Is it safe to drink hibiscus tea everyday?
Hibiscus tea is a popular herbal tea that has been gaining more and more popularity in recent years due to its many potential health benefits. However, many people wonder if it’s safe to drink hibiscus tea every day. In this article, we will explore the benefits and risks of drinking hibiscus tea daily.
Potential health benefits of hibiscus tea
Many people love hibiscus tea for its tangy flavor, but did you know that it also contains many potentially beneficial compounds? Here are some of the most well-researched benefits of hibiscus tea:
1. May lower blood pressure
One of the most significant potential benefits of hibiscus tea is its ability to lower blood pressure. Several studies have found that drinking hibiscus tea regularly can lead to reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels.
What makes hibiscus tea effective at lowering blood pressure?
Hibiscus tea contains compounds called anthocyanins and polyphenols, which may help to reduce inflammation and improve blood vessel function, leading to lower blood pressure levels.
2. May improve digestion
Hibiscus tea is a natural diuretic, which means that it may help to flush toxins and excess fluids out of the body. This can be helpful for people who struggle with water retention or indigestion.
What are the potential digestive benefits of hibiscus tea?
In addition to its diuretic effects, hibiscus tea contains compounds that may promote healthy gut bacteria, which can lead to improved digestion and regularity.
3. May be good for liver health
Some preliminary studies have suggested that hibiscus tea may have a protective effect on the liver. This could be due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
How does hibiscus tea protect the liver?
Hibiscus tea’s compounds may help to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver, leading to improved liver function and lower risk of diseases such as hepatitis.
4. May help with weight management
If you’re trying to lose weight, incorporating hibiscus tea into your diet may be a helpful strategy. Some studies have found that hibiscus tea may help to reduce body weight and fat mass.
Why might hibiscus tea be beneficial for weight management?
One possible explanation is that hibiscus tea may help to reduce the absorption of dietary fat and carbohydrates, leading to fewer calories being stored as body fat.
The risks of drinking hibiscus tea daily
While hibiscus tea has many potential health benefits, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks as well. Here are some things to be mindful of if you’re considering drinking hibiscus tea on a daily basis:
1. May interact with medications
Hibiscus tea contains compounds that may interact with certain medications, including those used to treat high blood pressure and diabetes. Check with your doctor before adding hibiscus tea to your routine if you take any prescription medications.
2. May lower blood pressure too much
While hibiscus tea can be helpful for lowering blood pressure, it’s important to be mindful not to take too much. Drinking large amounts of hibiscus tea may lead to dangerously low blood pressure levels.
3. May cause gastrointestinal upset
Some people may be sensitive to hibiscus tea and may experience gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea or vomiting, when consuming it regularly.
4. May increase the risk of kidney stones
Hibiscus tea is high in oxalates, which can contribute to the formation of kidney stones in some people. If you have a history of kidney stones or are at risk for developing them, it may be best to avoid consuming large amounts of hibiscus tea.
Overall, is it safe to drink hibiscus tea everyday?
In general, drinking hibiscus tea in moderation is likely safe for most people. However, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and to check with your doctor before incorporating hibiscus tea into your routine, especially if you take any medications or have any pre-existing health conditions.
FAQs
1. Can hibiscus tea make you sleepy?
While hibiscus tea is not a sedative, it may help to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. Some people may find that drinking hibiscus tea in the evenings helps them to sleep better.
2. How much hibiscus tea should you drink per day?
Most experts recommend drinking no more than 3-4 cups of hibiscus tea per day to avoid any potential side effects.
3. Can hibiscus tea help with menstrual cramps?
Some studies have suggested that hibiscus tea may have natural pain-relieving properties that could help to reduce discomfort associated with menstrual cramps.
4. Does hibiscus tea have caffeine?
No, hibiscus tea is naturally caffeine-free.
References:
1. Mozaffari-Khosravi, H., Jalali-Khanabadi, B. A., Afkhami-Ardekani, M., and Fatehi, F. (2009). Effects of sour tea (Hibiscus sabdariffa) on lipid profile and lipoproteins in patients with type II diabetes. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 15(8), 899-903.
2. McKay, D. L., Chen, C., and Saltzman, E. (2010). Hibiscus sabdariffa L. tea (tisane) lowers blood pressure in prehypertensive and mildly hypertensive adults. Journal of Nutrition, 140(2), 298-303.
3. Serban, A. C., Sahebkar, A., Ursoniu, S., Andrica, F., and Banach, M. (2015). Effect of sour tea (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) on arterial hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Hypertension, 33(6), 1119-1127.
4. Yang, Y. H., and Chang, F. R. (2011). Effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa extract on high fat diet-induced obesity and liver damage in hamsters. Food Chemistry, 129(3), 870-875.