The hibiscus flower, known by the scientific name Hibiscus sabdariffa, is a medicinal plant that is characterized by being rich in anthocyanins, a compound that gives it its characteristic red color.
The list of properties attributed to this plant includes vitamins A, C and B1 and minerals such as iron, phosphorus and calcium, which make it ideal for people who want to consume antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antihypertensive agents, says the National Health. Institute, of the United States.
Thanks to vitamin C, this flower helps prevent premature aging, and also fights respiratory infections, anemia and fatigue. Hibiscus flower water is ideal to be consumed every day, as it also helps to fall asleep and reduce insomnia problems, while it has diuretic properties that stimulate the cleansing of the kidneys and the reduction of toxins from the liver.
Different investigations have concluded that hibiscus flower would help prevent and control mild and moderate high blood pressure, as it promotes the relaxation of blood vessels. “It is believed that this effect could be due to its anthocyanin content and its antioxidant properties and its diuretic effect,” states the Tua Saúde health and wellness portal.
This website indicates that some scientific studies have suggested that regular intake of this plant's water could exert an effect similar to that of some antihypertensive medications, such as captopril, for example. However, it is important to be clear that it should not replace the treatment indicated by the doctor, as more scientific research is required.
A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that consuming tea from this plant reduced blood pressure in people at risk of high blood pressure and in those with mildly high blood pressure. Research participants consumed three eight-ounce servings of tea per day for six weeks, showing a significant reduction in their systolic blood pressure.
Additionally, its regular consumption could help reduce LDL cholesterol, known as bad, and increase good cholesterol (HDL). It could also lower triglyceride levels.
The specialized health portal Healthline cites a study carried out in 2011 in which the results of consuming hibiscus flower versus black tea on cholesterol levels were compared.
A total of 90 people with high blood pressure consumed hibiscus or black tea twice a day. After 30 days, neither group had significant changes in their LDL cholesterol levels, but they did show significant increases in total and HDL or good cholesterol.
This plant is also attributed benefits to help regulate blood sugar, because it could inhibit the activity of some pancreatic and intestinal enzymes that are responsible for the digestion of carbohydrates in the small intestine, thus avoiding blood sugar spikes. and excessive insulin excretion.
It is also said to help cleanse the liver and kidneys, thanks to the fact that it helps eliminate toxins from the body through urine. However, it is important to be clear that it is not a treatment, but it could be a complement.
The Tua Saúde portal indicates that thanks to its content of polyphenols, mainly anthocyanins, flavonoids and other phenolic compounds, such as galloyl, chlorogenic acid, quercetin and caffeic acid, regular consumption of hibiscus flower could promote weight loss. and prevent obesity.
"It is believed that this effect may be due to the fact that it helps regulate blood sugar, reduces the absorption of carbohydrates at the intestinal level and improves the metabolism of fats in the body, and could even control appetite, as some studies indicate "which could influence some hormones, such as ghrelin and leptin, which are responsible for regulating it," states the aforementioned website.
REFERENCE: SEMANA MAGAZINE.