbs like Ashwagandha, the hibiscus plant can add to a holistic beverage that can reduce your stress and anxiety. 

 

Ways To Consume Hibiscus

There are many different ways to add hibiscus to your diet including:

Hibiscus Tea

Probably the most common way to consume hibiscus is in the form of a tea. You can brew hibiscus flowers or tea bags into a hot or iced tea. Can be enjoyed plain or sweetened with honey or sugar. For more flavor, you can mix with other herbs like lemongrass or mint or even add lemon, berries or other fruit slices.

Hibiscus Powder

You can also purchase hibiscus powder which can be added to smoothies, juices, oatmeal, yogurt, or baked goods. You could also mix it into protein shakes or pre-workout drinks or make a hibiscus latte by blending powder with hot milk/plant milk.

Hibiscus Tincture

Hibiscus tinctures are widely available in health stores and apothecary stores. You can add drops of this hibiscus liquid extract to water, tea, or juice or even mix into cocktails in place of grenadine syrup.

Hibiscus Capsules

You can also take hibiscus supplements in capsule form. If this is your method of choice, make sure to follow dosage instructions on supplement labels.

Adaptogenic Beverages

If you want a really delicious hibiscus experience, you can try an adaptogenic beverage that contains hibiscus. Putting hibiscus in adaptogen drinks doesn't just make them look prettier, but can also provide an all-around healthier and calming effect. Check out our plum ginseng, sparkling cherry hibiscus, cherry chaga or hibiscus dragonfruit flavors, all of which contain hibiscus. Or you can browse our other floral flavors.

 

sparkling hibiscus drink

 

    So there you have it...

    ...modern research is confirming what ancient cultures knew: hibiscus boasts antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects that support liver function, weight loss, heart health, digestion, and more. With over a dozen evidence-based therapeutic uses, hibiscus tea is a nutrition powerhouse.

    Try a natural hibiscus botanical water for an easy way to add hibiscus to your diet, no brewing necessary. Just pop it in the fridge for a simple, healthy drink whenever you need a refresh.  

    Aisha is the founder and CEO of Moment. Despite having grown up in multiple different places, Aisha’s grew up with traditional South Asian values and practices. One of those included understanding natural ingredients so you can proactively consume them to support different aspects of mind-body health. These were wide ranging from Tulsi (Holy Basil) to Turmeric. As part of this, she developed an interest in and has been self-experimenting with other super-foods like Chloprophyll and Chaga to understand their impact. Being an area of interest, Aisha has continued experimenting with local superfoods during her travels and spoken to hundreds of experts on their benefits.

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