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In a now-deleted Instagram post, actress Nayanthara claimed that hibiscus tea is “helpful in diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and cardiac ailments. It is very cooling to the system so it is great for people who have acne, heat boils on the skin, etc.” She had added, “Hibiscus tea is great for the monsoon season as it is rich in vitamins and keeps our immune system balanced. It has antibacterial effects which prevent seasonal infections/illness” and the post received some mixed reactions.
Is hibiscus tea a miracle for health?
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Subrata Das, head of the department of internal medicine and diabetes at Bengaluru’s Sakra World Hospital, said, “With its deep red flowers and sweet-sour flavour similar to cranberries, the hibiscus plant has a number of health benefits, as well as some potential risks. The plant is rich in antioxidants, which are molecules that defend against harmful free radicals. Additionally, hibiscus tea provides small amounts of key minerals, including calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium.”
He explained, “Hibiscus has garnered significant interest in medical research due to its high polyphenol content. Polyphenols, a broad class of chemicals with antioxidant effects, are found in many foods and are particularly abundant in hibiscus. Research suggests that hibiscus tea may help lower blood pressure; however, it is not advisable for those taking blood pressure medication due to potential interactions. Studies have also suggested that hibiscus tea may reduce bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels in people with diabetes and metabolic syndrome. However, these studies do not necessarily reduce the risk of heart disease.” The results aren’t completely consistent And further large-scale trials are needed to confirm these potential benefits.”
Hibiscus Tea: Benefits and Risks Revealed
Dr. Subrata Das explains, “Antioxidants, including beta-carotene, vitamin C, and anthocyanins, are found in abundance in hibiscus. Antioxidants are essential for eliminating free radicals, which are dangerous chemicals that can damage cells and aggravate conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Hibiscus and other foods rich in antioxidants can help your body fight oxidative stress and possibly reduce your chances of developing certain diseases. Therefore, by helping to lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, hibiscus tea may help control diabetes. According to research, hibiscus extract may reduce blood sugar levels during fasting and enhance glycemic management in general. The presence of chemicals in hibiscus that affect insulin action and carbohydrate metabolism is likely the reason for this benefit.”
Talking about high blood pressure he said, “High blood pressure can lead to serious health problems such as heart attack, stroke, heart failure and kidney disease. Hibiscus tea has been demonstrated in clinical trials to reduce blood pressure, especially in people with mild to moderate hypertension. Due to its ability to relax blood vessels and increase blood flow, hibiscus tea has been linked to a modest drop in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure when consumed regularly. Hibiscus tea may help lower blood pressure slightly but it is not Cannot replace high blood pressure medications,
claiming that Hibiscus can help deal with acne As it boosts liver function, Dr. Subrata Das explains, “Its antioxidants, including vitamin C and anthocyanins, reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which are associated with acne, and protect the liver from pollutants. Vitamin C reduces the severity of acne by promoting collagen synthesis and repairing the skin. Rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and important minerals, hibiscus tea can boost your immunity and help you recover from the flu. Apart from its important role in protecting the immune system against viruses, vitamin C also stimulates the growth of white blood cells, which are essential in fighting infections. Hibiscus flowers also contain proanthocyanidins and flavonoids, which can help reduce fever.”
He elaborated, “Hibiscus tea may provide antibacterial properties. It contains antibacterial compounds such as saponins, flavonoids, and tannins. Hibiscus extract inhibits E. coli and may also be effective in fighting other bacterial strains. Flavonoids inhibit bacteria by forming complex compounds against the extracellular proteins of bacterial cells, which disrupt the integrity of the bacterial cell membrane.”
Finally, Dr. Subrata Das warns, “Drinking hibiscus tea Comes with potential risksEspecially for pregnant women, individuals on certain medications, or people with specific health conditions. It may cause stomach upset or gas and some people may also be allergic to it. While hibiscus tea offers many health benefits due to its high antioxidant and polyphenol content, it is important to be aware of its potential interactions and side effects. Since everyone’s body is different, a regimen that works for one person may not be suitable for another. It is important to understand your body’s needs and consult your doctor. People can enjoy a cup of hibiscus tea daily. Additional research is needed to fully understand its effects on health.”
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