Why Hibiscus flower is a potent Anti-ageing Herb

          The body is continously producing toxic substances as by products of its metabolic activity. These toxic by-products are called "free radicals". 

Free radicals as they accumulate in the body cause inflammation which is responsible for the aging process and non communicable diseases including cancer.

Many tropical herbs act as anti-oxidants. Anti-oxidants are chemical substances that act as magnets that bind and neutralise free radicals thus preventing inflammationand tissue destruction. 

The bound toxins can then be safely excreted by the body as waste products.

One such herbal supplement is the Hibiscus flower known by its scientific name Hibiscus sabdariffa and called Zobo in parts of Africa. 

Hibiscus tea is a very popular drink in many parts of the world and is often used as a medicinal tea. However, hibiscus flowers have various local names, and it might be called by its other rather common West African name, 'Zobo'.

I personally enjoy Hibiscus flower tea which is a powerful diuretic. This property helps in the regulation of blood pressure and normal functioning of the kidneys.

The health benefits of hibiscus tea include relief from high blood pressure and high cholesterol, as well as digestive, immune system, and inflammatory problems. 

It helps to cure liver disease and reduces the risk of cancer. It can also speed up metabolism and help in healthy, gradual weight loss. 

Hibiscus tea is rich in vitamin C, minerals and various antioxidants, while also helping in the treatment of hypertension and anxiety.

The tea is prepared by boiling the hibiscus plant particularly the flower. 

Hibiscus tea is ruby red in color and has a sour taste. Therefore, it is also known as sour tea and has a flavor similar to cranberry. 

It is widely available on 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 caffeine-free. 

Lets look at the various health benefits of hibiscus tea in greater detail.

Blood Pressure Management

A report from the AHA (American Heart Association) that was published in November of 2008 states that consuming hibiscus tea lowers the blood pressure in pre-hypertensive and mildly

hypertensive adults. 

It also states that 1/3 of adults in the United States suffers from high blood pressure, which is also called hypertension. 

A  study conducted by Odigie IP suggests that it has anti-hypertensive and cardio-protective properties that can be beneficial to people suffering from hypertension and those at high risks of carious cardiovascular diseases.

Hibiscus tea can reduce blood pressure by up to 10 points, according to research done at Tufts University in Boston. For this drastic improvement to occur, you need to consume three cups every day for a few weeks. 

Also, hibiscus tea has diuretic properties that increase urination, simultaneously lowering blood pressure. 

A combination of its diuretic, sedative and blood vessel dilation properties results in ablowering of blood pressure.

Lowering Cholesterol

Hibiscus tea also has impressive antioxidant properties. It helps to lower levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol from the body, thereby helping to protect against heart disease and protecting blood vessels from damage. 

The hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic properties of hibiscus tea can be beneficial for those who suffer from blood sugar disorders like diabetes. 

A research study conducted on patients with type II diabetes suggests that consumption of hibiscus sour tea lowers cholesterol, triglycerides and low density lipo-protein cholesterol, which helps to manage this unpredictable disease.

This effect is because it inhibits an enzyme that is resposible for cholesterol synthesis in the liver.

Protects Liver 

Research studies have also suggested that the antioxidant properties of hibiscus tea may also help in treating liver disease. 

Antioxidants help to protect your body from diseases because they neutralize the free radicals present in body tissues and cells. 

Therefore, we can confidently say that drinking hibiscus tea could increase your lifespan by maintaining good overall health in many organ systems.

Anti-Cancer Properties

Hibiscus tea contains hibiscus protocatechuic acid which has anti-tumor and antioxidant properties. 

It also rich in polyphenols which give it its rich colour. Polyphenols are antioxidants. 

A study conducted by the Department and Institute of Biochemistry at the Chung Shan Medical and Dental College, in Taichung, Taiwan suggests that hibiscus slows down the growth of cancerous cells by inducing apoptosis, commonly known as programmed cell death.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antibacterial Properties

Hibiscus 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 your immune system. 

