What is Hibiscus? Nutritional Value of Hibiscus per 100 gm Health Benefits of Hibiscus Uses of Hibiscus Hibiscus Side-Effects & Allergies Cultivation of Hibiscus
Hibiscusp powder is most commonly used to make hibiscus tea and the health benefits that the consumption of this tea can offer and wide ranging. This tea is beneficial for preventing cardiovascular diseases by reducing the amount of LDL cholesterol in the body. It also helps in lowering blood sugar and preventing diabetes thanks to its hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties.
Hibiscus also helps in lowering blood pressure and regulates the blood pressure in people suffering from hypertension. The antioxidants present in hibiscus tea help in preventing liver damage while also helping in inhibiting signs of ageing. It has anti-bacterial properties thanks to the high content of Vitamin C.
Being a rich source of protocatechuic acid makes hibiscus tea highly effective in inhibiting the growth of cancerous cells. Hibiscus powder also helps relieve menstrual pain, makes digestion better, helps in weight loss and is a wonderful anti-depressant.
What is Hibiscus?
When we talk about hibiscus, the first image people associate with the name is the bright red flower, which makes for a wonderful decoration but doesn’t have any medicinal benefits. This bright red flower is Hibiscus Ascetosella, used mainly for decoration purposes. The hibiscus flower that has immense medicinal applications is called Hibiscus Sabdariffa and is extremely beneficial in multiple forms with the applications of the flower, fruit, and seeds ranging far and wide.
The biggest application of hibiscus sabdariffa in modern times comes from the calyx of the flower, which is used to make tea. Hibiscus tea has long been hailed for the numerous health benefits it offers for the human body, without adding any calories or caffeine. The most common name used for hibiscus tea is Roselle.
Nutritional Value of Hibiscus per 100 gm
The biggest advantage of hibiscus tea, or roselle, is that provides a nutrition-rich drink that is extremely low on calories and completely caffeine-free. For every 100 grams of hibiscus tea, there are only about 37 calories.
100 grams of hibiscus tea contains 0.7 grams of total fat, out of which just 0.3 grams are saturated fat, the rest being polyunsaturated fat and monounsaturated fat. The tea contains no cholesterol, making it all the more beneficial for your health. Minerals such as sodium and potassium are also found in this tea, with their concentration being 3mg and 9mg per 100 grams respectively.
Total carbohydrate content per 100 grams of hibiscus tea is 7 grams, out of which about 6 grams is sugar and the rest is dietary fiber. The tea also consists of about 0.4 grams of protein per 100 grams. Roselle is also found to be rich in several other vitamins and minerals, offering percentage daily value of 5% for Vitamin-A, 30% for Vitamin-C and 47% for Iron, among others.
Nutritional facts Per 100 grams in Hibiscus powder
37Calories
0.7 gTotal Fat
3 mgSodium
9 mgPotassium
7 gTotal Carbohydrate
0.4 gProtein
Vitamins and Minerals in Hibiscus
5 %Vitamin A
30 %Vitamin C
47 %Iron
Health Benefits of Hibiscus
Mentioned below are the best health benefits of Hibiscus. You can use hibiscus in different form such as you can use hibiscus powder, hibiscus leaves and hibiscus leaf. Hibiscus not only used for medicinal purposes but also used for skin and hair care treatments, other benefits of this amazing flower are given below:
Hibiscus good for cholesterol levels
All of us are aware of the term LDL cholesterol, or bad cholesterol as it is popularly known. High amounts of LDL cholesterol present in the body can lead to permanent damage to the blood vessels and heart diseases and hence this is something that needs to be tended to regularly.
Hibiscus tea good for lower cholesterol, the nutritional properties of hibiscus tea help a great deal in reducing the levels of bad cholesterol and prevent these conditions. Hibiscus tea also consists of great hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties, which are highly beneficial in managing diabetes and other blood sugar disorders.
This hibiscus tea lowers low-density lipoprotein cholesterols and triglycerides, which in turn makes it easier for people to manage blood sugar disorders.
