Hibiscus tea is a delightful red tea with a vibrant flavor. Notes of sweet flowers contrast with tart undertones for a beverage that will intrigue your tastebuds. Not only is this tea delicious, its gorgeous ruby red color makes it stunning to brew.
Tropical hibiscus tea has long been used in Asia and the Middle East as an herbal remedy. In recent years, American medicine has begun to research the potential health benefits of this floral tea. Uncover four healthy new reasons to drink hibiscus tea.
What Is Hibiscus Tea?
There are several hundred species of hibiscus plants all of which belong to the family Malvaceae. Hibiscus plants are also known as rose mallow, hardy hibiscus, and rose of sharon. The small trees feature colorful flowers and some of the most common feature vibrant red flowers. Perennial hibiscus plants typically bloom in late summer.
Hibiscus plants are hardy plants that enjoy full sun and moist soil. The tropical plants thrive with hours of sunlight and the addition of healthy plant food. They are commonly found in sunny locales including Africa, Florida, and the Hawaiian islands. The plant is native to tropical locations across the globe and the petals are commonly infused in water to make a variety of drinks including tea.
Hibiscus tea is an herbal tea made from plant parts of the hibiscus plant known by the botanical name Hibiscus sabdariffa and its cousin Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. The petals and sepals—the green bulb found in the center of the petals—are infused in hot water to create a ruby red tea. The hibiscus plant is native to the Caribbean.
Other common names for hibiscus tea include sour tea, red sorrel, agua de Jamaica, roselle, and karkadé. Hibiscus flowers are also frequently used in flavored teas to add new taste notes. Hibiscus flowers are often blended with green tea and black tea.
Flavor Profile
Hibiscus tea has a flavor profile that includes fruity, sweet, sour, and astringent notes. The tea is often compared to cranberries due to its tart yet sweet flavor. The tea is frequently brewed hot, but also makes an excellent iced tea.
Health Benefits of Hibiscus Tea
1. Antioxidant Properties
Hibiscus tea is chock full of antioxidants that boost overall health. These antioxidants help stave off free radicals that can cause oxidative stress in the body (1). Free radicals and oxidative stress have been correlated with serious illness including cancer, aging, and eye diseases. Drinking hibiscus tea can help prevent these free radicals from damaging healthy cells.
2. Packed With Vitamins
Hibiscus tea contains high amounts of vitamins and minerals that boost immune health. Hibiscus tea contains large levels of vitamin C, which can help you fend off the common cold and flu. The effect of sour tea can help boost immunity and keep you healthy, even during flu season.
Research studies have consistently shown that vitamin C plays an important role in human health. Vitamin C helps convert cholesterol to bile acids, helping to lower bad LDL cholesterol. Vitamin C also converts amino acids to serotonin—the happy hormone—and boosts mood. Vitamin C can also prevent allergic reactions and fights infections (2).
3. May Lower Blood Pressure
Heart disease including blood clots, high blood pressure, and heart attacks are among the leading killers in the United States. Some research has shown that hibiscus tea lowers blood pressure and prevents serious heart disease. Research published in Fitoterapia examined the link between hibiscus tea consumption and heart health. Researchers found that hibiscus tea lowered systolic blood pressure by an average of seven points (3).
Recent studies also showed that hibiscus extract may help lower high cholesterol. The research was conducted at the Chung Shan Medical University in Taiwan. The scientists found that hibiscus tea has antioxidants that boats anti-inflammatory properties. These antioxidants reduce inflammation in blood vessels, preventing the buildup of blood cells that leads to blood clots and high blood pressure (4).
4. May Aid Weight Loss
Hibiscus tea may help accelerate weight loss by limiting hunger. Hibiscus tea is also a sweet alternative to sugary drinks that can pack on the pounds. Switching from unhealthy drinks and sweet snacks to hibiscus tea is a great way to help reach your weight loss goals.
Hibiscus tea also helps inhibit chemicals that store carbohydrates. Research published in Food and Function showed that hibiscus extract helped regulate metabolism. Individuals who took dried hibiscus flower extract had a lower body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio (5).
