Hibiscus tea Health Benefits

There are hibiscus tea health benefits that herbalists always knew but now scientists proved in the lab. The hibiscus and its northern sister plant, rose of Sharon, also a hibiscus, is more than just a beautiful flower, it has healing properties when made into tea. Recent studies show that drinking just three cups of hibiscus tea daily helps lower the systolic, top number, blood pressure level.

The tropical hibiscus is a warm weather plant with beautiful flowers. Its northern cousin, Hibiscus sinosyriacus, also known as the rose of Sharon, is the hardier counterpart. A tea made from the flowers of the hibiscus has a remarkable effect on lowering blood pressure but also has other benefits. While herbalists have known the tea to be a diuretic, no one, until recently investigated the potential effect it has on blood pressure.

A scientific study conducted by Diane L. McKay, PhD from Tufts University in Boston showed that people with high blood pressure benefited from drinking just three cups of hibiscus tea each day. They believe it may be from the diuretic effect of the tea, but still have no solid conclusion.

The study was relatively small and included 65 men and women with slightly elevated blood pressure. Half the group drank a placebo drink daily and the other half consumed the hibiscus tea. After 6 weeks, the scientist checked the blood pressure of the participants and found that everyone experienced a drop in the top number on their blood pressure. The placebo group, however, only dropped 1.3 mmHg while the hibiscus tea group dropped an average of 7.2 mmHg. They also had a slight drop in the diastolic, or bottom, blood pressure number but it wasn't significant enough to demonstrate any importance.

Is the drop huge? No, it's quite small but still significant. While it won't save the life of a stroke victim, it may be a small step in preventing not only a stroke but also potential coronary disease. Each small step taken to control weight, blood pressure and cholesterol is a step in the right direction to a healthier body. Even though the difference between the two groups was only 6 mmHg, that 6mmHg combined with other small steps could increase the life span of the individual by years.

Hibiscus tea is good for more than just blood pressure. It is also a viable source for vitamin C, lowers cholesterol, is an antioxidant and fights cancer. That's a big order for a beautiful and delicate flower, but looks do deceive. The dark red of the flower contains anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are what give the flower its color. These are the same substances found in beets, grape skins and other dark purple and red vegetables. They offer powerful cancer fighting properties. Studies on anthocyanins and the other phytonutrients contained in plants continue at several major universities.

The deep red tea is a staple in many countries and used for celebrations in others. Mexican celebrations include hibiscus tea and it's also an important herbal remedy in that country. India has always known the tea was a healthy addition to the diet. It's time we take note of the traditions of folk medicine and make a few small changes for a huge benefit to our health. The extra weight and high cholesterol came one fry at a time. Reversing that effect can also come in baby steps. Discovering hibiscus tea health benefits and adding it to your daily beverage list may just start that process.