Hibiscus rosa sinensis is a plant with potent medicinal properties. Hibiscus tea, Sorrel tea or Sour tea is a common traditional remedy. It is used for wound healing; controlling inflammation, bacterial infections and blood pressure; and is also heart protective. Dried hibiscus flowers are rich in anthocyanins, flavonoids, tannins, beta-carotene, Vitamin C and minerals with extensive nutrient benefits.

Hibiscus Rosa Sinensis, also called Queen of Tropics, is used to brew the popular sour tea or hibiscus tea. Dried hibiscus flowers have a sour, tangy cranberry-like flavor. Hibiscus tea has varied medicinal uses and numerous health benefits ranging from lowering blood pressure(antihypertensive) to antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant ones. Dried hibiscus flowers, with numerous nutritional benefits, are also great for heart and digestive health.

The top five health and nutritional benefits of caffeine-free hibiscus tea include:

1.Heart Protective and Lowers Blood Pressure

High blood pressure increases cardiovascular risk, therefore drinking hibiscus tea lowers blood pressure and improves heart health. Research showed an average consumption of hibiscus tea 2-6 times weekly resulted in lowering blood pressure, as reported in Journal of Hypertension – 2015.Review of studies shows that sour tea reduces both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Evidence-based on animal and human lab studies suggests that hibiscus tea improves heart health by regulating blood pressure. Thus, Best Source Nutrition – Hibiscus Tea offers potent health benefits of improving heart health and preventing high blood pressure.

2. Cancer Prevention and Rich in Antioxidants:

Hibiscus extracts are a rich source of natural antioxidants. Its polyphenols and anthocyanins limit the growth of tumor cells and have anti-cancer properties. Invitro studies show the plant’s efficacy in preventing prostate, mouth and stomach cancer. Hibiscus tea contains Vitamin-C, a natural antioxidant that has an essential nutritive role in boosting the immune system and preventing cell damage that free radicals cause in the body. This significantly reduces the risk of further health complications such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

3. Promotes Weight Loss:

Phenolic compounds and flavonoids present in Hibiscus tea aid weight loss. These regulate the genes involved in lipid metabolism and reduce the size of fat cells. Studies show that drinking Hibiscus tea for 12 weeks was associated with weight loss and preventing obesity with reduced body fat, body mass index and waist-hip ratio.

4. Antibacterial Benefits:

Hibiscus tea is effective in fighting against bacterial strains and inhibits E. coli infections that cause bloating, cramps and diarrhea. Hibiscus extracts prevent bacterial infections ranging from bronchitis and pneumonia to urinary tract infections.

5. Lowers Cholesterol:

Hibiscus tea increases "good" cholesterol (HDL) and decreases "bad" cholesterol (LDL and triglycerides). People suffering from diabetes and metabolic syndrome were given 100mg of hibiscus extract daily. They exhibited lowered blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels

Hibiscus Tea - Nutritional Facts:

Besides its enormous health benefits, the deliciously tart/sour hibiscus tea is easy to prepare. One small cup of hibiscus tea contains the following nutrients:

• Calories: 79
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Proteins: 0g
• Fat: 0g

Brewing Method:

Best Source Nutrition’s Hibiscus Tea can be consumed either hot or chilled. The benefits of the nutrients are extracted by boiling or steeping the dried flowers in water.

Preparation of Hibiscus tea:

• Add 150ml water to 2 teaspoons of Hibiscus flowers
• Boil for 2 minutes
• Alternatively, steep dried flowers in boiled water for 5 minutes
• Sieve into a cup &sweeten if needed
• Enjoy refreshingly sour Hibiscus tea Consume 1-3 times daily.