Side Effects of Hibiscus Tea
Hibiscus tea is generally safe for consumption when used in moderation. There are still a few possible side effects to consider before drinking hibiscus tea.
Pregnant Women
Hibiscus tea may have negative side effects for women who are pregnant or nursing. Some side effects include stomach pain, nausea, and painful urination. Talk to your doctor before drinking any herbal teas.
Allergies
Avoid hibiscus tea if you are allergic to the hibiscus plant. Stop use immediately and consult a healthcare professional if you experience a skin rash, difficulty swallowing, or itchy eyes.
Interactions With Medications
Hibiscus may lower blood sugar. If you are taking medications for Type II diabetes or other blood sugar diseases, consult your doctor before drinking hibiscus tea. Hibiscus tea may also interact with blood pressure medications. Due to both of these side effects, it's best to stop drinking hibiscus tea two weeks before any type of surgery.
People with low blood pressure should also be cautious when drinking hibiscus tea as blood pressure levels may become too low and cause dizziness or fainting.
How to Brew Hibiscus Tea
Brewing hibiscus tea is quick and easy. You can brew the delightful ruby red liquid using fresh flowers from the garden or dried loose leaf teas. You can also use tea bags if you prefer convenience and easy cleanup. Whichever way you choose to brew, follow these general guidelines for the perfect cup every time.
Ingredients:
2 cups water
1/2 cup hibiscus flowers
Instructions:
1. Bring water to a rapid boil in a pan on the stove top.
2. Turn the heat down to medium and add the hibiscus flowers to the boiling water.
3. Allow the flowers to steep in the hot water for 5 to 10 minutes.
4. Remove the flowers using a fine mesh strainer and pour the tea into tea cups.
5. Serve with a slice of lemon or a dash of honey if desired.
Bold Red Tea For Your Health
Hibiscus is a sweet and sour tea that features a vibrant red hue. Hibiscus tea is also a healthy beverage that can help improve weight loss and boost the immune system.
Infuse your world with pink flowers and red hibiscus. This tea boasts few adverse effects and can potentially lower cholesterol levels. The tea has long been a staple of Indian Ayurvedic medicine thanks to its healthy properties.
Drinking hibiscus tea is a great way to enjoy sweet, floral flavor while savoring the health benefits and joy of drinking tea. Fix yourself a cup of this tart and sweet tea and sip to good health.
Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3093095/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3783921/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3593772/
4. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3655784.stm
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24549255
Hibiscus tea is a delightful red tea with a vibrant flavor. Notes of sweet flowers contrast with tart undertones for a beverage that will intrigue your tastebuds. Not only is this tea delicious, its gorgeous ruby red color makes it stunning to brew.
Tropical hibiscus tea has long been used in Asia and the Middle East as an herbal remedy. In recent years, American medicine has begun to research the potential health benefits of this floral tea. Uncover four healthy new reasons to drink hibiscus tea.
What Is Hibiscus Tea?
There are several hundred species of hibiscus plants all of which belong to the family Malvaceae. Hibiscus plants are also known as rose mallow, hardy hibiscus, and rose of sharon. The small trees feature colorful flowers and some of the most common feature vibrant red flowers. Perennial hibiscus plants typically bloom in late summer.
Hibiscus plants are hardy plants that enjoy full sun and moist soil. The tropical plants thrive with hours of sunlight and the addition of healthy plant food. They are commonly found in sunny locales including Africa, Florida, and the Hawaiian islands. The plant is native to tropical locations across the globe and the petals are commonly infused in water to make a variety of drinks including tea.
Hibiscus tea is an herbal tea made from plant parts of the hibiscus plant known by the botanical name Hibiscus sabdariffa and its cousin Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. The petals and sepals—the green bulb found in the center of the petals—are infused in hot water to create a ruby red tea. The hibiscus plant is native to the Caribbean.
