Jinja: Hibiscus tea which has many health benefits has joined the list of peoples’ favorite drinks.
Uganda grows the hibiscus Roselle variety which is better known for its herbal than floral uses. It grows lushly in the wild. Many family growers have taken up hibiscus growing for commercial purposes hibiscus tea which is a vitamin C rich tea has been in use for generations both in Uganda and other parts of the world.
It’s prepared by steeping parts of the hibiscus plant in boiling water and it has a tart flavor.
According to Health line, hibiscus tea has a range of health benefits linked from drinking it. These include its ability to lower blood pressure, reduce the growth of bacteria and even aid weight loss. Hibiscus teas which are rich in powerful antioxidants and may help prevent damage and disease caused by the buildup of free radicals.
“Hibiscus tea ingestion could benefit cardiovascular wellbeing. Research reveals potential benefits in terms of its ability to favorably modulate lipid profiles, inflammation, oxidative stress and insulin resistance and its favorable phytonutrient profile,” a report published by CJ Etheridge.
Doctor Kizito Patrick a wellness expert, notes that hibiscus tea helps to regulate the production of blood because of the iron content, vitamins which are required in the born marrow to make more blood, so hibiscus is more beneficial in that aspect due to the nutrients it possesses.
“It can also be used to reduce weight and those people who are trying to follow a natural regimen should use it. I recommend that a person should take hibiscus tea daily and at least three cups a day for better results. Hibiscus also works on the cholesterol levels and increases the rate at which our bodies can burn fats,” he adds.
Doctor Kizito emphasizes that hibiscus tea is very beneficial to patients with type 2 diabetes. He says that having hibiscus in one’s regimen can help them to regulate their blood sugars back to normal. He adds that hibiscus helps the liver to function well and that sugar levels can be controlled once the liver functions well. Hibiscus tea also improves on skin complexion and reduces itching if you’re taking it daily.
However hibiscus has a few side effects and doctor Kizito notes that pregnant women are prohibited from taking hibiscus tea because it induces menstruation which could increase chances of having miscarriages. He adds that over consumption of hibiscus tea can lead to hypertension or lowering of blood levels. He advises that users should first discuss with their doctors before consumption.
According to afternoon tea reads, hibiscus tea could be toxic if mixed with Tylenol and that it should not be consumed if one is on medication for blood pressure or blood sugar. It is also said that over consumption of hibiscus tea can cause hallucinations although there is no scientific evidence of hibiscus tea side effects that cause hallucinations.
