5 Benefits and risks of hibiscus tea

Come spring, come flowers. Flowers adorn almost every arena of life, let alone tea. Yes! floral teas are a rage these days. People are loving the beauty and different flavors that different flowers bring with them. In this range of herbal teas, let’s discover a red-colored tea made up of hibiscus. This vibrant tea is made up of dried parts of hibiscus. Usually found in tropical regions, the tea made up of this flower tastes usually fruity, sweet to tart in flavor. Like any other food item or beverage, this item too can have benefits and risks. This may suit a few while harming others. Let’s get to know the health benefits, followed by the risks involved.     

1. Cholesterol levels: According to multiple pieces of research conducted to date, hibiscus tea is found to maintain ‘good’ cholesterol and limit ‘bad’ cholesterol. This effect differs from different ailing conditions of individuals, though.
2. Blood pressure: Drinking hibiscus tea may lower blood pressure. This effect is found when people were compared to drinking a placebo. Also, this helps people prevent heart diseases.
3. Digestion: Herbal teas are in general a good way to promote digestion, let alone hibiscus tea. Drinking 2 cups of hibiscus tea can help you improve your bowel movements and also urination. Generally, it works to improve one’s gastrointestinal system.
4. Liver health: Hibiscus tea is highly nutritive and rich in antioxidants. These help to maintain one’s liver health. Hibiscus tea is preferred to prevent and even treat many liver-related diseases.
5. Aids in weight loss: Any range of herbal teas contains weight-reducing agents. It contains elements that can break down fat. It prevents one from obesity too.

One cannot deny the ill effects of any favored food item or beverage. Similar is the case with hibiscus tea, so let’s know some of the risks associated with drinking hibiscus tea.

1. Low blood pressure: Not everybody would need to maintain low blood pressure. People who already are suffering from low blood pressure, won’t require a further dip in it. It is even not suitable for people suffering from hypotension. 
2. Not suitable for pregnant women: Hibiscus tea affects the levels of estrogen hormone. So pregnant women or women that are undergoing birth control-related treatment are not advised to consume hibiscus tea.
3. Affects liver: While the tea might be flavourful to your taste buds, drinking hibiscus tea in a higher concentration is a big no for your liver. Certain studies have shown the ill effects of hibiscus tea on your liver if consumed in a higher proportion.
4. Allergies: Hibiscus flower belongs to the mallow family of plants. So if you feel irritated or are allergic to any of the plants belonging to this family, do not drink hibiscus tea.
5. Medications: Generally, some herbs are potent to disturb any medication. After all, hibiscus tea is a herbal tea, which means it can disturb the effects of any ongoing medication.

The bottom line is to drink understanding the pros and cons of herbal drinks. While it may suit some, it may not be right for others. Know before you try out any flavour to delight your taste buds.