Use hibiscus for blood pressure management
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a condition that affects a considerable portion of the population world over. Studies have shown that regular use of hibiscus tea can help in effectively managing the blood pressure and even lowers the blood pressure in adults who are mildly hypertensive or pre-hypertensive.
Hibiscus is found to have cardioprotective and antihypertensive properties that can help a great deal in preventing cardiovascular diseases and controlling blood pressure. Hibiscus tea manages the blood pressure so well thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties as well as the diuretic properties that increase urination, leading to lowering of blood pressure.
Hibiscus for liver health
Hibiscus is found to be rich in anti-oxidants, which can be great in the prevention and treatment of various liver diseases. These anti-oxidants present in hibiscus help in neutralizing the free radicals present in the tissues and cells of the liver, while also having similar effects on the rest of the body. Hence it can be hugely beneficial for your body if you use hibiscus tea regularly.
Hibiscus has anti-bac terial properties
As discussed earlier, hibiscus tea is a great source of Vitamin C, which is also known as ascorbic acid. Vitamin C is essential for the body and boosts the immune system a great deal, making the body ready to take on a number of diseases and ailments.
Along with the rich Vitamin C content present in hibiscus tea, its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties also help you avoid ailments like common cold and flu. Thanks to the cooling effect of hibiscus tea, it can also be used to treat the discomforts caused by fever.
Hibiscus helps in relieving menstrual pain
Among the many health benefits offered by hibiscus tea, one of the more important ones is the relief it provides from menstrual pains and cramps. A large number of women suffer from extreme pains during menstruation and hibiscus tea helps relieve it by restoring a hormonal balance.
The restoration of hormonal balance also helps in reducing other effects of menstruation like depression, mood swings, overeating and more.
Hibiscus helps in preventing cancer
Hibiscus powder is found to be a rich source of protocatechuic acid, which has anti-oxidant as well as anti-tumor properties. The presence of this acid in hibiscus tea makes it a great remedy for slowing down the growth of cancerous cells. This is done by inducing a condition called apoptosis, which is also commonly referred to as programmed cell death.
Hibiscus has anti-depressant properties
As discussed earlier, hibiscus tea can help women in relieving stress and depression that occur as a result of menstrual pains. In addition to that, regular consumption of this tea can also help you fight off depression in general.
Vitamins and minerals like flavonoids that are present in Hibiscus act as highly effective anti-depressants. These vitamins and minerals help in calming down the nervous system, creating a relaxed sensation in the body. This in turn helps in reducing depression and anxiety.
Hibiscus tea weight loss results
You can drink hibiscus tea for weight loss. It lowers the absorption of sugar and starch in the body, making sure that these elements don’t add to the weight heavily. Hibiscus tea hinders the production of amylase, the enzyme responsible for the absorption of sugar, starch, and carbohydrates in the body, making hibiscus a useful component of your diet if you are looking to lose weight.
Losing weight without having to compromise too much on the diet is a challenge that a number of people face. A majority of the food we consume in our day to day lives is found to be rich in carbohydrates, which generally means that it contains a high amount of sugar and starch, both the elements that can take a toll on your body.
Hibiscus helps in improving digestion
This is one of the most commonly known benefits of hibiscus. Hibiscus tea is used the world over as an agent to improve digestion. Regular consumption of hibiscus tea helps in regularizing bowel movements and improves urination.
Thanks to its diuretic properties this Hibiscus tea also makes for a wonderful treatment for constipation. The benefits don’t stop there, with hibiscus tea being extremely effective in improving the health of your gastrointestinal system and helping in preventing colorectal cancer.
Hibiscus has anti-aging properties
People often go looking for extravagant methods to help with anti-aging. However, simply incorporating hibiscus tea in your regular diet can do the trick in fighting the common signs of aging on your skin.
The antioxidants present in hibiscus flower help in effectively keeping wrinkles at bay. They also help in dealing with the loss of elasticity and moisture on your skin, making you look younger than your age.
