Hibiscus Tea is the darling of the moment, but then, do you know why?
Check below the main benefits of this Tea and other information relevant to its consumption.
How is prepared Hibiscus Tea?
Hibiscus Tea is prepared with the calyx of the dried flower bud called Hibiscus Sabdariffa (not that kind of hibiscus usually found in the gardens, huh?). If you use the flower in bulk, try to warm it as little as possible to avoid losing the properties. Separate 200 mL of water, bring to the boil, and after that add 4 to 6 grams of the dried flower (equivalent to one teaspoon). Keep the drink for three minutes in the fire and after that it can be consumed.
The guideline is to consume only one 200 ml glass of hibiscus tea. For each cup, 4 to 6 grams of the dried flower, equivalent to one teaspoon, or two to three teaspoons should be used.
In the recommended portion (200 mL) of this tea it is possible to find, as a percentage of the Daily Value, the following nutrients:
– 213% vitamin B1;
– 123% iron;
– 82% vitamin C;
– 15% of vitamin B2; and
– 5% vitamin A.
* Daily reference values for adults based on a 2,000 Kcal diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your energy needs.
Benefits of Hibiscus Tea:
The drink is rich in antioxidant substances like flavonoids and organic acids. These nutrients provide several beneficial effects, among them, diuretic action, preventing fluid retention, and the ability to prevent the accumulation of fats, especially in the region of the belly and hips. Other studies indicate that some flavonoids present in the beverage have a cardioprotective and vasodilatory effect. Thus, substances help to raise good cholesterol, HDL, lower bad cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides and blood pressure.
Understand how these processes work:
Prevents fat accumulation: There is a study concluded that this tea is able to reduce adipogenesis – a process that consists of cell maturation in which pre-adipocyte cells become mature adipocytes capable of accumulate fat in the body. By decreasing this process, Hibiscus Tea contributes to less fat accumulating in the abdomen and hips. It is not yet clear which is the substance present in the beverage that is responsible for the benefit, however, it is believed that the antioxidant action of flavonoids anthocyanin and quercetin contribute to reduce fat deposition.
Organic acids, such as citric, hibiscus and malic acids, also have antioxidant action and are present in good amounts in the beverage.
Diuretic action: Hibiscus tea has a diuretic effect, so it is an ally to prevent fluid retention. A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology of the International Society of Ethnopharmacology noted that the flavonoid quercetin present in the beverage is one of the nutrients that helps to provide this action.
Another study concluded that tea acts on aldosterone, a hormone secreted by adrenals that regulate the body’s electrolyte balance favoring diuretic action. It has not yet been identified which nutrients provide the benefit.
A study has tested 53 patients with diabetes concluded that consumption of hibiscus tea contributes to the decrease of bad cholesterol, LDL, and increase of good cholesterol, HDL. The beverage decreased LDL cholesterol by 8% and increased HDL by 16.7%. The same study compared hibiscus tea with black tea and noted that the former is more effective for fighting cholesterol than the latter. This is because black only increased HDL, but decreased LDL. Hibiscus tea is so interesting for people who have problems with cholesterol levels because it is rich in substances with antioxidant action.
Controlling Blood Pressure: A study published in the Journal of Nutrition concluded that Hibiscus Tea helps lower blood pressure. The study had 65 patients who had blood pressure levels reduced. Scientists believe that some flavonoids present in the beverage would provide this benefit by lowering an enzyme that acts on blood pressure.
Good for the brain: It still has good amounts of vitamins B1 and B2. All the vitamins belonging to the B complex help our body in the uptake of energy in the cells, mainly to assist in the metabolism of oxygen and glucose, the main sources of cellular fuel. B1 has this action mainly in neurons, cells that form our brain, while vitamin B2 (riboflavin) stands out for helping in the health of skin, bones and hair.
In addition to all these benefits Hibiscus Tea also has good amounts of iron, which acts in the transport of oxygen in the body and prevents problems such as anemia, headache and tiredness; Of Vitamin A, which has an antioxidant effect and is required for vision, immune system, skin and bone health; And vitamin C, which protects the body against low immunity, cardiovascular disease, eye diseases and even aging skin.
Risks of excessive consumption:
By having diuretic action, too much consumption of hibiscus tea can cause the person to eliminate too much electrolytes, essential nutrients for the body’s functioning composed mainly of calcium, potassium, sodium and magnesium. The lack of these substances can lead to dehydration.
