Hibiscus Tea Health Benefits
Hibiscus Tea, also known as Jamaica Tea or Karkade Tea, is a healthy and refreshing tea made by brewing dried petals of hibiscus flowers.
Caffeine-free, hibiscus tea is full of phytonutrients and antioxidants, has a good supply of calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, B-vitamins like niacin, folic acid and zinc.
Nutritional facts of hibiscus
This tea is extremely low on calories. Every 100 grams of hibiscus tea contains 37 calories, 9 mg potassium, 3 mg sodium, 7 gms of total carbohydrate, 0.4 grams proteins, and 0.7 grams of total fat. There is no cholesterol content in this tea. Every 100 grams of hibiscus tea also contains 5% vitamin A, 30% vitamin C and 47% iron.
Potential health benefits of hibiscus tea…
1/6. Lowers blood pressure
1. The effect of hibiscus tea is excellent as it reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
2. It prevents the formation of plaques & atherosclerosis.
3. Hibiscus possesses cardio-protective and antihypertensive properties thus, preventing cardiovascular diseases.
2/6. Helps in weight loss
1. Hibiscus reduces amylase production which aids in the absorption of carbohydrates and starch, thereby preventing weight gain.
2. It is beneficial in decreasing obesity and abdominal fat.
3/6. Prevents cancer
The high content of polyphenols and protocatechuic acid in Hibiscus possesses anti-cancer properties. It prevents prostate, mouth, and stomach cancer cells from spreading and growing.
4/6. Prevents liver damage
1. The antioxidants content of hibiscus tea aids in the efficient functioning of the liver. These antioxidants also prevent and treat several liver diseases.
2. The antioxidants of Hibiscus filters the free radicals produced by the liver thus, boosting liver function to filter out the fat content and preventing liver failure.
3. Hibiscus reduces fat accumulation in the liver. Consumption of hibiscus extracts reduces the markers of liver damage.
5/6. Lowers cholesterol
1. The compounds polyphenolic acids, flavonoids, and anthocyanins that are present in Hibiscus reduce the cholesterol levels and manage obesity and dyslipidemia caused due to high cholesterol.
2. Hibiscus tea increases the high-density cholesterol and reduces the low-density cholesterol and triglycerides.
6/6. Other benefits…
Apart from the above-mentioned health benefits, Hibiscus tea also possesses health benefits namely, lowers blood fat levels; reduces menstrual pain; stimulates sleep; controls blood sugar levels; treats some forms of skin conditions; promotes hair growth; relieves anxiety; promotes digestion; prevents kidney stone formation; etc.
Caffeine-free, hibiscus tea is full of phytonutrients and antioxidants; helps people with high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
How To make Hibiscus Tea?
Take 3-4 cups of water in a pot and boil it.
Add 2 teaspoons of dried hibiscus flowers to an empty teapot.
Pour the boiling water into the teapot.
Leave the tea aside for approximately 5 minutes. In case you prefer a stronger taste then, you shall have to keep it aside for still longer.
Now, strain the contents to remove the flowers.
In case, you want you can add a sweetener of your choice.
Serve it hot with a garnish of cinnamon, mint leaves, and a lemon wedge.