Uses of Hibiscus
Hibiscus Sabdariffa has a wide range of medicinal applications, with the flower being used in a number of medicines and cosmetic products. The most common form of use of this flower is in form of hibiscus tea, or Roselle. This tea has a tangy taste very similar to cranberry juice and makes for a wonderful drink when combined with honey, cinnamon, cloves, ginger and other such spices. Hibiscus tea can be a great drink for both hot and cold weathers, with the taste being great in both hot and cool forms while providing numerous health benefits.
Hibiscus Side-Effects & Allergies
Hibiscus has anti-hypertensive properties and lowers blood pressure very effectively. However, for the people who are suffering from hypotension, or low blood pressure, it is strictly advised to not consume hibiscus tea. It may cause dizziness, fainting and might even result in damage to the heart.
Hibiscus also affects the estrogen levels and hence women who are on any birth control treatment or hormone replacement therapy should not have this tea. Pregnant women are also advised to avoid the consumption of hibiscus tea due to its emmenagogue effects that may lead to menstrual flow in the uterus. Hibiscus tea can also have hallucinatory effects in some people, hence every user should first make sure how the tea is affecting their body before making it a regular consumption.
Cultivation of Hibiscus
The origins of Hibiscus Sabdariffa can be traced to tropical Africa. In today’s times, the plant can be found across the world. The major production of hibiscus today is in Mexico and Jamaica.
FAQs
Hibiscus sabdariffa tea has been used safely in amounts of up to 720 mL daily for up to 6 weeks. Side effects are uncommon but might include stomach upset, gas, and constipation.
What is hibiscus and its benefits? ›
Hibiscus tea is high in antioxidants and offers many benefits. In particular, it may help promote weight loss, reduce the growth of bacteria and cancer cells, and support the health of the heart and liver. Hibiscus tea is an herbal tea that's made by steeping parts of the hibiscus plant in boiling water.
Who should not drink hibiscus? ›
Hibiscus tea should be completely avoided by infants under six months—who should only be getting breast milk—as well as kids with kidney failure, who can't efficiently excrete it. There is also a concern about the impressive manganese level in hibiscus tea.
Can I drink hibiscus everyday? ›
Hibiscus is considered safe when consumed in moderate amounts in tea (2 to 4 cups per day) and foods. However, Kristin Draayer, M.S., RDN, advises that high doses can cause toxicity. Draayer also notes that hibiscus may interact with certain medications, especially those used to treat high blood pressure or diabetes.
Can hibiscus cause liver damage? ›
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers hibiscus safe when consumed in food. However, it's possible to have an allergic reaction to the plant. In very high doses, hibiscus may cause liver damage.
Does hibiscus clean your kidneys? ›
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. Speaking of kidneys, hibiscus appears to be a good friend to the entire urinary tract.
What are the benefits and side effects of hibiscus tea? ›
As a tea, it may be beneficial for high blood pressure. The fruit acids in Hibiscus sabdariffa might work like a laxative. Other chemicals in Hibiscus sabdariffa might be able to lower blood pressure, reduce levels of sugar and fats in the blood, reduce swelling, and work like antibiotics.
What are the benefits of hibiscus for skin? ›
This high mucilage content of Hibiscus enhances the skin's ability to retain moisture, which is a key factor in retaining a youthful complexion. The naturally moisture rich qualities of Hibiscus helps skin stay hydrated, soft and supple for longer, keeping dry, dull skin at bay.
Is hibiscus good for your skin? ›
Hibiscus is rich in antioxidants called anthocyanins, which fight off free-radicals that help to prevent skin ageing and decrease inflammation. It also has natural surfactants (called saponins) that cleanse the skin in the process.
How poisonous is hibiscus? ›
Hibiscus is not poisonous to humans, and it is typically safe for dogs; however, the plant does pose a risk to cats.
Recent studies show that hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa) tea can lower blood pressure as effectively as some standard anti-hypertensive drugs can. Hibiscus is widely consumed around the world as a ruby-colored, lemony beverage. Hibiscus is safe and, unlike most blood pressure drugs, rarely causes side effects.
