Hibiscus tea helps lower cholesterol and blood pressure

Hibiscus flowers contain antioxidants, which help fight free radicals and prevent cell damage.

Hibiscus is a versatile herb that grows in tropical regions. Its medicinal properties were first discovered in Angola, and its pleasant taste has made it popular in North Africa, the Middle East, and even Europe. It is also a very popular herb in our country.

Although the dried leaves of hibiscus are commonly eaten as a vegetable by indigenous people in India, hibiscus is consumed as a tea in other parts of the world. In fact, most teas contain hibiscus. Many researchers believe that the bioflavonoids (an antioxidant), vitamin C, and other minerals in hibiscus flowers can fight free radicals, preventing cell damage from oxidation... Hibiscus tea has cholesterol-controlling properties, and most importantly, it can help lower blood pressure.

The Journal of Nutrition (USA) in 2010 reported a study on blood pressure control for people with high blood pressure or mild hypertension between the ages of 30-70. The results showed that people who drank 3 cups of hibiscus tea/day had better results than those who did not drink this tea. People with high blood pressure at the beginning of the study, after drinking tea, had a significant reduction in blood pressure.

In 2009, a group of experts from Chung San Medical University (Taiwan) discovered that hibiscus flowers have the effect of limiting cholesterol levels in the blood and reducing the risk of rheumatic heart disease. In a study conducted on hibiscus flower extract, scientists discovered that this extract significantly lowers cholesterol levels in the blood, effectively prevents the oxidation of lipoproteins, and protects the artery walls. Scientists also said that the healing effects of hibiscus flowers are further enhanced if combined with red wine and tea to reduce cholesterol and lipid levels in the blood.

Scientists also compared hibiscus tea and black tea. The results showed that after 1 month of using hibiscus tea, the patients' LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol levels returned to normal; while black tea only had a positive effect on HDL cholesterol.

How to make hibiscus tea:Hibiscus tea can be made with fresh or dried hibiscus flowers and can be drunk hot or cold.

- Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 2-4 tablespoons of dried hibiscus petals

- Cover and soak for 10-15 minutes.

- Filter water

- Add a little honey, lemon juice, or citrus peel to enhance the delicious flavor of hibiscus tea.

Or:

- Soak dried hibiscus flowers in water for 2 days (no boiling required)

- Filter to get drinking water./.

According to VOV.online