Key Takeaways
- Hibiscus tea is rich in antioxidants that may help fight cell damage.
- It may help lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
- Extracts may support liver health, weight loss, and fight bacteria and cancer cells.
Hibiscus is available as an extract or, more often, a tea. Hibiscus tea is an herbal tea that’s made by steeping parts of the hibiscus plant in boiling water.
It has a tart flavor similar to that of cranberries and can be enjoyed either hot or cold.
There are several hundred species of hibiscus, varying by the location and climate they grow in, but Hibiscus sabdariffa is most commonly used to make hibiscus tea (
Research has uncovered a range of health benefits linked to drinking hibiscus tea, showing that it may lower blood pressure, reduce the growth of bacteria, and even aid weight loss.
This article reviews 8 benefits of hibiscus.
One of the most impressive and well-known benefits of hibiscus tea is that it may help lower blood pressure.
Over time, high blood pressure can place extra strain on the heart and cause it to weaken. High blood pressure is also associated… Show more
In addition to lowering blood pressure, some studies have found that hibiscus tea may help improve blood fat levels, which can be another risk factor for heart disease (
In a small 2009 study, 60 people with diabetes consumed either… Show more
Your liver has several functions — such as producing proteins, secreting bile, and breaking down fat — that are essential to your overall health (
Interestingly, studies have shown that hibiscus may promote liver health and help keep… Show more
Several studies suggest that hibiscus tea may be associated with weight loss and could help protect against obesity.
In one small 2014 study, 36 participants with overweight consumed either hibiscus extract or a placebo. After 12 weeks… Show more
Hibiscus is high in polyphenols, which are compounds that have been shown to possess powerful anticancer properties (
Test-tube studies have found impressive results regarding the potential effects of hibiscus extract on… Show more
Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms that can cause a variety of infections, such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections.
Some test-tube studies have found that, in addition to having antioxidant and anticancer… Show more
Aside from potentially offering a multitude of health benefits, hibiscus tea is delicious and easy to prepare at home.
Simply add dried hibiscus flowers to a teapot and pour boiling water over them. Let it steep for 5 minutes, and then… Show more
Hibiscus tea is a type of herbal tea associated with many possible health benefits.
It has a delicious tart flavor, and you can make and enjoy it in your own kitchen.
Animal and test-tube studies have indicated that hibiscus may aid weight loss, improve heart and liver health, and even help reduce the growth of cancer cells and bacteria.
However, most of the current research is limited to test-tube and animal studies using large amounts of hibiscus extract. More studies are needed to determine how the benefits may apply to humans who drink hibiscus tea.