Hibiscus Tea Benefits For Health, Nutrition, & Side Effects

Hibiscus tea is an herbal beverage with several medicinal values. It is made from the dried petals of the Hibiscus sabdariffa flowers native to Africa. The benefits of hibiscus tea can be attributed to its polyphenolic compounds, antioxidants, and flavonols. These may help treat many ailments. The tea is also said to possess anti-inflammatory properties that help fight against inflammation and reduce the risk of liver problems.

Here, we understand the potential health benefits of hibiscus tea, nutrition facts, its preparation process, and the possible risks associated with it. Keep reading.

Hibiscus Tea Nutrition

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 8 fl oz of brewed hibiscus tea contains (1):

Hibiscus tea also contains antioxidants that protect the cells from free radical damage and have shown to help prevent and treat many diseases in animal studies (2).

Trivia

Hibiscus is associated with different meanings in different cultures. In some parts of Asia, the hibiscus flower represents femininity, while in Egypt, it is linked to the Egyptian goddess of fertility.

What are the health benefits of drinking hibiscus tea? Scroll down to know in detail.

Health Benefits Of Hibiscus Tea

1. May Help Lower Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is directly linked to an increased risk of heart disease. The 2021 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) report combined data from 2017 to March 2020 and highlighted key findings on hypertension prevalence in the United States. Among adults, hypertension rates increased with age, with figures at 23.4% for ages 18-39, 52.4% for 40-59, and 74.1% for individuals aged 60 and over. Notably, non-Hispanic black adults exhibited the highest rates (56.9%), surpassing other racial groups.

However, studies suggest that taking hibiscus tea daily may help lower blood pressure. Pre- and mildly-hypertensive adults who consumed 8 ounces (720 ml) of hibiscus tea daily for six weeks showed beneficial effects (3).

A review published in the Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology and Research suggests that hibiscus tea may lower blood pressure in patients with stage 1 hypertension (4). Besides, it may also lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure (5). However, more studies are warranted to understand this benefit of hibiscus tea.

2. May Help Reduce Cholesterol Levels

The intake of hibiscus tea may help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglyceride levels besides increasing HDL (good) cholesterol values (6). In a study, 60 people with diabetes were asked to drink hibiscus or black tea twice a day for a month. Individuals who drank hibiscus tea showed a significant rise in HDL cholesterol levels and a dip in LDL cholesterol and triglyceride values (7).

3. May Improve Liver Health

The antioxidants and flavonoids in hibiscus extracts may help improve liver health (8). Hibiscus anthocyanins (Has), which are the natural pigments available in dried hibiscus flowers, were found to reduce the incidence of liver lesions in rats (9). A study also found that hibiscus extracts may help prevent fat accumulation and treat fatty liver disease in rats (10).

The ethanolic extracts of hibiscus leaves and calyces (a part of the flower) contain polyphenols and flavonoids. These compounds possess antioxidant and anti-hyperlipidemic (cholesterol-lowering) effects (11). Besides, the dried hibiscus flowers have antioxidant effects that may help prevent liver fibrosis (formation of large scar tissue in the liver) (12).

4. May Help Reduce The Risk Of Cancer

Hibiscus extracts possess chemopreventive properties and are used in cancer treatment (13). They may suppress and reverse the carcinogenic process besides inducing apoptosis (death of cancer cells) ( 14). A study conducted by Chung Shan Medical University (Taiwan) also found that polyphenol-rich hibiscus extracts may help induce apoptosis in patients with gastric cancer (15). Besides, a review published in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine suggests that hibiscus extracts prevent the growth of cells that cause skin cancer (16).

5. May Promote Weight Loss

The polyphenols in Hibiscus sabdariffa may regulate energy and lipid metabolism and help with weight loss (17). For example, the oral administration of Hibiscus sabdariffa’s aqueous extract (120 mg/kg/day) for 60 days showed weight-loss effects in obese mice (18). In addition, a study conducted by Chung-Shan Medical University (Taiwan) found that hibiscus extracts may help reduce abdominal fat and obesity in rats (10).

Insufficient Evidence For

6. May Act against Bacterial Infections

The methanol extracts of Hibiscus sabdariffa exhibit antibacterial properties and have therapeutic potential. These extracts can be used against disease-causing bacteria like B. subtilis, S. aureus, and E. coli. Of all, the water extract of hibiscus strongly inhibited E. coli (which causes diarrhea, urinary tract infections, respiratory illness and pneumonia, and other illnesses) (19), (20), (21).

7. May Help Control Blood Sugar Levels

A study suggests that the H. rosasinensis petals present in hibiscus tea may lower glucose levels in the blood. The findings also show that this tea may be an effective option to manage diabetes (22). Moreover, taking 150 ml of hibiscus tea thrice a day for four weeks was shown to decrease insulin resistance (23).

8. May Reduce Inflammation

Additional oxygen intake during intense exercise may increase oxidative stress. However, the flavonoids and polyphenols in hibiscus tea have anti-inflammatory properties, which were found to reduce oxidative stress in male athletes (24). Hibiscus sabdariffa was also proven to protect against neuroinflammation and improve memory function in rats (25 ).

