Though you might be set in your afternoon Chai routine, or have never even considered substituting your morning cup of English Breakfast, it may be time to think about the benefits of our delicious Hibiscus Tea. This nutrient-packed, fruity infusion has a tart flavour, similar to cranberry juice. Loaded with antioxidants, minerals and Vitamin C, sip it hot or cold and it might just improve your well-being. So what is this popular tea blend and what are some of the other amazing health benefits it provides?
What is Hibiscus Tea?
Delightfully fragrant, exotic and soothing, Hibiscus Tea (also known as Agua de Jamaica) delivers a truly unique flavour. It is cultivated from the Hibiscus sabdariffa flower found in Africa and other tropical climates around the world including Central and South America, Mexico and the Caribbean.
Hibiscus Tea is prepared by boiling parts of the hibiscus plant. It has a ruby red or deep magenta colour and boasts a delicious, refreshing taste. Celebrated by tea-lovers all over the world, it is praised for its medicinal properties and extraordinary health benefits.
Now, are you ready to pour yourself a cup?
Here are some of the potential health benefits you may receive!
Health Benefits
Hibiscus Tea has been used in healing practices around the world for hundreds of years. In Africa, the hibiscus plant has been used for centuries to regulate body temperature, lower blood pressure and alleviate upper respiratory troubles. Researchers also believe that hibiscus may be used to treat digestive issues and ease the aches and malaise associated with colds and other common illnesses.
Here are 5 Hibiscus Tea benefits that will have you stocking up in no time!
1. Loaded With Antioxidants
Jam-packed with antioxidants, this caffeine-free beverage helps fight free radicals and reduces oxidative damage. Both free radicals and oxidative damage attack your cells and exacerbate the ageing process, raising your risk of illness and disease. Free radical damage has also been linked to dementia, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, so it’s best to keep those nasties out of your system. The high dose of antioxidants found in Hibiscus Tea might be able to slow this process, reduce inflammation, and keep your skin looking healthy and vibrant.
2. Manages Blood Pressure
Studies have shown that drinking Hibiscus Tea may be good for heart health and might even lower blood pressure in mildly hyperextensive or pre-hyperextensive adults. In a study published in the Journal of Nutrition, adults with high blood pressure who consumed three, 8-ounce glasses of Hibiscus Tea daily for six weeks experienced a decrease in their overall blood pressure. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, Hibiscus Tea may reduce blood pressure by up to ten points. However, for this drastic improvement to occur, you must regularly consume three cups of this tea daily for a number of weeks. Consult with your physician first for professional medical advice if you’ve had any heart complications.
3. Assists Weight Loss
Although Hibiscus Tea isn’t a substitute for a healthy diet and physical activity, it could play a role in helping with weight loss due to its diuretic properties. Studies have suggested that hibiscus lowers the absorption of starch and glucose, the two dietary components that can lead to weight gain. It’s anti-inflammatory properties may also be able to keep cortisol, which attributes to fat storage, at bay. Hibiscus Tea can also help you stave off cravings and reduce your consumption of sugary snacks. Drinking a flavourful herbal tea after dinner when you feel like something sweet is an excellent way to kick that craving and fuel your body with nutrients instead.
4. Improves Digestion
Many people drink Hibiscus Tea to improve digestion as it regularises both urination and bowel movements. Plus, it’s essentially like drinking sugar and caffeine-free flavoured water, which will keep your body hydrated throughout the day.
Because Hibiscus tea contains diuretic properties, it is commonly used to treat constipation, improve gastrointestinal health and reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.
5. Supports the Immune System
That’s right—drinking this delicious, fruity infusion may keep away the sniffles. This is because hibiscus is rich in Vitamin C, an essential nutrient required by your body to boost and stimulate the immune system. Hibiscus is also high in iron, a mineral that keeps the immune system balanced and helps the body to maintain healthy red blood cells. Plus, the Vitamin C helps to increase the absorption of the iron, which is a positive for your health and well-being.
At Nuts About Life, our delicious Hibiscus Tea blend is a nutrient-packed, fruity infusion with a sweet and refreshing taste. Best served chilled over ice with a squeeze of lime and a sprig of mint, or added to vodka with lime and honey for a refreshing adult drink, you too can enjoy the amazing Hibiscus Tea benefits all-year-round!