The Benefits of Petals: Hibiscus (Sour Tea)

Hibiscus is a tasty and sour herb that is rich in antioxidants, offering potential health benefits for metabolism, blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight management.

Primary Key Points

Antioxidant content: Hibiscus is rich in powerful antioxidants, such as anthocyanins, which help neutralize harmful free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.

Blood pressure regulation: Hibiscus effectively lowers both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, acting as a natural diuretic and relaxing blood vessels.

Cholesterol management: Hibiscus helps manage cholesterol by increasing "good" HDL levels and reducing LDL, triglycerides, and total cholesterol.

Liver and kidney health: Hibiscus may protect the liver from damage and improve fatty liver disease. It also supports kidney health by increasing urine volume and enhancing creatinine removal.

What is Hibiscus?

Hibiscus is a flowering plant with pink flowers and bright red sepals traditionally brewed into a refreshing tea.

This beverage is tasty and has multiple health benefits, especially for treating sluggish metabolism, weight gain, and high blood pressure.

Some people consume the flower for its flavor and as a remedy for high blood pressure, anemia, liver diseases, and fever. [1]

The plant is also considered rich in antioxidants and has various other health benefits. It has cholesterol-lowering, antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-obesity, and liver- and kidney-protective effects.

Hibiscus Components

Hibiscus tea is made from calyx, protecting the newly-forming flower bud.

The plant contains many beneficial chemical compounds such as L-ascorbic acid (the purest form of vitamin C), anthocyanins and anthocyanidins (such as cyanidin-3 rutinoside and delphinidin), beta carotene (provitamin A), beta-sitosterol (a plant sterol with potential cholesterol-lowering effects), citric acid (an antioxidant), polyphenols (such as quercetin and gossypetin), pectin (a soluble fiber), alkaloids (that may help fight bacteria), sugars (such as galactose), wax, and fatty acids (linoleic and stearic acid) in the seeds. [2]

Hibiscus Benefits

1. Antioxidant Content

The pigments in hibiscus, known as anthocyanins, are likely responsible for its impressive antioxidant properties. Two principal pigments, delphinidin-sambubioside, and cyanidin-sambubioside, give the plant pink or red. [3]

Antioxidants are crucial to our health as they counteract harmful molecules called free radicals, which can damage our cells. The rich antioxidant content of hibiscus prevents damage and diseases caused by buildup of free radicals.

One study has shown that hibiscus can lower oxidative stress and increase antioxidant levels in the blood, benefitting individuals with Marfan syndrome. [4]

2. Blood Pressure Regulation

Hibiscus lowers blood pressure in different ways. It acts as a diuretic, reducing blood volume, and it blocks the angiotensin-converting enzyme, which relaxes blood vessels.

Multiple studies have shown that hibiscus can effectively lower blood pressure, including a large-scale analysis of five studies with 390 participants. [5]

Additionally, hibiscus tea has performed well in lowering systolic and diastolic blood pressure in four clinical trials with over 200 people with mild to moderate high blood pressure. [6] [7] [8]

Extracts are likely to contain more bioactive compounds than tea. In one trial, a daily dose of dried hibiscus extract reduced high blood pressure in nearly 200 people. [9]

Hibiscus calyx, the leaf-like structures at the base of a hibiscus flower, has been studied as well, and its dried form can lower blood pressure similarly to drugs like captopril. [10]

3. Cholesterol Management

Hibiscus has anti-obesity properties that may be attributed, in part, to the presence of polyphenols in its extracts. These compounds are known to inhibit enzymes that break down carbohydrates, such as alpha-amylase, which could lead to reduced blood sugar levels and decreased absorption of calories from food.

Additionally, hibiscus antioxidants help neutralize high oxidative stress, which can contribute to obesity. Extracts also block the formation and buildup of fat cells. [3]

Hibiscus tea has reduced cholesterol levels. In one trial of 53 diabetic individuals, it increased the "good" HDL cholesterol and decreased triglycerides and total and LDL cholesterol. [11]

Additionally, combined with a healthy diet, hibiscus reduced triglyceride levels in a clinical trial of 51 individuals with metabolic syndrome and 73 healthy controls. [12]

4. Liver And Kidney Health Control

Hibiscus may have protective effects on the liver, potentially reducing damage caused by drugs and toxins or even improving overall liver health in disease. However, it is critical to follow the label on supplements and avoid megadoses, which may have the opposite effect.

In a clinical trial of 36 overweight individuals, a typical extract dosage taken three times daily improved fatty liver disease and reduced free fatty acid blood levels. [13]

The benefits of hibiscus for people at risk of metabolic diseases are not limited to the liver; they also extend to the kidneys. Its fluid-flushing, tissue-protecting, and blood sugar-lowering properties may all contribute to improved kidney health.

In a clinical trial involving 78 people with high blood pressure, an infusion of hibiscus powder improved kidney function by increasing urine volume and increased the removal of creatine, outperforming the common high blood pressure medication lisinopril. [14]

Safety And Side Effects

Hibiscus is non-toxic and well-tolerated with no side effects. Pregnant women should avoid it as it can induce labor. [15]

Conclusion

Hibiscus, a herb rich in antioxidants, has many potential health benefits for people struggling with slow metabolism or at risk of metabolic diseases. It may help lower blood pressure and fat levels. Consuming hibiscus as a tea or taking standardized extracts may result in the most benefits.

In addition to its various health benefits, hibiscus can assist with weight loss and reduce hunger. It's worth noting that it acts as a diuretic, so people should consult their doctors if taking prescription medications.

FAQ

What are the primary health benefits of hibiscus?

Hibiscus offers a range of health benefits, including antioxidant properties, blood pressure regulation, cholesterol management, and support for liver and kidney health. Its rich content of beneficial compounds like anthocyanins and polyphenols contributes to these effects.

How does hibiscus help regulate blood pressure?

Hibiscus helps lower blood pressure by acting as a diuretic, reducing blood volume and blocking the angiotensin-converting enzyme, which relaxes blood vessels.

Can hibiscus improve cholesterol levels?

Yes, hibiscus increases "good" HDL cholesterol while reducing LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and total cholesterol levels. These effects are particularly beneficial for people with metabolic syndrome and diabetes.

How does hibiscus support liver and kidney health?

Hibiscus protects the liver, helping reduce damage caused by drugs and toxins. It can also improve fatty liver disease. For kidney health, hibiscus increases urine volume, which aids in flushing out toxins and improving kidney function.

Can hibiscus help with weight management?

Yes, hibiscus has anti-obesity properties, partly due to its ability to inhibit enzymes that break down carbohydrates and reduce calorie absorption. It also blocks fat cell formation and buildup, contributing to healthier weight management.

Is hibiscus safe to consume?

Hibiscus is generally safe and well-tolerated, with no known side effects for most people. However, pregnant women should avoid hibiscus as it can induce labor.