Hibiscus tea is an herbal tea known for its tart flavor and made from Hibiscus sabdariffa or roselle, a class of flowering plants in the mallow family, Malvaceae.
Served both hot and cold, hibiscus tea has been linked to various health benefits. While further research is required to determine how effective hibiscus is in treating certain health conditions, here are 8 potential benefits.
8 potential health benefits of hibiscus tea
- Rich in vitamin C: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help boost the immune system and prevent cell damage caused by free radicals. Consuming foods high in vitamin C can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
- May lower blood pressure: Hibiscus tea may help reduce blood pressure. According to a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, drinking hibiscus tea may lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
- May lower cholesterol levels: Studies have shown that hibiscus tea may help increase "good cholesterol" (high-density lipoproteins) and reduce "bad cholesterol" (low-density lipoproteins) in the body.
- May boost liver health: Hibiscus may improve liver health and help reduce markers of liver damage. One study found that hibiscus extract improved liver steatosis, which in turn decreased the risk of liver failure.
- May promote weight loss: According to some studies, hibiscus tea may help in promoting weight loss. However, more research is needed to determine how effective it is in protecting against weight gain and obesity.
- May help fight bacteria: Test-tube studies have discovered that hibiscus tea may possess antibacterial properties that can inhibit E coli, a strain of bacteria that can cause digestive troubles such as cramping, gas, and loose stools.
- May help prevent cancer: Due to the high polyphenol and antioxidant content in hibiscus, hibiscus tea may have anti-cancer properties, although further studies are needed to substantiate this claim.
- Easy to make: In addition to being delicious and good for you, hibiscus tea is also easy to make at home. Add dried hibiscus flower to a pot and pour boiling water over. Let steep for 10 minutes, strain, and add other ingredients such as lemon juice, honey, or basil.
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Medically Reviewed on 2/1/2022
References
Image Source: iStock Images
Etheridge CJ, Derbyshire EJ. Hibiscus Tea and Health: A Scoping Review of Scientific Evidence. Nutr Food Technol Open Access. 2020; 6(2). https://www.sciforschenonline.org/journals/nutrition-food/article-data/NFTOA167/NFTOA167.pdf
Hopkins AL, Lamm MG, Funk JL, Ritenbaugh C. Hibiscus sabdariffa L. in the treatment of hypertension and hyperlipidemia: a comprehensive review of animal and human studies. Fitoterapia. 2013 Mar;85:84-94. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23333908/
Laskar YB, Mazumder PB. Insight into the molecular evidence supporting the remarkable chemotherapeutic potential of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. 2020; 127: 110153. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332220303450
Etheridge CJ, Derbyshire EJ. Hibiscus Tea and Health: A Scoping Review of Scientific Evidence. Nutr Food Technol Open Access. 2020; 6(2). https://www.sciforschenonline.org/journals/nutrition-food/article-data/NFTOA167/NFTOA167.pdf
Hopkins AL, Lamm MG, Funk JL, Ritenbaugh C. Hibiscus sabdariffa L. in the treatment of hypertension and hyperlipidemia: a comprehensive review of animal and human studies. Fitoterapia. 2013 Mar;85:84-94. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23333908/
Laskar YB, Mazumder PB. Insight into the molecular evidence supporting the remarkable chemotherapeutic potential of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. 2020; 127: 110153. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332220303450
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