Hibiscus

Hibiscus tea is a type of herbal tea associated with many possible health benefits.

It has a delicious tart flavor, and you can make and enjoy it in your own kitchen.

Animal and test-tube studies have indicated that hibiscus may aid weight loss, improve heart and liver health, and even help reduce the growth of cancer cells and bacteria.

Hibiscus tea can be consumed hot or cold and has a tart taste similar to that of cranberries. For this reason, it is often sweetened with honey or flavored with a squeeze of lime juice to balance the tartness.

Hibiscus is high in antioxidants and offers many potential benefits. In particular, it may help promote weight loss, reduce the growth of bacteria and cancer cells, and support the health of the heart and liver.

Hibiscus is available as an extract or, more often, a tea. Hibiscus tea is an herbal tea that’s made by steeping parts of the hibiscus plant in boiling water.

It has a tart flavor similar to that of cranberries and can be enjoyed either hot or cold.

1. Packed with antioxidants

Antioxidants are molecules that help protect against compounds called free radicals, which can damage your cells

Hibiscus is rich in powerful antioxidants and may therefore help prevent damage and disease caused by the buildup of free radicals.

One study in people with Marfan syndrome, a disorder that affects connective tissue, found that an infusion of hibiscus extract reduced oxidative stress and increased antioxidant levels in the blood

2. May help lower blood pressure

Over time, high blood pressure can place extra strain on the heart and cause it to weaken. High blood pressure is also associated with an increased risk of heart disease

Some studies have found that hibiscus tea may lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. However, to prevent an interaction, it should not be taken in combination with blood pressure medications.

3. May help improve blood fat levels

In addition to lowering blood pressure, some studies have found that hibiscus tea may help improve blood fat levels, which can be another risk factor for heart disease

4. May boost liver health

Your liver has several functions — such as producing proteins, secreting bile, and breaking down fat — that are essential to your overall health

Human and animal studies suggest that hibiscus extract may benefit liver health by reducing liver damage and improving fatty liver disease.

5. Could promote weight loss

Several studies suggest that hibiscus tea may be associated with weight loss and could help protect against obesity.

5. Could promote weight loss

Several studies suggest that hibiscus tea may be associated with weight loss and could help protect against obesity.

Current research is limited to studies using concentrated doses of hibiscus extract. More studies are needed to determine how hibiscus tea may influence weight loss in humans.

6. Contains compounds that may help prevent cancer

Hibiscus is high in polyphenols, which are compounds that have been shown to possess powerful anticancer properties

Hibiscus extract and its components have also been shown to inhibit the growth of other types of cancer cells in test-tube studies, including breast, stomach, and skin cancer

7. Flavorful and easy to make

Aside from potentially offering a multitude of health benefits, hibiscus tea is delicious and easy to prepare at home.

You can purchase dried hibiscus at your local health food store or online. Hibiscus tea is also available in premade tea bags, which you can simply steep in hot water, remove, and enjoy.

How You’ll make your hibiscus tea

Simply add dried hibiscus flowers to a teapot and pour boiling water over them. Let it steep for 5 minutes, and then strain, sweeten if desired, and enjoy.