If I had to choose one tea to replace my coffee, it would hands down be hibiscus tea. It is such a rich robust delicious herbal tea that will always have a place on my tea shelf. Just the depth of red color hibiscus flowers have is enough to draw you in. I love a good black tea or green tea, but hibiscus tea just steals the show.
That being said, the benefits are a massive bonus to keeping hibiscus tea around. 18 Health Benefits Of Hibiscus Tea And Possible Side Effects
#1 Vitamin C
Hibiscus tea is extremely high in vitamin C. As you probably already know Vitamin C is extremely important when it comes to having a strong immune system.
#2 Cholesterol Levels
“Some studies show that hibiscus tea may reduce cholesterol levels, which is another risk factor for heart disease. In one study, people who drank hibiscus tea experienced an increase in “good cholesterol” (high-density lipoproteins) and a decrease in “bad cholesterol” (low-density lipoproteins).” See the full article here: Hibiscus Tea: Is it good for you?
#3 Lower Blood Pressure
Have blood pressure issues? Check this study out… You can also find more just by doing a little research online on the benefits of hibiscus when it comes to supporting lowering blood pressure.
“For six weeks, about half the group was randomly selected to drink three cups of hibiscus tea daily. The others drank a placebo beverage containing artificial hibiscus flavoring and color. All participants were advised to follow their usual diet and maintain their normal level of activity. Before the start of the study, blood pressure was measured twice, one week apart, and at weekly intervals thereafter.
The findings show that the volunteers who drank hibiscus tea had a 7.2 point drop in their systolic blood pressure, compared to a 1.3 point drop in the volunteers who drank the placebo beverage.
In a subgroup analysis, 30 volunteers with the highest systolic blood pressure readings at the start of the study (129 or above) were found to have a greater response to hibiscus tea drinking compared to placebo drinkers. Their systolic blood pressure went down by 13.2 points, diastolic blood pressure went down by 6.4 points, and mean arterial pressure went down by 8.7 points.
This data supports the idea that drinking hibiscus tea in an amount readily incorporated into the diet may play a role in controlling blood pressure, although more research is required”
You can find the source for this on USDA.gov – Study Shows Consuming Hibiscus Tea Lowers Blood Pressure
#4 Weight Loss
Hibiscus can promote weight loss…
In this study, they found this: “Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is reported to be beneficial in treating obesity which can develop into a range of metabolic disorders. The molecular mechanisms by which roselle extract works to prevent obesity-related insulin resistance remains poorly understood. We hypothesized that the roselle extract can decrease lipid accumulation and improve insulin resistance by downregulating adipogenesis.” You can see the article here: Hibiscus and Obesity
#5 Heart Disease
“High blood pressure increases your risk of heart disease. Some studies show that drinking hibiscus tea may help reduce systolic blood pressure levels when compared to a placebo. Other studies show that it may help to reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.” Read the full article here: Hibiscus Tea: Is it good for you?
#6 Supports dealing with urinary tract infections
“These nutrients from hibiscus reach the urinary tract and eliminate the harmful bacteria that cause infection. The flavonoids present in hibiscus tea also prevent the growth of E. coli, thereby reducing the risk of UTI.” Read more here: Try All Natural Hibiscus Tea For UTIs
#7 Animal Studies
“An animal study had similar findings, showing that hibiscus extract helped protect against cell damage in rats ( 4 ). However, these studies used concentrated doses of hibiscus extract rather than hibiscus tea. More research is needed to determine how antioxidants in hibiscus tea may affect humans.” See the full article here” 8 Benefits Of Hibiscus
#8 Hibiscus can help support kidney health
“The antioxidants found in hibiscus not only support a healthy heart, but also protect other important organs of the body. For instance, free radicals can be harmful to the kidneys; however, some studies found that the antioxidants in hibiscus were helpful in restoring and supporting damaged kidneys.” Read the full article here: Hibiscus, Kidney Support, And Beyond
#9 You can buy it in bulk
This is my absolute favorite way to buy any tea, in bulk. You will pay WAY more trying to buy this any other way. If you don’t think your family is large enough to consume bulk tea, find a friend who would be willing to split bulk items. I promise you, it is worth it.
We currently get our bulk supply of most of our teas from Frontier Co-op and here is the link for the Organic Hibiscus Flower Tea.