Hibiscus tea is also known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Therefore, it prevents you from catching the cold and flu. 

Hibiscus tea is also used to treat discomfort caused by fever, due to its cooling effect.

Menstrual Pain 

The health benefits of hibiscus tea also include relief from cramps and menstrual pain .  It acts by inhibiting contrations in the bladder and uterus.

It also helps in restoring hormone balance as well, which can reduce other symptoms of menstruation like mood swings, depression, and overeating.

Antidepressant Properties

Hibiscus tea contains vitamins and minerals like flavonoids which elevate your mood and have antidepressant properties. 

Consumption of hibiscus tea can help to calm down the nervous system, and it may reduce anxiety and depression by creating a relaxed sensation in the body and mind.

Aids Digestion 

Many people drink hibiscus tea to improve digestion. It increases both urination and bowel movements. 

Since it has diuretic properties, it is also used to treat constipation, which helps you lose weight and improve the health of your gastrointestinal system and avoid colorectal cancer.

Satiates Thirst

Hibiscus tea is also used in the same way as sports drinks in order to satiate thirst. For this purpose, an iced form of hibiscus tea is typically consumed. 

Many people include it in their diet since this variety of the tea has the ability to cool down the body very fast. Also, it is rich in medicinal properties, like being a diuretic, which flushes out excess fluids and toxins from the body and guarantees that you will perform at your best!

Weight Loss

Hibiscus tea is also beneficial for losing weight. If you consume food that is rich in carbohydrates, that means that it contains sugar and starch, so you are likely to gain weight. 

However, research studies have suggested that hibiscus extract contains a compound called myrecitin, which acts to lower the absorption of starch and glucose from the intestine and may help with weight loss. 

Hibiscus inhibits the production of amylase, which helps in the absorption of carbohydrates and starch, so drinking hibiscus tea prevents that absorption from occurring.

 It is found as an ingredient in many weight loss products.

Anti-ageing 

Hibiscus tea is rich in natural vitamin C which promotes collagen synthesis. Collagen is responsible for skin elasticity preventing early onset of wrinkles.

Boosts Immuninity

Not many people are aware that almost 15-30% of hibiscus tea is composed of organic acids. These acids are malic acid, tartaric acid and citric acid. 

These acids are commonly found in many fruits such as grapes and wine. They help in boosting immunity, promoting better skin, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, managing inflammation, and improving digestive issues.

Good for Both Summer and Winter

You can drink hibiscus tea as either a hot tea or an iced tea. If you want to keep yourself warm in the winter, brew it and drink it straight away. It only takes few minutes to make. In case you do not want to drink it hot, perhaps in the summer. 

It takes about 20 minutes to prepare. 

Hibiscus tea has a taste that is very similar to cranberry juice. It can definitely be described as tart, so you can add sugar or honey to increase the sweetness. 

Also, you can try adding spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and ginger depending on your taste preferences.

Any side effects

Although hibiscus tea is a health enhancer and a natural weight loss booster, there are some possible side effects you should be aware of.

Blood Pressure 

The health benefits of hibiscus tea include lowering blood pressure . Therefore, it is not recommended for people that already have low blood pressure, a condition called hypotension. It may cause faintness, dizziness.

Pregnancy and Fertility

 Hibiscus tea is not recommended for pregnant women, particularly due to its emmenagogue effects which may stimulate menstruation or blood flow in the uterus or pelvic region. 

Inteferes with hormonal pills

For those undergoing hormonal treatments or taking birth control pills, it is recommended to consult your health specialist regarding any consumption of hibiscus tea.

Is hibiscus tea commonly consumed in your country ? What is its local name ? 

Would love to hear from you about your experience drinking hibiscus tea. I recommend you make them part of your diet and reverse the aging process.

Thanks for being here and goodluck on your journey to optimal health and wellness. I hope you enjoyed reading this piece. 

I invite you to check out more of my over a hundred health and beauty articles that may interest. Please use the search button at the top of the page. See you in the next one. Ciao. God-isLove.

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