Hibiscus tea, also known as “jamaica” or “sour tea”, is a refreshing herb beverage that is enjoyed by millions of people around the world. Made distinct by its vibrant red color and tart sweet flavor, hibiscus tea might as well be the perfect summertime beverage. Although, that’s not all of the good stuff.

Hibiscus as Traditional Medicine

The hibiscus plant, grown originally in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Africa, has long been known in traditional medicine for its prominent health benefits. So what are the health benefits of organic hibiscus tea bags recipe?

The people of Egypt and Sudan, for instance, traditionally use this herb to help regulate normal body temperatures. While Europeans and North Africans have long since learned how to make hibiscus tea to lower blood pressure.

In recent years, a growing number of researchers and fitness enthusiasts alike have taken interest in the weight loss potential of the hibiscus plant. Homemade hibiscus tea is always an experience in itself, and even if you don’t have the time for it, it’s also fairly easy to know where to buy hibiscus tea for weight loss.

Hibiscus Tea: Counteracting Free Radicals

Among its seemingly countless health benefits, however, it is the potent antioxidant properties of hibiscus flowers that catches much of the attention of health enthusiasts and researchers alike.

Among the countless health benefits of hibiscus tea, it is the potent antioxidant properties found in hibiscus flowers that catches much of the attention of health enthusiasts and researchers alike. (Photo Credits)

Antioxidants, as suggested by its name, are vitamins, minerals and enzymes that naturally counteract the normal yet damaging effects of oxidation in the human body. Essentially, what antioxidants counteract are free radicals. Free radicals are destructive oxidation byproducts that are known to cause cellular damage. Modern medicine has it that antioxidants are crucial in the prevention of chronic health conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and stroke.

Hibiscus tea is primarily made from calyces of dried hibiscus flowers. It is in these hibiscus calyces that the concentration levels of antioxidants are at the highest. Relevant bodies of research suggest that antioxidants found in hibiscus tea are especially helpful in protecting the body against low-grade chronic inflammation that could potentially result to cancer, heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, premature aging, and even obesity.

Lowering the Risk of Cancer with Hibiscus Tea

More recent studies suggest that the plant-derived hibiscus protocatechuic acid has particularly pronounced anti-tumor and anti-oxidant properties. In line with this, researchers at the Department and Institute of Biochemistry at the Chung Shan Medical and Dental College report that hibiscus antioxidants show a natural tendency to delay the development of cancerous cells. Researchers believe that hibiscus does this by inducing apoptosis, otherwise referred to as cell death.

Like many other antioxidant-rich food sources, hibiscus tea is also packed with ascorbic acid Vitamin C which makes for much of its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. So if you’re feeling a little under the weather lately, then now might be the perfect time to replenish your body with a glassful of hibiscus tea. You can try adding a dash of sugar, cinnamon, or nutmeg to add to it just a little more sweetness.