Amazing Hibiscus Tea Health 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.
Hibiscus Tea Nutrition
Hibiscus tea is naturally low in calories and is caffeine-free. According to the USDA
Nutrient Database, it has a good supply of minerals including calcium,
iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and zinc. It also containsB-vitamins like niacin and folic acid. This tea is a
good source of anthocyanins, which makes it beneficial for managing elevated blood pressure level, the common cold, and urinary
tract infections (UTIs).
Weight Loss
Hibiscus herbal tea can be beneficial for
weight loss. Studies have suggested that hibiscus extract lowers the absorption
of starch and glucose the two dietary components that can lead to weight gain
and may help aid in weight loss.
Hibiscus inhibits the production of amylase, which helps in the absorption
of carbohydrates and starch, so
drinking it lessens the absorption from occurring. Therefore,
hibiscus can be found in many weight loss products.
Hibiscus inhibits the production of amylase,
which helps in the absorption of carbohydrates and starch, so drinking it
lessens the absorption from occurring. Therefore, hibiscus can be
found in many weight loss products
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.
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
Improves Digestion
Many people drink hibiscus tea to
improve digestion as it regularizes both urination and bowel movements. Since
it has diuretic properties, it is also used to treat constipation, improve the health of
your gastrointestinal system, and reduce the risk
of colorectal cancer, says a study published in the IOSR
Journal of Biotechnology and Biochemistry.
How to Prepare Zobo(Hibiscus flower tea)
Here is
how to make zobo in Nigeria, you will learn about all the ingredients used for
making zobo and also why I prefer this above many other Nigerian drinks. With
the number of ingredients below, you will be able to make about 3-4 liters of
zobo.
Preparation
time: 30mins | Serving: 8 to 12 persons
Ingredients For Zobo Drink
5-6
cups of dried zobo leaves.
Ginger (2-3 fingers).
2 sachets of Joccy’s Pineapple flavor.
4 liters of water.
Ginger (2-3 fingers).
2 sachets of Joccy’s Pineapple flavor.
4 liters of water.
The
standard zobo drink can be made with just three ingredients – the zobo leaves,
choice of flavor and ginger. But as you already know, the zobo has a somewhat
sugary taste, most people chose to add few cubes of sugar or just use joccy’s
pineapple flavor which already contains the needed quantity of sweetener and
flavor.
There
are several other flavors for making zobo, joccy’s pineapple flavor is just one
of them; you will find them in any Nigerian market, especially from those
selling the zobo leaves.
How to Make Zobo
Hand-pick
every unwanted substance from the zobo leaves, wash and start and start cooking
with about 3 liters of water. Don’t soak before washing, just pour water, wash
and transfer into the cooking pot.
Cook to
boil before adding the ginger, you can pound them to a pulp or grind with a
kitchen blender the same way I did mine.
Cook
for another ten to fifteen minutes before you taste the zobo, it may taste
sour.
Allow
to cool a little, filter and add the joccy pineapple flavor that already contained
sugar.
You
don’t want it too sweet. So add half a teaspoon and observe. Refrigerate.
That is
how to make zobo, it’s easy, right?
It
should really taste nice.
Zobo is
one of the popular Nigerian drinks, it is easy to make and can be made in under
30 minutes. Serve chilled with your favorite snack.
Zobo as
a drink has innumerable health benefits that I can’t even begin to mention.
Ginger which is one of the ingredients for this
popular drink is known to improve heart and sight conditions.
+2348074926468.
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