Surprising Health Benefits of Hibiscus Tea

Health Benefits of Hibiscus Tea

1. Reduces High Blood Pressure

Scientific studies suggest that daily hibiscus tea consumption may benefit people with slightly increased blood pressure. In a six-week study published in the Journal of Nutrition, researchers discovered that hibiscus tea has a greater effect lowering systolic blood pressure than the placebo group, in 65 adults with mildly high blood pressure or pre-hypertension.

Studies have also found that hibiscus tea can lower blood pressure in type 2 diabetics.

2. Helps Lower Cholesterol

The antioxidant properties in hibiscus tea are also thought to benefit people with high cholesterol. Animal studies have found that hibiscus tea may lower total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, also known as “the bad” cholesterol.

Other studies indicate that hibiscus tea may lower cholesterol levels in people with metabolic syndrome or diabetes.

3. Beneficial Tea for Diabetics

In a study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2009, researchers found that hibiscus tea could significantly reduce LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol, and raise high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels in 53 type 2 diabetics.

Another study from 2009 found that daily hibiscus tea consumption could reduce blood pressure in type 2 diabetics.

4. Offers Liver Protection

The antioxidant properties of hibiscus tea may also help treat liver disease. In a study published in the journal Food and Chemical Toxicology in 2000, researchers found that the anthocyannins in hibiscus tea could significantly reduce inflammatory liver lesions and oxidative liver damage in rats with toxic livers.

5. Anti-cancer Properties

The hibiscus protocatechuic acid found in hibiscus tea has strong antioxidant and anti-tumor properties.

In a study published in the journal Biochemical Pharmacology in 2000, researchers from the Department and Institute of Biochemistry at the Chung Shan Medical and Dental College in Taichung, Taiwan suggested that the protocatechuic acid in hibiscus tea inhibits cancer cell growth by inducing cell death in human leukemia cells.

6. Helps Relieve Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression

Hibiscus tea health benefits also include calming the nervous system. This helps put people into a positive mind frame to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. In a study published in the Indian Journal of Pharmacology in 2012, researchers found that the flavonoids, anthocyanins and anthocyanidins in hibiscus have potential antidepressant activity. Another study from 2012 found that other hibiscus species can help reduce depression in mice.

7. Benefits Weight Loss

Hibiscus tea may also be a useful component to a weight loss program. Hibiscus tea is low-in-calories, and it is a diuretic herb that helps flush toxins and excess fluids in the body. In a 12-week study published in the journal Food & Function in 2014, researchers found that hibiscus extract consumption could reduce obesity and abdominal fat, and improve liver damage in obese individuals. Research published in the journal Medical Hypotheses in 2002 also suggests that hibiscus tea may be a natural weight loss alternative. Furthermore, a 2010 review suggests that herbal teas like hibiscus tea can help support weight loss by increasing the intake of fluids.

8. Improves Digestion

Hibiscus tea is also considered a valuable digestive aid, and it is thought to improve bowel and bladder function. The diuretic properties of hibiscus tea will also help treat constipation and improve the strength of the gastrointestinal system. The anti-spasmodic effect of hibiscus tea is considered useful for symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome.

9. Helps Boost the Immune System

The high amount of vitamin C in hibiscus tea is considered a great immune system booster, and it can help prevent against colds and the flu. It has the ability to lower body temperature, and therefore hibiscus tea benefits people with a fever as well.

10. Helps Improve Skin Conditions

The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in hibiscus tea such as vitamin C and A can effectively treat acne, scars, sunburns, eczema, and skin allergies.

Article source: Health Benefits of Hibiscus Tea

Tweet