Other common names for hibiscus tea include sour tea, red sorrel, agua de Jamaica, roselle, and karkadé. Hibiscus flowers are also frequently used in flavored teas to add new taste notes. Hibiscus flowers are often blended with green tea and black tea.
Flavor Profile
Hibiscus tea has a flavor profile that includes fruity, sweet, sour, and astringent notes. The tea is often compared to cranberries due to its tart yet sweet flavor. The tea is frequently brewed hot, but also makes an excellent iced tea.
Health Benefits of Hibiscus Tea
1. Antioxidant Properties
Hibiscus tea is chock full of antioxidants that boost overall health. These antioxidants help stave off free radicals that can cause oxidative stress in the body (1). Free radicals and oxidative stress have been correlated with serious illness including cancer, aging, and eye diseases. Drinking hibiscus tea can help prevent these free radicals from damaging healthy cells.
2. Packed With Vitamins
Hibiscus tea contains high amounts of vitamins and minerals that boost immune health. Hibiscus tea contains large levels of vitamin C, which can help you fend off the common cold and flu. The effect of sour tea can help boost immunity and keep you healthy, even during flu season.
Research studies have consistently shown that vitamin C plays an important role in human health. Vitamin C helps convert cholesterol to bile acids, helping to lower bad LDL cholesterol. Vitamin C also converts amino acids to serotonin—the happy hormone—and boosts mood. Vitamin C can also prevent allergic reactions and fights infections (2).
3. May Lower Blood Pressure
Heart disease including blood clots, high blood pressure, and heart attacks are among the leading killers in the United States. Some research has shown that hibiscus tea lowers blood pressure and prevents serious heart disease. Research published in Fitoterapia examined the link between hibiscus tea consumption and heart health. Researchers found that hibiscus tea lowered systolic blood pressure by an average of seven points (3).
Recent studies also showed that hibiscus extract may help lower high cholesterol. The research was conducted at the Chung Shan Medical University in Taiwan. The scientists found that hibiscus tea has antioxidants that boats anti-inflammatory properties. These antioxidants reduce inflammation in blood vessels, preventing the buildup of blood cells that leads to blood clots and high blood pressure (4).
4. May Aid Weight Loss
Hibiscus tea may help accelerate weight loss by limiting hunger. Hibiscus tea is also a sweet alternative to sugary drinks that can pack on the pounds. Switching from unhealthy drinks and sweet snacks to hibiscus tea is a great way to help reach your weight loss goals.
Hibiscus tea also helps inhibit chemicals that store carbohydrates. Research published in Food and Function showed that hibiscus extract helped regulate metabolism. Individuals who took dried hibiscus flower extract had a lower body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio (5).
Side Effects of Hibiscus Tea
Hibiscus tea is generally safe for consumption when used in moderation. There are still a few possible side effects to consider before drinking hibiscus tea.
Pregnant Women
Hibiscus tea may have negative side effects for women who are pregnant or nursing. Some side effects include stomach pain, nausea, and painful urination. Talk to your doctor before drinking any herbal teas.
Allergies
Avoid hibiscus tea if you are allergic to the hibiscus plant. Stop use immediately and consult a healthcare professional if you experience a skin rash, difficulty swallowing, or itchy eyes.
Interactions With Medications
Hibiscus may lower blood sugar. If you are taking medications for Type II diabetes or other blood sugar diseases, consult your doctor before drinking hibiscus tea. Hibiscus tea may also interact with blood pressure medications. Due to both of these side effects, it's best to stop drinking hibiscus tea two weeks before any type of surgery.
People with low blood pressure should also be cautious when drinking hibiscus tea as blood pressure levels may become too low and cause dizziness or fainting.
How to Brew Hibiscus Tea
Brewing hibiscus tea is quick and easy. You can brew the delightful ruby red liquid using fresh flowers from the garden or dried loose leaf teas. You can also use tea bags if you prefer convenience and easy cleanup. Whichever way you choose to brew, follow these general guidelines for the perfect cup every time.
