Last Updated on February 27, 2024 by Shabnam Sengupta
Hibiscus tea is a refreshing herbal beverage crafted from dried hibiscus flower petals steeped in hot water. Its vibrant red hue and tangy, fruity flavour make it distinctive. Typically consumed either hot or cold, it offers a caffeine-free alternative to traditional teas. Beyond its refreshing taste, hibiscus tea has many benefits. Many tea drinkers love Hibiscus tea and praise it for its potential health benefits, including aiding digestion, supporting immune function, and possibly lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
How many calories are in hibiscus tea?
Hibiscus tea is typically very low in calories, especially if it’s unsweetened. On average, a cup of unsweetened hibiscus tea contains around 0-5 calories. However, if you add sweeteners like sugar or honey, the calorie content will increase accordingly.
What are the hibiscus tea benefits?
Hibiscus tea offers a range of potential health benefits such as:
- Rich in antioxidants: Hibiscus tea has many antioxidants that help fight oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
- Lowers blood pressure: Some studies suggest that hibiscus tea may help lower blood pressure. This can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. But we still need more research to understand exactly how it works and how well it works over time.
- Supports heart health: Its ability to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels may contribute to overall heart health.
- May aid weight loss: A different species of hibiscus, Hibiscus sabdariffa extracts are believed to have properties that can help promote weight loss by boosting metabolism and reducing appetite.
- Boosts liver health: The antioxidants in hibiscus tea made from Hibiscus sabdariffa extracts may support liver health by protecting it from damage caused by oxidative stress.
- Enhances immune function: Its high vitamin C content can help strengthen the immune system and fend off illnesses.
- Acts as a natural diuretic: Hibiscus tea may promote urine production, helping to flush out toxins from the body.
- Promotes skin health: The antioxidants in hibiscus flowers may help combat ageing signs and promote radiant skin.
- May lower blood sugar levels: Some studies suggest that hibiscus supplements may help regulate blood sugar levels, benefiting individuals with diabetes. Research still lacks clarity on whether hibiscus tea yields similar outcomes.
- Reduces anxiety and depression: Its calming properties may help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, promoting overall mental well-being.
- Supports respiratory health: Hibiscus tea may help alleviate respiratory issues like coughs and colds due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
How to make hibiscus tea at home?
Making hibiscus tea at home is simple! Here’s a basic recipe:
- Bring water to a boil in a pot or kettle.
- Place dried hibiscus flowers or hibiscus tea bags in a teapot or heatproof container.
- Pour the boiling water over the hibiscus flowers or tea bags.
- Let the mixture steep for about 5-10 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea.
- Strain the tea to remove the hibiscus flowers or tea bags.
- Serve the hibiscus tea hot, or let it cool and serve it over ice for a refreshing iced tea.
- Optionally, you can add sweeteners like honey, sugar, or stevia to taste, as well as flavourings like lemon or mint for extra freshness.
What are the side effects of hibiscus tea?
Hibiscus tea is generally considered safe for most people when consumed in moderation. However, it may cause side effects in some individuals, especially when consumed in large quantities. Some potential side effects of hibiscus tea may include:
- Lowered blood pressure: Hibiscus tea has been shown to have a blood pressure-lowering effect, which can be beneficial for some individuals but may cause hypotension (low blood pressure) in others, especially when combined with certain medications.
- Stomach discomfort: Some people may experience stomach upset, nausea, or discomfort after drinking hibiscus tea, especially if consumed on an empty stomach or in excessive amounts.
- Allergic reactions: Rarely, hibiscus tea may trigger allergic reactions in individuals who are sensitive to plants in the Malvaceae family, which includes hibiscus.
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding: While hibiscus tea is generally considered safe for most people, pregnant or breastfeeding women are advised to consume it in moderation due to limited research on its safety in these populations.
Hibiscus tea offers a wide range of health benefits, including antioxidant support, blood pressure regulation, heart health promotion, weight management aid, liver support, immunity enhancement, and more. While acknowledging these benefits, it’s essential to remember the multitude of advantages previously observed with green teas, black teas, and milk teas. Exploring various tea options allows for a diverse approach to promoting overall well-being and enjoying flavorful beverages with potential health perks.
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