Hibiscus tea is known to have properties that help with weight loss and helps with many body processes.
Hibiscus is not a new flower in Brazil. However, despite causing a lot of movement in the market today, the flower came to Brazil at the time of slave ships, being brought from Africa. Today, it is available in several places for purchase, but the one that made it most famous was its hibiscus tea.
Basically, hibiscus tea has fantastic properties for those who want to lose weight. Not only that, it also helps and assists in many processes in the body. The calyx of the dried flower bud called Hibiscus Sabdariffa which is used to prepare tea. It is not the species of hibiscus that is usually seen in gardens and landscapes.
For those who want to guarantee the quality of life and health of the body, tea from the plant is recommended. Thus, with a high content of phenolic compounds and polyphenols, such as anthocyanins, vitamins and minerals behind the red color, tea works to prevent and maintain the body’s cells. In short, it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, fighting inflammation and helping to avoid fluid retention. Furthermore, it has a cardioprotective and vasodilatory effect, that is, it protects the heart and blood circulation.
Benefits of hibiscus tea
1. Helps with the weight loss process
Among the uses of hibiscus tea, its main demand is to help you lose weight. Thus, this effect is possible thanks to the reduction in adipogenesis that tea causes. Adipogenesis, in short, is the process of producing fat cells, called adipocytes. Therefore, the more fat cells are produced, the greater the accumulation of fat in the body. Thus, tea acts directly on the process, inhibiting pre-adipocyte cells from becoming mature.
Hibiscus tea also plays a role in the weight loss process. Containing an amylase inhibitor (enzyme that transforms starch into sugar), the drink helps prevent less fat from accumulating in the abdomen and hips. Therefore, drinking tea after meals helps reduce all these components, which little by little leads to weight loss on a diet.
However, it is worth highlighting that for the results to be effective and accurate, physical activity is necessary. Yes, hibiscus tea is a great help, but on its own it doesn’t work very well. Firstly, it is necessary to maintain a well-regulated diet, and secondly, this must be linked to physical activity.
2. Diuretic action
It is common for the human body to retain fluids. However, hibiscus tea can reduce this retention. Rich in quercetin, the tea has a high diuretic effect. In other words, urine production increases throughout the day, depending on the amount of drink you drink, causing the body to debloat.
Thus, drinking tea removes from the body, along with urine and liquids that would otherwise be retained, a greater amount of toxins unwanted by the body. Two studies, published separately by Society for Medicinal Plant and Natural Product Research and for Journal of Ethnopharmacology prove the facts. Hibiscus tea acts directly on aldosterone, which is a hormone present in the adrenal glands, which promotes diuretic action. In short, it was observed that the flavonoid present in the drink is a nutrient that helps it to act.
In addition, kidney stone control is also carried out. In addition to constant hydration, the diuretic effect also reduces the risk of kidney stones. Therefore, acting directly on the renal system, it is a great choice when it comes to health.
3. Controls cholesterol and diabetes
People with diabetes, high cholesterol and metabolic syndromes can use the drink to control cholesterol and triglycerides. Studies carried out by Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, carried out with 60 patients with diabetes concluded that, in fact, the drink is successful in reducing health problems.
Bad cholesterol, LDL, showed reduction rates of up to 8%. Good cholesterol levels, HDL, increased by 16.7% in daily intakes.
4. Controls blood pressure
A study published by Journal of Nutrition, carried out on 65 patients, it showed that their blood pressure levels were significantly reduced with tea intake. High blood pressure, precisely, occurs when blood vessels contract, which can cause heart problems and even stroke. The condition is quite common these days.
Scholars who research the properties of tea link these health-improving actions to flavonoids present in the drink, which reduce enzymes that affect the condition. In addition, hibiscus also contains anthocyanins, responsible for the antihypertensive effect. In other words, there is also a diuretic effect, which also lowers blood pressure.
5. Helps with premature aging
Although many claim that hibiscus helps with premature aging, the cause is still to be proven. What has, in fact, been proven is that hibiscus tea is rich in antioxidants. Thus, as the function of antioxidants helps to reduce free radicals that cause cell damage and increase the risk of premature aging, it is studied that ingesting tea may have the same effect.
6. Reduces the risk of cancer
Also yet to be proven, once again antioxidants come into play. There are already several studies that research and indicate that antioxidants have a contribution rate to the prevention of the disease. Who is at the forefront of disseminating research is Nutrition Cancer, who released a study showing that hibiscus extract harmed the cell growth of cancer cells in the mouth.
Contraindications
Yes, hibiscus tea has many benefits. However, it is necessary to be aware of the drink’s contraindications. Mainly in relation to the amount of intake, but also some related to health. Are they:
- The advantages only occur with drinking the right amount of the drink. It is recommended that you do not drink more than two cups of tea per day, not exceeding one liter of intake, which would be equivalent to four cups of tea.
- Excessive consumption can cause headache, cramps, hypotension, nausea and liver problems.
- Hibiscus tea reduces the level of estrogen in the body. Therefore, for people undergoing hormone therapy or taking contraceptives, use is not recommended.
- Reducing estrogen levels can also alter fertility, as the hormone is part of the ovulation process.
- It can interfere with the effectiveness of medications, such as antihypertensives.
- Not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women, as it alters hormone levels and the muscles of the uterus. Furthermore, in pregnant women, it is common for the use of tea to result in sudden drops in blood pressure and even fainting.
Therefore, if you want to start a hibiscus tea diet, or just start using the tea, it is recommended that you consult a doctor, nutritionist or specialist.
Hibiscus tea diet
Making the drink is simple. The best way to do this is through infusion. The process begins with heating 200 ml of water, which after boiling, adding 1/5 of a teaspoon of the plant. The measurement is every 200 ml, 1/5 of a spoon.
After placing the spoonful of dried flower, the ideal is to cover the container and let it rest for 3 to 10 minutes. The preference is to use ceramic or glass containers, and after resting, you have to strain the tea. If you prefer to drink it cold, you can put it in the fridge, with a shelf life of up to six hours after preparation. Also remember that it is not a tea that allows you to add sugar or sweeteners without losing their properties.
Still with tea, as previously mentioned, it is necessary to balance it with physical exercise and a well-balanced diet. So, some tips can help you when choosing what to eat and how to drink.
- Drink at least another 2 liters of water per day for every two cups of tea.
- Eat every 3 hours
- Bet on the greens and vegetables you like to eat.
- Avoid foods that hinder diuretic action, blood pressure and cholesterol control, such as artificial sugars and sodium.
- Avoid fried foods and fats.
- Ensure a good night’s sleep so that the effects of the tea are maximized.
How to make tea tastier without sugar?
When preparing the tea, some ingredients can contribute to the flavor without harming the hibiscus, depending on taste. Some ingredients that can help include blackberries and other red fruits such as strawberries, mint and yogurt popsicles.
Hibiscus tea has its wonders. Want to learn more about teas? Check out this article then: Teas to reduce swelling – Why we retain liquids and 9 powerful recipes
Sources: Oul Minha Vida Saúde
Featured image source: Jetss
