Research has found a range of health benefits linked to drinking hibiscus tea - from lowering your blood pressure to fighting bacteria and even aiding weight loss. But how many cups should you take a day?
Hibiscus tea for high blood pressure: How many cups should you drink per day?  |  Photo Credit: Thinkstock
New Delhi: High blood pressure, or hypertension, is often referred to as the silent killer because it often has few or no symptoms. According to reports, a staggering 139 million Indians suffer from uncontrolled high blood pressure, and that number is increasing every year. World Hypertension Day, celebrated on May 17 each year, aims to raise awareness about hypertension in all populations across the world. High blood pressure, left uncontrolled, can lead to grave health conditions - such as heart failure, stroke, kidney damage, etc. But you could lower your risk by making some diet or lifestyle changes. Adding herbal tea - like hibiscus tea - to your diet may also help lower your blood pressure levels.
Research has found a range of health benefits linked to drinking hibiscus tea - from lowering your blood pressure to fighting bacteria and even aiding weight loss. Hibiscus tea, which is usually prepared using dried flowers from the Hibiscus sabdariffa plant, is packed with antioxidants that may help fight free radicals, which cause damage to your cells. It is claimed that the herbal tea could help lower blood pressure as it’s rich in anthocyanins, a type of flavonoid linked to improve blood vessel function.
Studies have demonstrated that drinking hibiscus tea may lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. However, you should not drink hibiscus tea with hydrochlorothiazide (a diuretic medication often used to treat high blood pressure ) to prevent an interaction. For instance, a 2008 study presented at the American Heart Association (AHA) meeting showed that drinking three cups of herbal tea containing hibiscus each day lowered blood pressure among healthy men and women with modestly elevated blood pressure.Managing diet could be an effective way of both preventing and treating this deadly condition.
How many cups of hibiscus tea should you drink a day to lower blood pressure?
Basically, the amount of hibiscus tea you should consume to lower your blood pressure levels may vary depending on a number of factors - including your weight, age, and general health status. 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. Hibiscus tea is a type of herbal tea that has been linked to many health benefits. Usually, this tea is well-tolerated when used as directed. But, the safety of hibiscus has not been assessed in pregnant or lactating women and children, as per a report on Livestrong. Hence, it’s always better to consult your doctor before using hibiscus as management for high blood pressure.
Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purpose only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.
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As a seasoned health enthusiast with a deep understanding of herbal remedies and their impact on well-being, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge on the subject at hand. My expertise is grounded in a comprehensive grasp of scientific studies, medical literature, and practical applications of natural remedies. Let's delve into the concepts presented in the article about hibiscus tea and its potential benefits for high blood pressure.
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High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Defined as a condition where the force of the blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high, hypertension is a major health concern worldwide. It's often asymptomatic, earning it the moniker "silent killer."
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Prevalence of High Blood Pressure in India: The article highlights a staggering statistic of 139 million Indians suffering from uncontrolled high blood pressure. This emphasizes the urgent need for awareness and proactive measures to address this public health issue.
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World Hypertension Day: Celebrated annually on May 17, this global observance aims to raise awareness about hypertension and its impact on health. The article underscores the significance of this day in educating populations about the risks associated with high blood pressure.
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Hibiscus Tea as a Herbal Remedy: The focal point of the article is the potential use of hibiscus tea as a herbal remedy for managing high blood pressure. The tea is prepared using dried flowers from the Hibiscus sabdariffa plant.
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Antioxidants in Hibiscus Tea: Hibiscus tea is noted for its high antioxidant content. Antioxidants combat free radicals, which are molecules that can cause cellular damage. This is crucial in preventing various health conditions, including hypertension.
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Anthocyanins and Blood Vessel Function: The article mentions anthocyanins, a type of flavonoid present in hibiscus tea. Research suggests that these compounds may improve blood vessel function, contributing to the potential lowering of blood pressure.
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Studies Supporting Hibiscus Tea's Blood Pressure Benefits: Scientific studies, such as the one presented at the American Heart Association meeting in 2008, demonstrate the positive impact of hibiscus tea on blood pressure. The study indicates that consuming three cups of herbal tea containing hibiscus daily lowered blood pressure in individuals with modestly elevated levels.
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Considerations for Medication Interaction: The article advises against consuming hibiscus tea with hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic medication commonly used to treat high blood pressure, to prevent potential interactions.
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Dosage Recommendations: While acknowledging that the amount of hibiscus tea for blood pressure management may vary based on factors like weight, age, and health status, the article suggests drinking up to 3 cups a day. Additionally, consuming a 500 milliliters serving of hibiscus tea daily before breakfast is proposed as an alternative approach.
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Safety Concerns and Consultation: The safety of hibiscus tea is emphasized, particularly in specific populations like pregnant or lactating women and children. A prudent recommendation is to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating hibiscus into a regimen for managing high blood pressure.
In conclusion, the article provides valuable insights into the potential benefits of hibiscus tea in mitigating high blood pressure, offering practical advice and emphasizing the importance of medical consultation for personalized guidance.
