There are hibiscus tea health benefits that herbalists
always knew but now scientists proved in the lab. The hibiscus and its
northern sister plant, rose of Sharon, also a hibiscus, is more than
just a beautiful flower, it has healing properties when made into tea.
Recent studies show that drinking just three cups of hibiscus tea daily
helps lower the systolic, top number, blood pressure level.
The
tropical hibiscus is a warm weather plant with beautiful flowers. Its
northern cousin, Hibiscus sinosyriacus, also known as the rose of
Sharon, is the hardier counterpart. A tea made from the flowers of the
hibiscus has a remarkable effect on lowering blood pressure but also has
other benefits. While herbalists have known the tea to be a diuretic,
no one, until recently investigated the potential effect it has on blood
pressure.
A scientific study conducted by Diane L.
McKay, PhD from Tufts University in Boston showed that people with high
blood pressure benefited from drinking just three cups of hibiscus tea
each day. They believe it may be from the diuretic effect of the tea,
but still have no solid conclusion.
The study was
relatively small and included 65 men and women with slightly elevated
blood pressure. Half the group drank a placebo drink daily and the other
half consumed the hibiscus tea. After 6 weeks, the scientist checked
the blood pressure of the participants and found that everyone
experienced a drop in the top number on their blood pressure. The
placebo group, however, only dropped 1.3 mmHg while the hibiscus tea
group dropped an average of 7.2 mmHg. They also had a slight drop in the
diastolic, or bottom, blood pressure number but it wasn't significant
enough to demonstrate any importance.
Is the drop
huge? No, it's quite small but still significant. While it won't save
the life of a stroke victim, it may be a small step in preventing not
only a stroke but also potential coronary disease. Each small step taken
to control weight, blood pressure and cholesterol is a step in the
right direction to a healthier body. Even though the difference between
the two groups was only 6 mmHg, that 6mmHg combined with other small
steps could increase the life span of the individual by years.
Hibiscus
tea is good for more than just blood pressure. It is also a viable
source for vitamin C, lowers cholesterol, is an antioxidant and fights
cancer. That's a big order for a beautiful and delicate flower, but
looks do deceive. The dark red of the flower contains anthocyanins.
Anthocyanins are what give the flower its color. These are the same
substances found in beets, grape skins
and other dark purple and red vegetables. They offer powerful cancer
fighting properties. Studies on anthocyanins and the other
phytonutrients contained in plants continue at several major
universities.
The deep red tea is a staple in many countries and used for celebrations in others. Mexican celebrations include hibiscus tea and it's also an important herbal remedy in that country. India has always known the tea was a healthy addition to the diet. It's time we take note of the traditions of folk medicine and make a few small changes for a huge benefit to our health. The extra weight and high cholesterol came one fry at a time. Reversing that effect can also come in baby steps. Discovering hibiscus tea health benefits and adding it to your daily beverage list may just start that process.
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