Hibiscus flower: what it is useful for and how to consume it
Hibiscus flower is a medicinal plant, also known as hibiscus, which is characterized by being rich in anthocyanins, a compound that gives it its characteristic red coloration and which in turn provides it with great antioxidant power.
In addition to this, hibiscus flower is also rich in flavonoids, vitamin C and organic acids, which provide various health benefits, such as helping to control blood pressure and promoting weight loss, for example.
Its scientific name is Hibiscus Sabdariffa and it can be ingested in the form of tea, water, capsules and even in some countries it can be used to prepare some culinary dishes, being able to be purchased in supermarkets, health food stores and in some online stores.
What it is used for
Regular intake of hibiscus flower may provide the following health benefits:
1. Lower blood pressure
Hibiscus flower may help prevent and control mild to moderate high blood pressure by promoting relaxation of blood vessels. It is thought that this effect could be due to its anthocyanin content and its antioxidant properties and diuretic effect.
In fact, some scientific studies seem to indicate that regular intake of hibiscus could exert an effect similar to that of some antihypertensive drugs, such as captopril, for example. However, it should not replace the treatment prescribed by the doctor, as further scientific evidence is needed to support it.
2. Taking care of heart health
In addition to lowering blood pressure, hibiscus flower could also help lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and even increase HDL cholesterol. This could be because it suppresses fatty acid synthesis in the liver, promotes fat burning in the body and decreases triglyceride absorption in the intestine.
3. Regulate blood sugar
Hibiscus flower could help regulate blood sugar, because it could inhibit the activity of some pancreatic and intestinal enzymes that are responsible for the digestion of carbohydrates in the small intestine, thus avoiding blood sugar peaks and excessive excretion of insulin.
4. Promote weight loss
Thanks to its polyphenol content, mainly anthocyanins, flavonoids and other phenolic compounds, such as galloyl, chlorogenic acid, quercetin and caffeic acid, regular consumption of hibiscus flower could promote weight loss and prevent obesity.
It is believed that this effect may be due to the fact that it helps regulate blood sugar, decreases the absorption of carbohydrates at intestinal level and improves fat metabolism in the body, and could even control appetite, as some studies indicate that it could influence some hormones, such as ghrelin and leptin, which are responsible for regulating it.
See in more detail how hibiscus water promotes weight loss.
5. Taking care of liver health
Hibiscus flower could inhibit the production of fatty acids in the liver, so it could improve and prevent fatty liver, improving its function. In addition, it could increase the enzymes that are in charge of detoxifying the organism, thus reducing liver damage.
6. It has antioxidant properties
Hibiscus has antioxidant properties thanks to the fact that it is rich in polyphenols, mainly anthocyanins, which inhibit oxidative stress and prevent the formation of free radicals, as well as the damage they can cause to cells, thus preventing premature aging, the emergence of chronic diseases and even cancer.
See more about the health benefits of polyphenols.
7. Help fight bacteria
Some studies indicate that hibiscus flower possesses antimicrobial properties, helping to inhibit the activity of bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, a bacterium that causes diarrhea and gastrointestinal discomfort; as well as other microorganisms such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomona aeruginosa, for example.
Nutritional composition
The table below shows the nutritional composition per 100 grams of hibiscus flower:
To obtain the benefits of hibiscus flower, mentioned above, it is important to include it in a balanced, variable and healthy diet; as well as to consume it regularly.
How to consume it
Hibiscus flower can be consumed in the form of tea or water, capsules and capsules. even in the preparation of some foods such as cakes, tacos, ice cream, among others.
1. Hibiscus water or tea
Ingredients
How to prepare
Add the flowers to the boiling water, let stand for 5 minutes. Strain and drink warm or cold, 3 times per day. For weight loss, it is recommended to ingest 1 cup after this tea after meals.
For blood pressure, a clinical study indicates that drinking hibiscus flower water prepared with 1 tablespoon (10g) in 500 ml of boiling water daily, 2 hours after each meal and for at least 4 weeks, could improve blood pressure.
2. Capsules
Hibiscus flower capsules should preferably be taken under the guidance of a phytotherapist or nutritionist. The dose that is usually indicated is 2 capsules of 450 mg, 3 times a day for 12 weeks, to be taken 20 to 30 minutes before the main meals.
It is important to read the manufacturer’s label, since the doses may vary according to the concentration of the product purchased.
Possible effects and contraindications
The consumption of hibiscus flower is apparently safe and so far no side effects have been reported.
This flower should not be taken in conjunction with the drug hydrochlorothiazide to prevent interactions and unwanted effects. It should also not be taken without medical guidance in case of pregnancy, breastfeeding, in children under 12 years old, people with kidney or liver disease, as there are no scientific studies to indicate whether it is safe or not in this group of people.
In the case of hypertensive or diabetic people who are taking medication, the ideal is to consult their treating physician before ingesting hibiscus flower, thus avoiding problems of hypoglycemia or hypotension.
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