What does hibiscus tea do to the brain? ›
Drinking a glass of warm hibiscus tea on a daily basis elevates brain power, memory, concentration and boosts moods, thereby alleviating depression, anxiety, for improved nervous system functions and heightened productivity at work and home.
Is hibiscus good on empty stomach? ›
Can I drink hibiscus tea on an empty stomach? While hibiscus tea doesn't have caffeine, it's still acidic so it may be a bad idea to drink it on an empty stomach.
Is hibiscus tea good for liver? ›
“Both human and animal studies have shown that hibiscus may prevent liver damage. Some showed decreased markers of liver damage and some showed an increased concentration of detoxifying enzymes in the liver,” says Michalczyk.
What is the best time to drink hibiscus tea? ›
However, the other major fact about hibiscus tea is that it produces a feeling of calm in your body, relaxing the stressed-out parts. This makes it a perfect drink for relaxation that you can have in the evening time, before a nap, or even at night before going to bed.
Does hibiscus affect heart rate? ›
The Aqueous Calyx Extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa Lowers Blood Pressure and Heart Rate via Sympathetic Nervous System Dependent Mechanisms.
Does hibiscus tea raise blood sugar? ›
While sweet tea typically raises blood sugar, sour teas—including hibiscus tea, which is made from the hibiscus sabdariffa plant—has the opposite effect in that it's been shown to have the ability to help lower blood sugar.
How much hibiscus is too much? ›
How Much Hibiscus Tea Can You Drink? If you're not at risk health wise by drinking hibiscus tea, it's still best not to overdo it. There still isn't enough research done on hibiscus tea, so it's recommended to limit your consumption to 2-3 cups per day.
Is hibiscus good for the kidneys and liver? ›
Hibiscus sabdariffa (Roselle) is an herbal compound that is emerging as a treatment option for dyslipidemias. The compound protects against cardiovascular, kidney and liver diseases.
Is hibiscus good for blood circulation? ›
Blood Pressure Effects
That's because hibiscus boasts anti-inflammatory properties that can help decrease inflammation and improve blood circulation. Compounds in hibiscus may help to decrease inflammation in blood vessels, improving blood flow and reducing the risk of clots and heart attacks.
High blood pressure
Those who drank the hibiscus tea saw a significant reduction in their systolic blood pressure, compared to those who consumed the placebo drink. A meta-analysis of studies published in 2015, found that drinking hibiscus tea significantly lowered both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
Is hibiscus good for your hair? ›
Hibiscus is loaded with various beneficial ingredients [1] that help to stop hair loss and prevent baldness. Loaded with vitamin C, flavonoids, amino acids, mucilage fiber, and antioxidants, the extract of hibiscus leaves and flowers nourishes your hair, promotes hair growth, and provides a soft & silky texture.
Is hibiscus tea good for kidneys and bladder? ›
Hibiscus sabdariffa has long been used in traditional cultural medicine for bladder and kidney health.
What are the benefits of hibiscus for hair growth? ›
Proponents claim that hibiscus can also help:
- stop hair loss.
- make your hair look healthy and lustrous.
- prevent premature graying.
- thicken hair and add volume.
- treat dandruff.
- condition against frizz, dryness, and breakage.
- prevent split ends.
Improves Skin Tone
For any uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, dark spots and discolouration, hibiscus works as an instant remedy. The presence of AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) including citric and malic acids have strong exfoliating properties which nourish the cells by revamping skin tone and colour.
Are hibiscus safe to eat? ›
Although sometimes grown for strictly ornamental purposes, hibiscus is also well known for its culinary and medicinal applications. You can eat the flower straight from the plant, but it is usually used for tea, relishes, jam or salads.
Is eating raw hibiscus good for you? ›
Oral consumption of hibiscus flower extracts can lower total cholesterol levels by as much as twenty-two per cent. It also increases levels of HDL cholesterol a.k.a good cholesterol. It is the saponins that are present in hibiscus that bind to cholesterol and prevent the body from absorbing them.
