Hibiscus tea is tasty, pretty and full of antioxidants that could be responsible for several health benefits.
Hibiscus has been noted as one of the top food trends to watch for.
The bright red flower certainly is pretty, but its benefits go way beyond good looks.
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What Is Hibiscus?
Hibiscus tea is made by steeping the red dried calyxes of the plant in cold or hot water.
The dried calyxes are also widely used in cooking, from making hibiscus syrup and jam to vegan tacos.
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Dried hibiscus can also be used to add flavor and color to drinks.
Hibiscus has a refreshing floral taste that combines fruity, tart and sweet.
Some people compare the flavor of hibiscus to that of cranberries but with a floral twist.
Recipe to Try:Hibiscus-Pomegranate Iced Tea
Is Hibiscus Tea Good for You?
While hibiscus tea is not a replacement for medication, the research surrounding this soothing sipper is interesting.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the health benefits of these edible calyxes.
Anti-angiogenic agents prevent the body from forming new blood vessels that “feed” tumor cells with oxygen.
Traditionally, the hibiscus flower has been used to reduce blood pressure.
Supplementing with hibiscus extract may be able to both prevent and treat high blood pressure.
With that said,Kristin Draayer, M.S., RDN, warns that high doses can cause toxicity.
Lorencz recommends that hibiscus be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding and before surgery due to its blood pressure-lowering effect.
Once steeped, pour the tea through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the solids.
The exact steeping time will depend on how strong you like your tea.
We recommend tasting at five-minute intervals to determine your preference.
Noting the depth of color could also help indicate when your hibiscus tea is ready.
The Bottom Line
Studies have shown that antioxidants in the hibiscus plant have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
However, more research is needed before concluding that hibiscus tea is a cure-all.
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