Hibiscus is one of the most popular Ramadan drinks in the Arab countries, but after knowing its benefits, it may not only become a refreshing drink on Ramadan breakfast tables, but will become the favorite drink for many throughout the year.

Hibiscus tea has a refreshing fruity flavor that many enjoy hot or iced, and many people drink it because of its potential health benefits, while some research shows that it may also have potential risks, especially when consumed in large quantities.

hibiscus benefits

For centuries, people have used hibiscus seeds, flowers, leaves and stems, in food and traditional medicine, and today it is used in several recipes such as hibiscus-flavored jams, jelly, sauces and cold juices, and it is also drunk hot as a flavored tea.

Hibiscus is especially popular in North and West Africa, Central and South America and the Caribbean, and is used to treat various problems from high blood pressure to indigestion.

Health benefits of hibiscus

The hibiscus plant is rich in antioxidants, such as beta-carotene, vitamin C, and anthocyanins.

Antioxidants destroy harmful molecules known as free radicals within the body.

Free radicals cause damage to cells that contribute to diseases such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes. While your body uses its own antioxidants to fight free radical damage, foods rich in antioxidants may also play a role in disease prevention.

Hibiscus and the treatment of infections

Inflammation plays a role in the development of many diseases, including cancer, asthma, Alzheimer's, heart disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Some studies have recorded a beneficial role of hibiscus as an anti-inflammatory.

Benefits of hibiscus for blood pressure

In a number of clinical trials, drinking hibiscus tea has been shown to lower blood pressure in humans.

However, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health notes that hibiscus and other herbal remedies lower blood pressure slightly, and hibiscus cannot be substituted for medications for those diagnosed with high blood pressure.

Benefits of hibiscus for the liver

Hibiscus tea may help improve liver health. A hamster study showed that hibiscus tea may help reduce signs of cirrhosis, especially for people with fatty liver that usually accompanies weight gain, which may reduce the risk of liver failure.

Benefits of hibiscus for weight loss

Several studies show a positive weight-loss effect of hibiscus, which may help prevent obesity, but these studies used hibiscus extract, a more concentrated form of hibiscus drink.

But it is not yet certain whether hibiscus tea produces the same result.

Benefits of hibiscus for the colon

Hibiscus acts as a natural diuretic, helping to remove sodium from the body, which contributes to normal urination and bowel movements.

hibiscus benefits for skin

In addition to the health benefits of hibiscus, it has amazing benefits for the skin, fighting wrinkles and signs of aging.

Hibiscus is known for its ability to inhibit the activity of the enzyme elastase, which is responsible for breaking down elastin, a protein that allows many tissues in the body to regain shape after being stretched or damaged by the skin. Hibiscus effectively combats aging by tightening the skin.

Hibiscus and skin tone uniformity

Skin spots can be caused by a number of different variables, including exposure to UV rays, increased melanin production, and genetics.

Due to the slight exfoliating effect of the organic acids present in hibiscus, including citric acid and malic acid, it helps speed up cell turnover, resulting in a more even skin tone.

Hibiscus also has an anti-inflammatory effect and can help soothe inflamed skin, making it suitable for people with very sensitive skin.

hibiscus benefits for hair

Hibiscus prevents the appearance of dandruff, especially in oily skin, and for its antimicrobial properties, it limits the growth of dandruff-causing yeast on the scalp, removes dandruff from hair follicles, and prevents its recurrence.

It also deeply moisturizes the hair, locking moisture in the strands and restoring the elasticity of the hair strands, the resinous fibers prevent split ends and moisturize the hair to make it soft.

Hibiscus benefits for hair growth

Putting hibiscus with coconut oil is the easiest way to grow hair, as the mixture promotes hair growth by reducing protein loss.

Hibiscus benefits for white hair

Hibiscus prevents premature graying. It used a natural dye to hide white and gray hair, and the antioxidants and vitamins in it help produce melanin, the natural pigment that gives hair its natural color.

Is hibiscus safe?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers hibiscus to be safe when consumed in food.

However, it is possible to have an allergic reaction to some herbs and plants.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, in very high doses, hibiscus can cause liver damage.

Hibiscus side effects for pregnant women

There are concerns about consuming hibiscus during pregnancy, as the phytoestrogens in hibiscus tea may cause complications during pregnancy.

For example, it may lead to premature labour, so if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is best to avoid it and look for an alternative.

The best way to eat hibiscus

Hibiscus is available in several forms:

Tea:

You can make hibiscus tea by steeping dried hibiscus buds in boiling water, or even cold water as well.

Powder:

You can also buy hibiscus powder, which is made from dried plant parts that are finely ground.

Mix the powder with water to make the drink.

Extract :

Hibiscus extract is a concentrated liquid form of a supplement that you can buy from health foods section or herbal supplement dealers.

Nutritionists recommend drinking hibiscus tea instead of powder or extract, to ensure the purity of the ingredients and the strength of the concentration.