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SICKLE CELL AND HIBISCUS TEA OR ZOBO HIBISCUS TEA

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What is Hibiscus Tea?

Hibiscus tea, also known as Agua de Jamaica, is prepared by boiling parts of the hibiscus plant, known by its scientific name Hibiscus sabdariffa, particularly the flower. Hibiscus tea is ruby red or deep magenta in colour and has a sour taste.

It is a very popular beverage throughout the world and is often used as a medicinal tea and associated with many health benefits.   It is widely available in the market throughout the tea-drinking world and can be consumed hot or cold depending on your preference. This tea is low in calories and is caffeine-free.

Hibiscus tea is an herbal tea that’s made by steeping parts of the hibiscus plant in boiling water.  It has a tart flavor similar to that of cranberries and can be enjoyed both hot and cold.   You can add sugar or honey to increase the sweetness or flavour with a squeeze of lime juice to balance the tartness.. You can also try adding spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger depending on your taste. Hibiscus ginger tea is one of the popular flavors as it gives the tea both a balance of tartness (of the flower) and spiciness (of the ginger).

There are several hundred species of hibiscus varying by the location and climate they grow in, but Hibiscus sabdariffa is most commonly used to make hibiscus tea.

Health Benefits

The health benefits of hibiscus tea include its ability to treat high blood pressure and high cholesterol, disturbed digestive and immune system, lower blood pressure, fight bacteria and even aid weight loss, inflammatory problems and liver diseases, as well as cancer. It can also speed up the metabolism and help in healthy, gradual weight loss. It is rich in vitamin C, minerals, and antioxidants and helps in the treatment of hypertension and anxiety.

It has a good supply of minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and zinc.  It also contains a few vitamins like niacin and folate that help in improving your overall health. This tea is a good source of anthocyanins that make it beneficial for managing elevated blood pressure levels, colds, and urinary tract infections (UTI).

Rich in Antioxidants

Hibiscus tea is rich in powerful antioxidants and may therefore help prevent damage and disease caused by the buildup of free radicals.   Antioxidants are molecules that help fight compounds called free radicals, which cause damage to your cells.   Another study show that parts of the hibiscus plant, such as the leaves, possess potent antioxidant properties.   Therefore, we can confidently say that drinking caffeine-free hibiscus tea could increase your lifespan by maintaining good overall health.

Promotes Liver Health

Interestingly, studies have shown that hibiscus may promote liver health and help keep it working efficiently.   From producing proteins to secreting bile to breaking down fat, your liver is essential to your overall health.  A study also demonstrated the liver-protecting properties of hibiscus extract, showing that treatment with hibiscus extract decreased markers of liver damage.

Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms that can cause a variety of infections, ranging from bronchitis to pneumonia to urinary tract infections.   In addition to having antioxidant and anti-cancer properties, some test-tube studies have found that hibiscus could help fight bacterial infections.

Aside from its multitude of possible health benefits, hibiscus tea is delicious and easy to prepare at home.

Improves Digestion

Many people drink hibiscus tea to improve digestion as it regularizes both urination and bowel movements. Since it has diuretic properties, it is also used to treat constipation, which helps you lose weight, improve the health of your gastrointestinal system, and avoid colorectal cancer.

Satiates Thirst

Hibiscus tea is also used as a sports drink in order to satiate thirst. For this purpose, hibiscus iced tea is typically consumed. Many people include it in their diet since this variety of tea has the ability to cool down the body very fast.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antibacterial Properties

Hibiscus tea is rich in ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C. It is an essential nutrient required by your body to boost and stimulate the activity of your immune system. Hibiscus tea is also known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Therefore, it prevents you from catching the cold and flu. Hibiscus tea is also used to treat discomfort caused by fever, due to its cooling effect.

 
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/hibiscus-tea-benefits
 
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits
 
https://www.boldsky.com/health/nutrition

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