Health benefits of hibiscus tea | Fusion - WeRIndia

Hibiscus tea is an herbal tea that has many health benefits. You can consume it hot or cold.

The procedure of making hibiscus tea is as follows:

Boil 4 cups of water. Take 2 to 3 teaspoons of dried hibiscus flowers and keep them in a cup. Pour boiled water into the cup. Let it steep for five minutes. Add honey after straining it. Then consume it. Alternatively, you can add lime juice. Many stores sell hibiscus teabags now. You can buy them from a store and use them.

Hibiscus tea has the following health benefits:

• Hibiscus tea is rich in polyphenols and anthocyanins, which are good for the heart. They also help fight against free radicals.
• These polyphenols have anti-cancerous properties. Hence, the tea can prevent different types of cancers like prostate and stomach cancers.
• It helps lower blood pressure. Many studies proved that hibiscus tea could effectively reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
• It also helps lower blood fat levels. Regular consumption of this tea can increase HDL cholesterol levels and reduce LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. However, consumption of hibiscus tea has not shown a significant impact on people with metabolic syndrome and diabetes. Hence more studies are essential in this regard.
• It promotes liver health and function. It also prevents fatty liver and other liver conditions.
• The tea helps control weight. Consumption of this tea can benefit people who want to lose weight naturally.
• With its anti-bacterial properties, the tea can help fight against various bacterial infections like pneumonia, urinary tract infections etc.

A word of caution:

• Do not consume more than two cups since excessive use of hibiscus tea may cause dizziness, liver toxicity, and fatigue.
• The tea can also interfere with certain drugs used for hypertension and diabetes. Hence it is not recommended for those who take hydrochlorothiazide and other such drugs.

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