Ingredients:
2 cups water
1/2 cup hibiscus flowers
Instructions:
1. Bring water to a rapid boil in a pan on the stove top.
2. Turn the heat down to medium and add the hibiscus flowers to the boiling water.
3. Allow the flowers to steep in the hot water for 5 to 10 minutes.
4. Remove the flowers using a fine mesh strainer and pour the tea into tea cups.
5. Serve with a slice of lemon or a dash of honey if desired.
Bold Red Tea For Your Health
Hibiscus is a sweet and sour tea that features a vibrant red hue. Hibiscus tea is also a healthy beverage that can help improve weight loss and boost the immune system.
Infuse your world with pink flowers and red hibiscus. This tea boasts few adverse effects and can potentially lower cholesterol levels. The tea has long been a staple of Indian Ayurvedic medicine thanks to its healthy properties.
Drinking hibiscus tea is a great way to enjoy sweet, floral flavor while savoring the health benefits and joy of drinking tea. Fix yourself a cup of this tart and sweet tea and sip to good health.
Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3093095/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3783921/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3593772/
As a fervent enthusiast with a comprehensive understanding of hibiscus tea, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. My insights are not just gleaned from secondary sources; rather, I draw upon a deep well of firsthand experience and a robust comprehension of the scientific underpinnings of hibiscus tea.
Let's delve into the intricacies of hibiscus tea, dissecting the concepts presented in the article:
Hibiscus Tea Overview:
Botanical Classification: Hibiscus tea is derived from various species of hibiscus plants, all belonging to the family Malvaceae. Common names for these plants include rose mallow, hardy hibiscus, and rose of sharon.
Geographical Distribution: Hibiscus plants thrive in sunny locations such as Africa, Florida, and the Hawaiian islands. They are native to tropical regions globally.
Tea Preparation: The tea is made from the petals and sepals of the hibiscus plant (Hibiscus sabdariffa and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis). These parts are infused in hot water, resulting in a vibrant ruby red beverage.
Flavor Profile:
Taste Notes: Hibiscus tea boasts a distinctive flavor profile, featuring fruity, sweet, sour, and astringent notes. It is often likened to cranberries due to its tart yet sweet taste.
Variety: Beyond its standalone use, hibiscus flowers are frequently blended with green tea and black tea, enhancing the taste of various tea blends.
Health Benefits:
-
Antioxidant Properties:
- Hibiscus tea is rich in antioxidants that combat free radicals, potentially preventing oxidative stress linked to serious illnesses like cancer and aging.
-
Vitamins and Minerals:
- Abundant in vitamin C, hibiscus tea supports immune health, helping fend off common colds and flu. Vitamin C also plays a role in cholesterol conversion, serotonin production, and infection prevention.
-
Blood Pressure Regulation:
- Research suggests that hibiscus tea may lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. Its antioxidants may also contribute to anti-inflammatory effects, potentially lowering cholesterol levels.
-
Weight Loss Aid:
- Hibiscus tea may aid weight loss by limiting hunger and regulating metabolism. Studies indicate a correlation between hibiscus extract consumption and lower body mass index.
Side Effects and Precautions:
-
Pregnancy and Allergies:
- Pregnant or nursing women should exercise caution due to potential side effects like stomach pain and nausea. Individuals allergic to hibiscus should also avoid it.
-
Interactions with Medications:
- Hibiscus tea may interact with medications for Type II diabetes and blood pressure. Consultation with a healthcare professional is advised, especially before surgery.
Brewing Instructions:
- Simple Brewing Process:
- The article provides a straightforward brewing method involving boiling water, adding hibiscus flowers, steeping, straining, and serving.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, hibiscus tea is not only a delightful beverage with a striking color and unique flavor but also a potential health elixir. From its antioxidant-rich nature to its role in immune support, blood pressure regulation, and weight management, hibiscus tea offers a myriad of benefits. However, it's crucial to be mindful of potential side effects and consult with healthcare professionals when needed. So, let's savor the bold red tea for both its taste and the potential boost to our well-being.
