Hibiscus. Useful properties and applications. Contraindications
Hibiscus is a drink brewed from the dried flowers of the rosella or Sudanese rose (Hibiscus sabdariffa) of the genus hibiscus. It is distinguished by its bright red or burgundy color and sweetish-sour taste.
It is called differently everywhere:
-drink of the pharaohs; Sudanese rose; Red tea.
It was brought to Europe only in the 18th century. At first, Europeans did not like the unusual sour taste of tea. They recognized it and appreciated it only in the middle of the last century.
Nowadays, hibiscus is the national Egyptian drink. It is drunk hot or cold with pieces of ice, and tea is also usually consumed at wedding celebrations.
There are two main types of hibiscus:
1.»Rosella». Produced in India, the drink quenches thirst well, hot or cold. It has a sourness with fruity notes.
2.»Hibiscus sabdariffa». Grown in Sudan and Egypt. This type is used as a separate drink or added to other tea mixtures to improve their taste.
India and Sri Lanka are considered the homeland of hibiscus, from whose plantations tea is distributed throughout the world. Although the ancient Egyptians were the first to learn about the benefits of the red drink — they used it as a remedy for various ailments.
It was believed that it imparts vitality and has a positive effect on the body as a whole. Jugs of hibiscus could be found on the tables of the rich, hence the nickname “drink of the pharaohs.”
Later, dried hibiscus leaves were even found in tombs next to expensive jewelry.
Hibiscus sabdariffa — rosella, or hibiscus sabdariffa — is now grown in tropical regions around the world. On an industrial scale: Sudan, Egypt, India, China, Sri Lanka, Java, Thailand, Mexico.
Chemical composition
Hibiscus contains many useful substances: beta-carotene, flavonoids, anthocyanins, pectins, B vitamins (B2, B5, B6, B9, B12), A, C, PP, potassium, sodium, phosphorus, iron, manganese, selenium , magnesium, calcium.
Thanks to its rich vitamin and mineral composition, the drink has a positive effect on the body: it removes heavy metal salts and promotes gentle cleansing of the intestines.
Useful properties and applications
beneficial properties of hibiscus:
-resists the development of infections and bacteria;
-helps with colds and flu;
-fights free radicals;
-improves bile production;
-eliminates swelling, removes excess fluid;
-calms the nervous system;
-stimulates hair growth;
-helps against stomach colic;
-reduces the effects of alcohol intoxication in the body;
-accelerates metabolism, stimulates fat burning;
-improves memory, activates brain activity.
In Arab countries, hibiscus is considered a “cure for all diseases.”
According to scientific research, hibiscus helps with diseases of the cardiovascular system and improves heart function.
According to nutritionist Lauren Harris-Pincus, hibiscus tea with the addition of pomegranate juice is an ideal morning drink for lowering blood pressure.
One study found that people who drank three cups of hibiscus tea a day had the same reduction in blood pressure as medication,» Harris-Pincus said.
Hibiscus is able to improve blood circulation, including in the pelvic area, thereby improving potency in men in the complex treatment of erectile dysfunction.
Thanks to its rich chemical composition, the drink has a good effect on the general condition of the body, is useful for diseases of the prostate gland, helps relieve swelling, tension, recover from physical activity, reduce the load on the pancreas, alleviate the condition of respiratory diseases, increase immunity, which is especially useful in the autumn. winter period.
Hibiscus: beneficial properties.
Anthocyanins are substances that give the drink its deep red color. These substances have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system, strengthening the walls of blood vessels and regulating their permeability.
Hibiscus is indispensable during periods of colds, as it strengthens the immune system, is a source of vitamins, removes toxins and waste from the body, and has an antipyretic effect.
With regular use, hibiscus can improve vision, normalize cholesterol levels in the body, help in the fight against neurological diseases, and is useful for diabetes.
How does hibiscus tea affect blood pressure?
Hibiscus has the amazing ability to lower or increase blood pressure, it all depends on whether you brew it hot or cold and drink it.
If you suffer from high blood pressure, brew hibiscus with cold water and drink it cold. Hibiscus prepared in this way can reduce blood pressure.
