ADVERTISEMENT

7 health benefits of zobo drink (Hibiscus tea)

Hibiscus Tea, also known as zobo drink, is a very popular beverage in many regions of the world, and is often used for medicinal purposes.

7 health benefits of hibiscus tea (Zobo)

The tea is made from the hibiscus plant, which is ruby red in colour.

There are many species of the hibiscus plant across the world including across Africa. The most common variety used in zobo drink both in Nigeria and across the world, is called roselle. Beyond Africa, hibiscus rosa-sinensis is also described as having a number of medical uses in Indian Ayurveda.

Hibiscus tea is made by steeping dry hibiscus / zobo leaves in boiling water, and can be enjoyed both hot and cold. It has a sour taste, so it is known as sour tea, having a flavour similar to cranberry juice.

In the Caribbean, a hibiscus drink called sorrel is made by adding ginger, sugar and rum to the hibiscus brew. Though, it is advised that anyone seeking to gain any health benefits from a hibiscus tea does not add anything with negative dietary effects such sugar or alcohol to the drink.

ADVERTISEMENT

Zobo drink has an enjoyable taste, and the health benefits may also be far reaching. From managing high blood pressure, lowering cholesterol and protecting the liver, to relieving menstrual cramps and acting as an antidepressant, hibiscus tea has an impressive list of potential benefits.

*hibiscus tea may be dangerous during pregnancy, due to its ability to cause hormone fluctuations*

Traditionally, the health benefits of hibiscus tea include relief from cramps and menstrual pain. It is thought to help in restoring hormonal balance as well, which can reduce the symptoms of menstruation like mood swings, depression, and overeating.

ADVERTISEMENT

Consuming zobo drink may lower the blood pressure in pre-hypertensive and mildly hypertensive adults. A study in the Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology & Research found that it has antihypertensive and cardioprotective properties, which may be beneficial for people suffering from hypertension, and those at high risks of cardiovascular diseases.

Research in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine shows that zobo drink helps to lower the levels of (bad) LDL cholesterol from the body, thereby helping to protect against heart diseases and protecting blood vessels from damage. The hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic properties of hibiscus tea may be beneficial for those who suffer from blood sugar disorders like diabetes.

ADVERTISEMENT

The BMC Complementary Medicines and Therapies journal published a study that also suggests that the antioxidant properties, in particular from flavonoids, of hibiscus tea may also help in treating liver diseases. Antioxidants help protect your body from diseases because they neutralize the free radicals present in body tissues and cells. Hibiscus tea could increase your lifespan by maintaining good overall health.

According to research in the Cancer Letters journal, hibiscus tea contains hibiscus protocatechuic acid which has antitumor and antioxidant properties. Hibiscus may slow down the growth of cancerous cells by inducing apoptosis, commonly known as programmed cell death.

ADVERTISEMENT

Zobo drink is rich in ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, an essential nutrient required by your body to boost and stimulate the activity of the immune system. It is also used to treat discomfort caused by fever.

Hibiscus tea contains many vitamins and minerals, while it’s the presence of flavonoids which have been found to have antidepressant properties, by a study supported by CNPq and CAPES in Brazil. Consumption of hibiscus tea may help calm down the nervous system, and it may reduce anxiety and depression by relaxing the mind and body.

A study in the Molecules journal has shown that hibiscus may reduce lipid accumulation, as well as acting to lower the development of fat tissue in the body. Both of these effects suggest that hibiscus tea may be a useful aid for weight loss, when combined with a health diet and lifestyle.

ADVERTISEMENT

Remember to always consult with your doctor about any medical concerns, conditions and supplements that you may be taking. Always take the advice of a medical professional on how to proceed with your treatment.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

5 reasons Easter was more fun when we were children

5 reasons Easter was more fun when we were children

5 things you need to do immediately after sex

5 things you need to do immediately after sex

Do you have to go to church on Good Friday and Holy Saturday? We explain

Do you have to go to church on Good Friday and Holy Saturday? We explain

There are many things you should not do on Easter

There are many things you should not do on Easter

The Skilled Awards 3rd edition a big success in Bowen University

The Skilled Awards 3rd edition a big success in Bowen University

6 most common wedding day regrets couples experience

6 most common wedding day regrets couples experience

7 qualities of high-value women you should cultivate

7 qualities of high-value women you should cultivate

'Ugliest woman in the world' endured humiliation to provide for her children

'Ugliest woman in the world' endured humiliation to provide for her children

I Tried an Inflatable Butt Plug and It Was Absolutely Ridiculous

I Tried an Inflatable Butt Plug and It Was Absolutely Ridiculous

3 things that could happen when you take cold drinks during your period

3 things that could happen when you take cold drinks during your period

7 foods to eat for longer stamina and sex drive

7 foods to eat for longer stamina and sex drive

The dark sides of vaping and why you shouldn't indulge in it

The dark sides of vaping and why you shouldn't indulge in it

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT