Research has revealed a range of health benefits associated with drinking hibiscus tea. One key area is liver health. A condition characterized by fat accumulation in the liver can lead to liver failure. Studies on hamsters have shown the potential hepatoprotective properties of hibiscus extract, demonstrating that it reduces markers of liver damage. In 2022, another animal study found that hibiscus extract helped improve fatty liver disease in mice fed a high-fat diet.
Another significant benefit is its potential to aid in weight loss. Numerous studies suggest that hibiscus tea may be linked to weight loss and could help protect against obesity. After 12 weeks, participants who took hibiscus extract noted a decrease in body weight, body fat, body mass index (BMI), and waist-to-hip ratio. Animal studies have yielded similar results, indicating that hibiscus extract may help treat obesity by reducing body weight and appetite by preventing fat cell accumulation.
Furthermore, hibiscus may contribute to cancer prevention. It is high in polyphenols, compounds that have been proven to have strong anti-cancer properties. Test-tube studies have shown impressive results regarding the potential effects of hibiscus extract on cancer cells. In one test-tube study, hibiscus extract contributed to hindering the growth and spread of mouth and plasma cell cancers. Another test-tube study reported that hibiscus leaf extract prevented the spread of human prostate cancer cells. Test-tube studies have also shown that hibiscus extract and its components inhibit the growth of other types of cancer cells, including breast, stomach, and skin cancer.
Please note that these studies were conducted in test tubes using large amounts of hibiscus extract. More human studies are needed to evaluate the potential effects of hibiscus tea on cancer.
Hibiscus tea may also improve blood lipid levels. Some studies have found that hibiscus tea can help improve blood fat levels, which is another risk factor for heart disease. In a small 2009 study involving 60 people with type 2 diabetes, some drank hibiscus tea while others drank black tea. After one month, those who drank hibiscus tea saw an increase in 'good' cholesterol (HDL) and a decrease in total cholesterol, 'bad' cholesterol (LDL), and triglycerides.
Hibiscus is also rich in antioxidants and has many potential health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure, reducing bacterial growth, and aiding in weight loss.
It is important to note that while hibiscus tea may be a safe, natural way to help lower blood pressure, it is not recommended for people on blood pressure medication, as it may interact with these drugs.
