Hibiscus tea, also known as zobo drink, is a very popular beverage in many regions of the world, and is often used for medicinal purposes.
The tea is made from hibiscus plant, which is ruby red in color. There are many species of the hibiscus plant across the world including across Africa. The most common variety used in zobo drink both in Nigeria and across the world, is called roselle. Beyond Africa, hibiscus rosa-sinensis is also described as having a number of medical uses in Indian Ayurveda. Consumption of this tea is dangerous during pregnancy as it can cause hormonal fluctuations.
1. Â Hibiscus tea serves as antidepressant agent
Hibiscus tea is rich in many vitamins and minerals, and with flavonoids content which have been found to have antidepressant properties, by a study supported by CNPq and CAPES in Brazil. Consumption of hibiscus tea may help calm down the nervous system, and it may reduce anxiety and depression by relaxing the mind and body.
2. Hibiscus tea is an anti-inflammatory & antibacterial agentÂ
The drink is rich in ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, an essential nutrient required by your body to boost and stimulate the activity of the immune system. It is also used to treat discomfort caused by fever.
3. Hibiscus tea is composed of anti-cancerous propertiesÂ
According to research in the Cancer Letters journal, hibiscus tea contains hibiscus protocatechuic acid which has anti-tumor and antioxidant properties. Hibiscus may slow down the growth of cancerous cells by inducing apoptosis, commonly known as programmed cell death.
4. Hibiscus tea protects the liver
The BMC Complementary Medicines and Therapies journal published a study that also suggests that the antioxidant properties, in particular from flavonoids of hibiscus tea may also help in treating liver diseases. Antioxidants help protect your body from diseases because they neutralize the free radicals present in body tissues and cells. Hibiscus tea could increase your lifespan by maintaining good overall health.
5. Hibiscus Tea Helps Relieve Menstrual Cramps
Traditionally, the health benefits of hibiscus tea include relief from cramps and menstrual pain. It is also believed to aid in restoring hormonal balance which can reduce the symptoms of menstruation like mood swings, depression, and overeating.
6. Hibiscus tea lowers cholesterol level in the bodyÂ
Research in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine infers that the drink helps to lower the levels of (bad) LDL cholesterol from the body, thereby, helping to protect against heart diseases and protecting blood vessels from damage. The hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic properties of hibiscus tea may be beneficial for those who suffer from blood sugar disorders like diabetes.
7. Hibiscus tea aids in weight loss
A study in the Molecules journal has shown that hibiscus can reduce lipid accumulation, as well as acting to lower the development of fat tissue in the body. Both of these effects suggest that hibiscus tea may be a useful aid for weight loss, when combined with a health diet and lifestyle.