While you are at it and ordering teas, I also recommend checking out this post here… 17 Best Herbal Teas To Drink During Cold Season Part 1: and 17 Best Herbal Teas to Drink During Cold Season Part 2:
#10 It is a beautiful perennial to grow and maintain in the right climate
“Perennial Hibiscus, also known as Rose Mallow, is easy to grow and stunning in every sense! Here we will tell you a bit about these lovely plants and give you some tips on Perennial Hibiscus Care.” Read the full article here” Perennial Hibiscus Care Tips
#11 It tastes fruity and tart
This is a sour tea, so when you add your sweetener, it makes such a delicious sweet and sour fruity tea. We don’t do a lot of fruit juice around here, so having hibiscus tea gives us a comparable taste, at least that is how we feel.
#12 It makes a great iced tea or hot tea
If you love a tea that is deliciously versatile, hibiscus not only has health benefits, it is a great-tasting tea whether you want to drink it hot or cold.
I have personally never tried hibiscus tea extract so I can’t speak to that personally.
#13 Great for digestion
“Improves Digestive Health – Hibiscus is a rich source of calcium which is not only good for healthy teeth and bones but contributes to the normal function of digestive enzymes in the gut. Hibiscus is also an effective but gentle natural laxative and diuretic, helping to support regular bowel movements.” Read more here: 7 Reasons Why Your Body Loves Hibiscus Tea
#14 Great antioxidant properties of hibiscus tea
“The hibiscus plant is rich in antioxidants such as beta-carotene, vitamin C and anthocyanin. “Antioxidant-rich foods really help across the board with quite a few health conditions,” Czerwony says.
Antioxidants destroy harmful molecules known as free radicals within your body. Free radicals cause damage to cells that contribute to diseases such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes. While your body uses its own antioxidants to fight free radical damage, antioxidant-rich foods may also play a role in preventing disease.” Read more here: 7 Benefits Of Hibiscus Tea
#15 May boost liver health
“One study using hamsters showed that hibiscus tea may help decrease markers of liver damage. Another study with human participants showed that hibiscus extract may improve liver steatosis, which could reduce the risk of liver failure.” Read more here: Is Hibiscus Good For Your? Pros and Cons
#16 Contains compounds that may help prevent cancer
“In one test-tube study, hibiscus extract impaired cell growth and reduced the invasiveness of mouth and plasma cell cancers ( 21 ). Another test-tube study reported that hibiscus leaf extract prevented human prostate cancer cells from spreading” Read more here: 8 Benefits Of Hibiscus Tea
#17 Can help strengthen the immune system
“Snuggle up with a cup of hibiscus tea and let all that vitamin C give your immune system a much-needed boost. Vitamin C is one of the major players in fending off colds and flu that come with seasonal changes.” Hibiscus Tea Benefits: 13 Reasons Your Body Loves It
#18 Can help fight inflammation
“Studies have shown that antioxidants in the hibiscus plant have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Additionally, hibiscus tea certainly has some promising potential health benefits, like lowering your blood pressure, stabilizing your blood sugar and reducing your blood lipid levels.” Read more here: Health Benefits of Hibiscus Tea, According to a Dietitian
Possible Side Effects And Cons
As with everything, moderation is everything, and consumption of hibiscus tea is NO different. As with any herbal and natural supplement or medical decision, it is up to each person, to be well informed of the choices they have. That being said, here are some final thoughts from Dr. Axe.
Read the full article here: Hibiscus Tea: The Antioxidant ‘Therapeutic Agent’ You Should Be Drinking
- “Hibiscus tea is a popular beverage around the world, served hot or cold and flavored in a variety of ways.
- The most well-known benefit of hibiscus tea is its ability to lower high blood pressure, which has been noted in several scientific studies.
- It is likely that it may also help to lower high triglycerides, cholesterol and blood sugar, as well as aid in managing healthy weight and preventing liver disease.
- Because it is rich in antioxidants, hibiscus extracts have been studied for their effects on cancer and found in a lab setting to cause cell death in leukemia and gastric cancer cells.
- Hibiscus tea is also being studied for its potential impacts on depression, MRSA and kidney stones.
- In extremely high doses, it can be toxic to the liver.
- Pregnant women should never consume hibiscus products, including tea, as they could prematurely induce labor.
- Hibiscus tea interacts with some medications, so consult with your physician before drinking hibiscus tea if you are taking any prescription medication.”
Final Thoughts:
I know there are more research studies and positive effects probably to be added here. This just gives an overview of another natural way to support your body’s health. If you put in enough research for every health choice you make. Making a well-informed decision about what you put in your body, is a gift to oneself.
Ultimately though a healthy diet, or rather healthy eating habits is what is really going to get you in the right direction for a healthier you.
My favorite way to consume hibiscus is a cup of tea with a little honey, its tart flavor with a little sweetness added, is perfect in my opinion.
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