In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleWhat Is It?Is It Good for You?Health BenefitsPotential Side EffectsHow to Make It at Home
In This ArticleView All
View All
In This Article
What Is It?
Is It Good for You?
Health Benefits
Potential Side Effects
How to Make It at Home
If you’ve noticed hibiscus popping up on cocktail menus or as an ingredient in nonalcoholic beverages lining supermarket shelves, there’s a good reason. Hibiscus has been noted as one of the top food trends to watch for.
The bright red flower certainly is pretty, but its benefits go way beyond good looks. Read on to find out what hibiscus is, its benefits and side effects and how you can put hibiscus to use at home.
The 6 Best Anti-Inflammatory Teas
What Is Hibiscus?
Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa)is an edible flowering plant native to parts of Africa and Asia, though it’s also cultivated in Mexico and Central America.Contrary to popular belief, the part of the plant you can eat and drink isn’t the petals but rather the calyxes of the flower. Calyxes (or calyces) are the sepals of a flower, which, in addition to other things, are responsible for protecting the buds and petals.
Hibiscus has a refreshing floral taste that combines fruity, tart and sweet. Some people compare the flavor of hibiscus to that of cranberries but with a floral twist.
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Recipe to Try:Hibiscus-Pomegranate Iced Tea
Is Hibiscus Tea Good for You?
While hibiscus tea is not chock-full of vitamins and minerals, it is quite high in antioxidants called polyphenols, specifically anthocyanins.
Anne Danahy, RDN, a Scottsdale, Arizona-based registered dietitian and owner of Craving Something Healthy, says the antioxidants in hibiscus tea “account in large part for the tea’s gorgeous red-fuschia color and numerous health benefits.”
While hibiscus tea is not a replacement for medication, the research surrounding this soothing sipper is interesting. Let’s take a closer look at some of the health benefits of these edible calyxes.
Health Benefits of Hibiscus
Contains Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Registered dietitianKelsey Lorencz, RD, a nutrition advisor at Fin vs. Fin, notes that “anthocyanins are associated with the prevention of cancer and diabetes and have potent anti-inflammatory effects.”
Anthocyanins reduce inflammation, and whenchronic inflammationis present, it can lead to the progression of diseases such as, heart disease, obesity and cancer.Additionally, anthocyanins are known as potential anti-angiogenic agents. Anti-angiogenic agents prevent the body from forming new blood vessels that “feed” tumor cells with oxygen.
May Reduce Blood Lipid Levels
Could Lower Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, medically known as hypertension, is a disease that affects around 47% of the U.S. population.As the name implies, hypertension causes the blood pressure in your arteries to rise, putting excess strain on your heart and increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Traditionally, the hibiscus flower has been used to reduce blood pressure. Research has shown that hibiscus extract could be used for mild to moderate hypertension.Lorencz explains that"a specific compound in the hibiscus calyx causes nitric oxide to be released from cells within the blood vessels, effectively lowering blood pressure."
Supplementing with hibiscus extract may be able to both prevent and treat high blood pressure.
May Help with Blood Sugar
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease in which the body cannot regulate blood sugar.There are two main types of diabetes—type 1 and type 2—as well as gestational diabetes, which develops during pregnancy. Type 2 diabetes is more common and affects more than 1 in 10 Americans.Chronic high blood sugar can lead to kidney, liver and vision damage, among other health problems. Research has also shown a beneficial effect of hibiscus tea on blood sugar.However, more is needed to be sure of the relationship.
Hibiscus is considered safe when consumed in moderate amounts in tea (2 to 4 cups per day) and foods. With that said,Kristin Draayer, M.S., RDN, warns that high doses can cause toxicity. Draayer also notes that hibiscus may interact with certain medications, especially those used to treat high blood pressure or diabetes.
Lorencz recommends that hibiscus be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding and before surgery due to its blood pressure-lowering effect. Additionally, keep in mind that hibiscus can have diuretic effects on the body, which in excesscan lead to dehydration.As always, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider before adding anything new to your diet.
How to Make Hibiscus Tea at Home
Carson Downing
As mentioned above, a great aspect of hibiscus tea is that you can serve it hot or cold. For a cold, refreshing hibiscus tea, Draayer recommends mixing the brewed tea withsparkling wateror, she says, “Muddle some raspberries or strawberries in the bottom of a glass, add ice and sparkling hibiscus tea.”
The Bottom Line
Studies have shown that antioxidants in the hibiscus plant have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Additionally, hibiscus tea certainly has some promising potential health benefits, like lowering your blood pressure, stabilizing your blood sugar and reducing your blood lipid levels. However, more research is needed before concluding that hibiscus tea is a cure-all. One thing is for sure—it’s a delicious way to warm up on a cold day or stay refreshed on a hot one.
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Sources
EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
Montalvo-González E, Villagrán Z, González-Torres S, et al.Physiological effects and human health benefits ofHibiscus sabdariffa: A review of clinical trials.Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2022;15(4):464. doi:10.3390/ph15040464
Gonçalves AC, Nunes AR, Falcão A, Alves G, Silva LR.Dietary effects of anthocyanins in human health: A comprehensive review.Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2021;14(7):690. doi:10.3390/ph14070690
Pappan N, Awosika AO, Rehman A.Dyslipidemia.In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2024
Amos A, Khiatah B.Mechanisms of action of nutritionally richHibiscus sabdariffa’stherapeutic uses in major common chronic diseases: A literature review.J Am Nutr Assoc. 2022;41(1):116-124. doi:10.1080/07315724.2020.1848662
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.High blood pressure facts.
National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus.Diabetes.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Type 2 diabetes.
