Hibiscus is a plant native to Africa and is believed to offer many health benefits. Hibiscus tea is a popular beverage that is consumed mainly for its health benefits apart from the flavour and aroma it has. Hibiscus tea is often called the sour tea because of the flavour that it has to offer. The many health benefits of hibiscus tea can be attributed to the anti-oxidant content of the tea. Hibiscus tea has no calories, has a low glycemic index and is also gluten free making it one of the healthiest beverages that can be consumed to boost the immunity and stay healthy and fit.

How does hibiscus tea promote overall health?

Antioxidant properties of hibiscus tea:

 Hibiscus tea is said to be beneficial for the overall health of a person. Most of its health benefiting effects come from the antioxidants it has that fight the free radicals and prevent the body and cells from damage. The free radicals usually cause oxidation of the cells damaging them. Hibiscus tea contains flavonoids and anthocyanins that help to prevent the oxidation of the cells and thus prevents the body from developing various health disorders. Since antioxidants present in hibiscus tea prevents cell damage, the cells remain healthy and are able to perform their function in a better manner. These antioxidants also prevent the body from developing cancer cells and thus fight cancers of various types.

Hibiscus tea with its high content of anti-oxidants is also good for the skin. The free radicals also damage the skin cells causing several skin disorders and aging of the skin. The antioxidants in hibiscus tea fight these free radicals and prevents the skin from aging and also various skin diseases and disorders.

Effect of hibiscus tea on immune system:

Hibiscus tea contains Vitamin C which affects the activity of the white blood cells in the body. It is the white blood cells that fight against disease causing bacteria and viruses and thus keep the body healthy. The white blood cells are a part of the immune system and so hibiscus tea is said to affect the immune system in a positive manner making it stronger to ward of all types of infections. Hibiscus tea also helps the immune system to fight against diseases like arthritis and also speed up the recovery process after an injury.

Hibiscus tea and heart health:

Hibiscus tea can help to regulate and control blood pressure which is good for the heart health. Hibiscus tea is said to lower the systolic blood pressure by almost 7%. It contains flavonoids that can help to dilate blood vessels that control the blood pressure, reduce hypertension and also heart related diseases. It is also effective in preventing heart attacks and strokes.

Hibiscus tea for diabetes prevention:

Hibiscus tea is helpful in preventing type 2 diabetes. Hibiscus tea controls the sugar levels in the blood and also has an effect on insulin production regulating it to the extent that it prevents the development of type 2 diabetes.

Hibiscus tea lowers cholesterol levels:

Hibiscus tea has an effect on the cholesterol levels in the body. It promotes good cholesterol in the body while lowering the bad cholesterol. This helps to keep the cholesterol levels in control and also ensures that the arteries do not get blocked preventing atherosclerosis.

Hibiscus tea for weight management and loss

Hibiscus tea helps to manage and lose weight in an effective manner. It contains enzyme inhibiting properties that inhibit the production of amylase which is an enzyme that breaks down starches and sugars. With less amylase in the body, the body absorbs lesser carbohydrates and this prevents too much weight gain. In addition, hibiscus tea improves the metabolism rate of the body thus helping to burn fats faster and helping in weight loss and management.

Hibiscus tea for digestion and regular bowel movement:

Hibiscus tea contains chemicals as well as anti-oxidants that act as laxatives that help in relieving constipation and digestion related problems like gas and bloating. Hibiscus tea also helps to regularize bowel movement that ensures that the waste products and toxins are removed effectively from the body. The polyphenols in hibiscus tea stimulate the function of the digestive system and prevent ulcers and heartburns.