Health benefits of hibiscus

How to prepare hibiscus drinks

There are two ways to prepare hibiscus drinks. This refreshing and delicious drink can be served cold or hot. To prepare cold hibiscus, you must add two liters of lukewarm water to a cup of dried hibiscus leaves. Let the leaves soak in water for at least six hours in the refrigerator. Then strain the dried leaves, add sugar, orange blossom water or rose water as desired, and serve it on the Ramadan iftar table, or consume it on hot summer days.

Some people prefer to drink hot hibiscus, especially on winter days. To prepare hot hibiscus, two liters of water must be boiled with a cup of dried hibiscus leaves. Add half a stick of cinnamon to add a distinctive flavour, let the tea boil for 15 minutes, then add sugar or honey to it as desired before serving it.

Health benefits of hibiscus

If you are wondering what the health benefits of hibiscus are, the answer is as follows:

1| Reducing the risk of chronic diseases

Hibiscus has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; it also promotes heart and cardiovascular health. Antioxidants protect the body's cells from damage and diseases such as cancer, heart disease and cardiovascular diseases.

2| Helping lower high blood pressure

Some research indicates that hibiscus plays an important role in helping lower high blood pressure, in addition to promoting overall heart and cardiovascular health. A medical study conducted in 2019 showed that people who were suffering from the first stage of high blood pressure were able to lower their blood pressure to healthy levels, by following a healthy lifestyle, reducing salt consumption, in addition to drinking two cups of hibiscus daily. Hibiscus also enhances kidney function, which makes it effective in lowering high blood pressure. It is important to continue taking the blood pressure medication prescribed by the doctor and replace it with hibiscus. You should not stop taking any medication without consulting the doctor who prescribed it.

3| Control blood sugar levels and avoid diabetes

A recent review of several medical studies showed that hibiscus has an effective role in controlling blood sugar levels and helps avoid diabetes. It has also been shown that hibiscus helps avoid high blood pressure, diabetes, and triglycerides, which are responsible for many chronic diseases.

4| Promoting liver health

The liver performs many tasks in the body, such as producing protein and breaking down fats, which are essential functions that directly affect health. Medical studies have shown that hibiscus enhances liver function and health, and thus has a positive effect on health in general. Several medical studies have also shown the rapid and effective effect of hibiscus on reducing the accumulation of fat in the liver.

5| Promoting weight loss

There are many studies that have shown that hibiscus can enhance the weight loss process and prevent obesity. As it enhances metabolism, helps in burning fat and suppressing appetite. Which increases the pace of weight loss when consumed with a healthy diet, and regular exercise.

6| Preventing infections

Hibiscus helps the body fight germs that cause infections in the body, such as urine infections, respiratory tract infections, gastrointestinal infections, and other common infections, thanks to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties found in this miracle plant.

7| Lowering cholesterol

 High cholesterol is a very common condition, especially during perimenopause. This condition causes heart and cardiovascular diseases and strokes, and some medical studies have shown that hibiscus plays an effective role in lowering cholesterol levels in the blood.

8| Balancing Hormones

Hibiscus was used in traditional Mexican medicine to treat symptoms of PMS. It is also used to alleviate the symptoms of menopause, due to its proven effectiveness in enhancing the control of women’s hormone levels at various stages. This is because it contains phytoestrogen, which has an effect like estrogen in the body.

9| An alternative to processed juices and soft drinks

Hibiscus has a delicious and refreshing taste when prepared cold and contains negligible calories. It is also free of dyes and additives. Sweeten it with a natural sweetener such as stevia or monk fruit to get a wonderful and healthy alternative to juices and soft drinks that cause weight gain. It raises blood sugar levels.

Hibiscus for pregnant women

It is not preferable for pregnant women to consume hibiscus, especially if they suffer from low blood pressure. There is also not enough research on the effect of hibiscus on pregnancy and breastfeeding, so it is recommended not to be consumed by pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Warnings

• It may cause a drop in blood pressure if consumed in large quantities.
• It can interfere with some medications. Therefore, you should consult a doctor before drinking hibiscus if you are taking certain medications.
• A study showed that hibiscus has a negative effect on fertility in men, so it is not recommended to drink it in large quantities.

Summary,

Warm hibiscus tea or a refreshing cold hibiscus drink is a beverage that has been known for thousands of years in countries from Mexico to Asia, all the way to Africa. This drink has several health benefits, in addition to its delicious taste. Several studies have shown the effectiveness of this drink in enhancing liver health, helping to lose weight, getting rid of blood fats, lowering high blood pressure, controlling sugar levels, controlling female hormones, and other benefits. But it is important to consult a doctor before consuming hibiscus. Or any alternative treatment to ensure that it is suitable and safe for your condition.