9. May Provide Glowing Skin

Abundant in antioxidants, plants such as hibiscus have been used for their antioxidant benefits for centuries. Research has shown that it may help combat free radicals, minimize oxidative stress, and prevent premature aging (26).

10. May Keep Your Teeth Healthy

Research has indicated that extracts of hibiscus may contain potential antibacterial activity against human pathogens that are responsible for diseases (27). While more research is required to extend the same thesis to oral and dental well-being, anecdotal evidence suggests its natural compounds may inhibit plaque growth and promote gum health. Consuming the tea with some mint and honey may also help you keep your breath fresh.

Does excess intake of hibiscus tea pose any risks? Can pregnant and lactating women consume it? We answer these questions in the following section.

Side Effects Of Hibiscus Tea

Consuming hibiscus tea in moderation is generally considered safe. However, taking it in high doses may potentially contribute to liver damage (28). Besides, a study conducted by the University of Nigeria found that hibiscus extracts may interact with hydrochlorothiazide (a diuretic drug) (29).

As stated, hibiscus tea helps lower blood pressure in hypertensive individuals. Hence, one must avoid drinking this tea if they have low blood pressure. The safety of hibiscus tea in pregnant and lactating women has not been established. Hence, these women are advised to consult their doctor before consuming it.

How to prepare hibiscus tea at home? What ingredients do you need? Continue reading to know the answers.

How To Make Hibiscus Tea?

What You Need

• Dried hibiscus flowers – 2 teaspoons
• Water – 1 cup
• Teabag – Optional
• Cinnamon stick – Optional
• Lime wedges – Optional
• Clove, ginger, and mint leaves – Optional

Process

1. Boil the water and add the dried hibiscus flowers.
2. Transfer into a teapot once the concoction is boiled.
3. Drop in a teabag if you want to add caffeine to your tea.
4. Allow it to steep for five minutes. While you wait, the hibiscus flowers will give the water a sharp, zingy taste. Allow to steep for more than 5 minutes if you wish your tea to be strong.
5. Add your preferred sweetener to the beverage.
6. Pour the tea into your cup using a metal strainer. Some people don’t prefer to strain hibiscus petals as they like to chew them. You can try that as well.

Pro Tip

Cold-brewed hibiscus tea often brings out different flavors compared to its hot-brewed counterpart. Cold brewing can produce a smoother, less tart taste while retaining the vibrant color.

Sridevi Ravishankar, a blogger, shared her experience of preparing hibiscus tea. She used hibiscus flowers that were dried for 2 days. She wrote, “It tastes good with the maple and lime flavors. A pinch of salt would kick it up a notch. I would definitely call it a refreshing, health tonic (i).”

What is the recommended intake of hibiscus? Is it the same for everyone? Let’s understand in the following section.

How Much Hibiscus Tea Should You Drink?

As stated, a moderate intake of hibiscus tea has many health benefits. Its recommended intake to lower blood pressure levels may vary from person to person. It highly depends on your weight, age, and health status. However, taking three cups of hibiscus tea a day is generally considered safe and helps reduce hypertension.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hibiscus tea better than green tea?

Yes. Hibiscus tea has more antioxidants than green tea and doesn’t have any caffeine. It has a tart taste (like cranberries) and that is why many people prefer it over green tea.

Does hibiscus tea increase estrogen?

A study found that the extract of Hibiscus flowers led to abnormal estrous cycles in mice due to increased estrogen production and hormonal imbalance (30). While there is no proof that hibiscus will show similar effects in humans, it is better to avoid it and consult a doctor before consuming hibiscus tea.

Take a look at this video to uncover the benefits of hibiscus tea that could positively impact your health. It shares some valuable insights into the lesser-known advantages of this refreshing beverage.

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Gabrielle KaneMS, RDN, CSP, LD

   

Gabby is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with 11 years of experience. She is also the founder of Peak Performance Nutrition LLC in Houston, Texas. She coaches both adults and children to their peak health using the power of sustainable lifestyle change. In addition to a BA in Nutrition and Psychology from Case Western Reserve University, she also has a Master's...more

Sindhu KogantiSenior Health & Wellness Writer

 

Sindhu Koganti is a Certified Health and Nutrition Life Coach and has over 6 years of experience in writing on health and wellness topics. She has a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology from Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, and a diploma in nutrition from Fab Academy. After her graduation, she decided to combine her knowledge of science and love for writing to...more

Ravi Teja TadimallaSenior Editor

Ravi Teja Tadimalla is a senior editor and a published author. He has been in the digital media field for over eight years. He graduated from SRM University, Chennai, and has a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University. He has written over 300 articles about ingredients and their benefits for the skin, hair, and health. He...more

Moksha GandhiHealth & Wellness Writer

Moksha is a health and wellness writer and a certified diet and nutrition coach. Her passion for science and writing has helped her excel in crafting evidence-based articles. Her previous experience in writing science-based research papers ensures that her articles are grounded in research and provide practical tips that are reader-focused. Moksha graduated from Mumbai University and was a key...more