How does hibiscus affect blood sugar? ›
Hibiscus esculentus powder can reduce glucose level and improve lipid profile and might be beneficial in diabetic patients. However, further studies are recommended to elucidate its effects in diabetic patients.
How long does it take for hibiscus to lower blood pressure? ›
The effect may be noticeable after just two weeks. You would need to drink about 3 cups a day. However, this remedy is one that must be used continuously to maintain its positive results. When participants in the same study stopped drinking the tea for just three days, their blood pressure began to creep upward.
How much hibiscus tea is safe? ›
In that case, based on this data and the World Health Organization weekly safety limit we may not want to drink more than 15 cups of hibiscus tea a day, but that's based on someone who's about 150 pounds. If you have a 75 pound 10-year-old, a half gallon a day may theoretically be too much.
Hibiscus tea contains vitamins and minerals like flavonoids which 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 mind and body.
Does hibiscus make you sleepy? ›
Though hibiscus tea is free of caffeine, the sleep inducing effects of hibiscus are due to its anxiolytic and sedative properties. The reduction of stress and anxiety puts your body in a relaxed state, making it easier to fall asleep when the time comes. There will be no tossing and turning after consuming this tea.
Is hibiscus good for arthritis? ›
Hibiscus tea may tame inflammation
These compounds can help lower inflammation in the body, which, when out of control, can increase your risk of developing cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and arthritis.
Is hibiscus good for fatty liver? ›
The remarkable benefits of hibiscus tea for liver health and weight loss are due to hibiscus extracts that have been shown to reduce body fat and improve fatty liver. Drinking hibiscus tea for the liver is a great way to benefit from the various polyphenols and antioxidants with liver-protective properties.
Is hibiscus tea good for thyroid? ›
Hibiscus Tea for Thyroid. Imbalance in our hormones can lead to thyroid, in which hibiscus flower tea can help. Rich in antioxidants this tea boosts body's metabolism and aids in balancing out the production of hormones by the pancreas.
Are hibiscus supplements safe? ›
It is possibly safe when used in medicinal amounts. Hibiscus sabdariffa tea has been used safely in amounts of up to 720 mL daily for up to 6 weeks. Side effects are uncommon but might include stomach upset, gas, and constipation.
Can hibiscus tea raise blood pressure? ›
High blood pressure
Those who drank the hibiscus tea saw a significant reduction in their systolic blood pressure, compared to those who consumed the placebo drink. A meta-analysis of studies published in 2015, found that drinking hibiscus tea significantly lowered both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
Does hibiscus clean your liver? ›
Hibiscus tea may help to improve liver health. A study using hamsters showed that hibiscus tea may help decrease markers of liver damage. One study with human participants showed that hibiscus extract may improve liver steatosis, which could reduce the risk of liver failure.
What is the best time to take hibiscus tea? ›
However, the other major fact about hibiscus tea is that it produces a feeling of calm in your body, relaxing the stressed-out parts. This makes it a perfect drink for relaxation that you can have in the evening time, before a nap, or even at night before going to bed.
How often should I drink hibiscus tea for blood pressure? ›
However, going by some studies, you may drink up to 3 cups a day to help lower hypertension. Also, it is claimed that consuming one 500 milliliters serving of hibiscus tea every day before breakfast alternatively may also help lower your blood pressure levels.
We already know that hibiscus lowers your blood sugar, but as a bonus side effect, this actually helps prevents weight gain as well. Low blood sugar decreases your appetite and motivates a healthy metabolism.
Does hibiscus purify blood? ›
Hibiscus is an incredible flower that helps in cleansing the blood and improves the blood circulation in the system. Drink a glass of hibiscus tea or sherbet to naturally purify the blood and boost metabolism.
Does hibiscus tea prevent blood clots? ›
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).
Can hibiscus lower blood sugar? ›
Hibiscus esculentus powder can reduce glucose level and improve lipid profile and might be beneficial in diabetic patients.
