By Paul Rothbart
Hibiscus are beautiful flowers that brighten up any garden or yard. This tropical plant also has a tangy, tasty flavor that is used in cooking and in beverages. For centuries, various parts of the hibiscus flower have been used medicinally. It's very common in the Caribbean, South America, and West Africa and is used to treat a variety of conditions. Science has discovered that drinking hibiscus tea does have health benefits.
It Can Lower Blood Pressure
Hypertension is one of the major factors in the risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. For people who have it, lowering their blood pressure to a safe range is a priority. There are many foods that can help and cutting back on sodium is one of the best dietary fixes. Hibiscus tea can also make a contribution. There have been clinical trials that have demonstrated this benefit. Hibiscus tea alone won't lower blood pressure significantly but when combined with other foods hypertension can be resolved.
It May Help Lower Cholesterol
High levels of bad cholesterol in the blood are another factor that adversely affects the health of millions. Connected closely to heart health, lowering cholesterol will lower the risk of strokes and heart attacks. There have been some studies that found that hibiscus tea helped to lower cholesterol. There is not enough evidence to determine that hibiscus alone can help control cholesterol, but adding it to a heart-healthy diet is helpful.
It Has Antioxidants
Hibiscus contains anthocyanin, beta-carotene, and Vitamin C, all of which are powerful antioxidants that help lower your risk of disease. Harmful molecules called free radicals can enter the body through food or the air. They attack cells causing oxidative stress that damages them. The cells may mutate and cause cancer and other chronic diseases. Antioxidants fight free radicals, protect your cells, and help to prevent diseases.
It May Reduce Inflammation
Inflammation happens when the body is healing itself. It's a natural immune system response. Chronic inflammation can be harmful causing pain and increasing your risk of many diseases. Many animal studies and some small-scale human studies have demonstrated that hibiscus may be effective at fighting inflammation. This can help prevent cancer, Alzheimer's, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and heart disease.
There are many natural, herbal remedies that have stood the test of time and are now backed by science. One is the beautiful hibiscus flower. It has several properties that can benefit your health. Next time you crave a cup of tea, try hibiscus.
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