Using plants for therapeutic purposes is very ancient—dating all the way back to prehistory! The combination of hibiscus tea with other dietary foods has been touted as a strategy for achieving results in blood pressure control and aiding weight loss. Other health benefits—such as lowering bad cholesterol, preventing liver disease, diabetes, cardiovascular issues, and providing a diuretic effect—have also been studied and widely publicized.
The beneficial effects of hibiscus are primarily attributed to its antioxidant power.
In this text, you’ll learn more about the possible effects of hibiscus on health and also discover ways to consume this powerful antioxidant as a tea.
Getting to Know the Plant
There are more than 300 species of hibiscus (Hibiscus sp.) found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. Many species are used for decorative purposes, such as Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, but there are also species used for therapeutic purposes.
Many species like H. sabdariffa L. have medicinal properties; while popularly called “hibiscus,” this plant may also be known by various other names depending on the region (for example, roselle, Jamaican sorrel, red sorrel, etc.).
This plant species is native to the African continent and is widely distributed throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the globe. In Brazil, it is known that the plant was introduced by people of African descent.
The calyx is the most important part of hibiscus because it is used in preparing various food and beverage recipes.
In addition to being used fresh and in the form of tea, hibiscus has been catching the attention of the food industry, which has begun exploring its application in other products such as beverages and pharmaceutical forms, as well as other possibilities for using this plant-based ingredient as a raw material for food production and as a natural coloring agent.
Nevertheless, this article focuses on studies that evaluated hibiscus prepared specifically as a tea.
What Are Antioxidants?
Hibiscus is known for its antioxidant power, but what does that actually mean? Antioxidants are substances that, when found in foods or in the body, have a protective effect by delaying or preventing cellular aging. As a result, they can be allies in disease prevention.
The antioxidant action of hibiscus is linked to benefits such as reducing body swelling due to fluid retention and reducing body fat accumulation in the abdominal and hip regions.
Hibiscus and Weight Loss
Losing weight is different from just losing pounds because weight loss aims to preserve muscle mass while shedding body fat, unlike indiscriminate weight reduction. Excess body fat is an imbalance caused by consuming too many calories and expending too little through physical activity. Therefore, to lose body fat, it is recommended to combine physical exercise with a low-calorie diet.
Including hibiscus tea in your diet may be a good choice, as some studies suggest reduced fat accumulation from consuming this plant.
Although the exact substance or mechanism responsible has not been definitively proven, hibiscus tea has been associated with less fat buildup in the abdominal and hip areas. The presence of antioxidant substances—such as flavonoids in the tea—may be a possible explanation for this effect.
Weight Loss and the Anti-Inflammatory Action of Hibiscus
The weight-loss process can involve mobilizing certain toxins in your body, because fat cells act as reservoirs for toxins you’ve been exposed to. As you lose fat, some of these substances re-enter your bloodstream, potentially causing an inflammatory response. This inflammation can harm your systems, increase swelling, and slow down your weight loss.
Incorporating antioxidant-rich foods into your meals throughout the day is a way to combat these negative effects. As noted, hibiscus tea is one option you can include in your daily plan to provide anti-inflammatory benefits through its antioxidants.
Diuretic Effect
As mentioned, weight loss can also lead to bodily swelling. The flavonoid quercetin—along with other compounds in hibiscus that have not been fully identified—are believed to be responsible for its diuretic effect, increasing urine volume and frequency to help prevent fluid retention. This diuretic effect can support a reduction in measurements and aid the weight-loss process.
Hibiscus and Nutrients
The calyx of the flower used to make hibiscus tea contains B-complex vitamins, which are important for cellular energy capture, mainly by assisting in the metabolism of oxygen and glucose. High concentrations of vitamins B1 (thiamine) and B2 (riboflavin) support healthy skin, bones, and hair.
Another vitamin present is vitamin A, necessary for vision, the immune system, skin, and bone health. There are also detectable levels of vitamin C, a nutrient related to preventing low immunity, cardiovascular disease, vision-related diseases, and skin aging.
Other nutrients identified in the tea include calcium, magnesium, niacin, riboflavin, and various acids (tartaric, succinic, malic, oxalic, citric), as well as a significant amount of dietary fiber. The tea also contains good amounts of iron, which helps transport oxygen in the body and prevents problems like anemia, headaches, and fatigue.
Helps Control Cholesterol
Its antioxidant substances have been effective in fighting cholesterol. Studies indicate that drinking hibiscus tea can help lower LDL (“bad” cholesterol) and raise HDL (“good” cholesterol). For this reason, hibiscus tea is an interesting option for people who struggle with cholesterol levels.
Helps Control Blood Pressure
Its effects on controlling blood pressure are recognized through blood pressure reduction. Studies attribute this to the flavonoids present in hibiscus tea, concluding that drinking hibiscus tea helps lower blood pressure.
How to Consume the Tea
Tea is the most popular form of consumption, made by infusing the plant in hot water. Ideally, heat 200 ml of water until it reaches a boil, turn off the heat, and add 1 teaspoon (about 5 grams) of hibiscus flowers. Then, let the infusion rest in a covered container for about 3 to 5 minutes. It’s best to drink it right away to preserve its beneficial properties. It’s recommended not to boil the flowers directly, as that may also result in the loss of beneficial compounds.
Conclusions
Using plants in the form of teas for therapeutic purposes is an age-old practice in human history. Studies on the substances present in hibiscus tea preparations have shown that this plant offers significant health benefits due to its antioxidant power. When combined with a varied and balanced diet, alongside other healthy habits and lifestyle choices, it can help reduce inflammation, support cardiovascular health, and promote weight loss. For an individualized recommendation regarding tea preparation, quantity, and the ideal frequency of consumption—or for other hibiscus-based supplement options—seek guidance from a qualified nutrition professional.
References
- VIZZOTTO, M.; CASTILHO, P. M.; PEREIRA, M. C. Compostos bioativos e atividade antioxidante em cálices de hibísco (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.). Pelotas: Embrapa Clima Temperado, 2009.
- Lee YS, Yang WK, Kim HY, et al. Metabolaid® Combination of Lemon Verbena and Hibiscus Flower Extract Prevents High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity through AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Activation. Nutrients. 2018;10(9):1204. Published 2018 Sep 1. doi:10.3390/nu10091204
- Gamboa-Gómez CI, Rocha-Guzmán NE, Gallegos-Infante JA, Moreno-Jiménez MR, Vázquez-Cabral BD, González-Laredo RF. Plants with potential use on obesity and its complications. EXCLI J. 2015;14:809-831. Published 2015 Jul 9. doi:10.17179/excli2015-186