However, hot hibiscus, on the contrary, increases blood pressure.
The benefits of hibiscus for women.
Thanks to a large amount of antioxidants, hibiscus can slow down the aging process.
It also improves metabolism, the condition of skin, nails and hair, making them healthier and stronger.
Hibiscus normalizes the menstrual cycle, relieves symptoms during menopause, reduces pain and cramps.
Hibiscus flowers can be taken as a decoction or infusion, added during bathing, or wiped over the face with frozen cubes of this tea. This tones the skin, increasing its elasticity.
Hibiscus can improve metabolism, so if you drink it regularly, it can help in the fight against excess weight.
In addition to the fact that it removes toxins and waste from the body, it also gets rid of excess fluid and swelling.
Tea is low in calories and will be indispensable when dieting.
The benefits of hibiscus for men.
Hibiscus has a beneficial effect on circulatory function in general and the pelvis in particular.
This tea will be useful in the prevention of erectile dysfunction and prostate diseases.
In addition, it improves the functioning of the whole body, helps to recover after heavy physical exertion, relieves stress, and improves immunity.
Contraindications
The use of hibiscus should be avoided in case of exacerbation of cholelithiasis and urolithiasis.
Tea has a diuretic effect, which can cause painful movement of gallstones and kidney stones.
The drink should not be consumed during pregnancy and breastfeeding: it can disrupt a woman’s hormonal levels and lead to allergies and colic in the child.
If a person takes certain medications (pressure-reducing, antipyretic, antitumor), then hibiscus will enhance their effect, and this can be harmful to health.
Side effects of hibiscus may include temporary stomach upset or pain, constipation, nausea, painful urination, headache, ringing in the ears or tremors.
Hibiscus is contraindicated for people with high stomach acidity, gastritis and ulcers, and severe pressure changes.
To avoid any side effects, the drink should be consumed in moderation, not exceeding the daily allowance.
Hibiscus should not be given to young children, especially those who are prone to diathesis.
The drink is not recommended for women who take hormonal medications — it increases the amount of estrogen.
In addition, it should not be consumed on an empty stomach or for insomnia.
If you have problems with blood pressure, you should definitely consult your doctor.
It is believed that it is better not to drink more than two cups of drink per day.
Be careful when consuming hibiscus if you have problems with tooth enamel. Due to the high content of vitamin C, hibiscus can destroy tooth enamel. After drinking tea, it is recommended to rinse your mouth with water.
It is not recommended to drink hibiscus on an empty stomach.
How to choose hibiscus
The color of hibiscus may vary. But it must be bright. When purchasing, you should not have the feeling that the product has been lying around for a long time.
Its leaves and buds should be free of dust and other traces of time. For example, hibiscus should not be badly broken — nevertheless, its value largely lies in its large, beautiful petals.
In addition, fresh hibiscus should not be overdried. Take a flower or leaf in your hand — it should crumple slightly, not crunch. More like dried tea than hay.
When purchasing hibiscus tea, the first thing you should pay attention to is its color. If the raw materials were prepared and dried correctly, the flowers should have a rich burgundy hue.
If the petals are faded or too dark, this means that the hibiscus was dried stale or was stored incorrectly.
The petals should be large and whole. If the drink in front of you is crushed into powder, it is better not to take such tea.
Remember that only whole hibiscus petals contain the beneficial properties of this amazing drink.
It is best to store hibiscus in an airtight ceramic container away from light.
Hibiscus that has been stored for more than one year loses some of its beneficial substances.
How to distinguish natural hibiscus from hibiscus with dyes?
In order to check the quality of hibiscus tea, you need to pour cold water over the dried hibiscus petals. If the hibiscus is natural, the infusion will acquire color gradually. If dyes are added to tea, the water will very quickly turn dark red or burgundy.
The easiest way to brew hibiscus is to pour one teaspoon of hibiscus flowers into a glass of hot water (not boiling water) and let it brew for a couple of minutes.
To get iced tea, you need to use water at room temperature. The drink should be infused in the refrigerator for at least two hours.
Attention! The information is for informational purposes only. Before use, you should consult your doctor.