Hibiscus is a natural plant used to prepare delicious and refreshing drinks. It has many health benefits when consumed cold, but it can cause some harm if not consumed properly. In this article from Dalili Medical, we will review the benefits and harms of drinking cold hibiscus and ways to prepare it safely. Different peoples have used hibiscus for centuries as a natural treatment for a range of diseases, in addition to preparing refreshing drinks in hot times.

What is hibiscus؟

 

Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is a medicinal plant that belongs to the Malvicia family and is known for its global popularity. It can be found in most countries with warm climates, such as India, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, Sudan, Egypt, and Mexico. Hibiscus is mainly grown for consumption, and Egypt, Sudan, Mexico, Thailand, and China are among the most prominent countries producing hibiscus flowers. There is a wide debate among scientists about the origin of hibiscus, as some believe that it is a plant native to West Africa, and then spread to other regions such as Asia and America, while others believe that its original home is India or Saudi Arabia.

Types of hibiscus?

 

Hibiscus is considered one of the plants that includes more than three hundred species, spread in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. Studies have shown that some of these species have distinctive medicinal properties. Hibiscus is scientifically known as "sabdariffa", and is divided into two main types: "red sorrel" and "roselle"

**Nutritional value of hibiscus leaves (flowers)**

Hibiscus is a rich source of organic acids, minerals, amino acids, carotene, and vitamin C, as the levels of these elements vary depending on the type of hibiscus and the geographical area in which it is grown. Hibiscus also contains flavonoids, anthocyanidins, triterpenoids, steroids, and alkaloids. As a result of the diversity of its components, multiple health benefits of hibiscus appear. Every 100 grams of hibiscus leaves contain:

- 3.5 grams of protein.

- 0.30 grams of total fat.

- 8.7 grams of carbohydrates.

- 1000 IU of vitamin A, equivalent to 20% of the recommended daily amount.

- 2.3 mg of vitamin C, equivalent to 5% of the recommended daily amount.

- 0.2 mg of thiamine.

- 0.4 mg of riboflavin.

- 1.4 mg of niacin.

- 240 mg of calcium.

- 5.0 mg of iron.

The difference between the benefits of cold hibiscus for pregnant women and the benefits of hot hibiscus for pregnant women?

 

There is a common belief that cold hibiscus drink helps lower blood pressure while hot hibiscus raises blood pressure. But in fact, this belief is incorrect, because cold and hot do not affect the vitamins and antioxidants found in the hibiscus plant, and therefore there is no difference between the benefits of hot hibiscus and the benefits of cold hibiscus for pregnant women.

Does hot or cold hibiscus lower blood pressure?

 

To control blood pressure and lower low blood pressure; it is recommended to drink 1-2 cups of hibiscus daily, as it regulates blood pressure, and is great for purifying the blood from harmful substances. It is preferable to drink hibiscus cold or warm so that the temperature does not exceed 40 degrees Celsius.

Can hibiscus be consumed daily?

 

Hibiscus is considered safe when consumed in moderate amounts, such as drinking 2 to 4 cups of hibiscus tea or infusion daily, or adding it to some foods.

Does hibiscus affect sleep?

 

Yes, one of the prominent health benefits of hibiscus tea is that it can help promote sleep, as it is known for its calming and anxiety-relieving effects.

Is hibiscus harmful to pregnant women?

 

Consuming hibiscus can pose some risks to pregnant women, as it increases the likelihood of bleeding, premature birth, and miscarriage, due to its phytoestrogens.

Does hibiscus contribute to weight gain during pregnancy?

 

Previous medical studies indicate that consuming hibiscus extract can lead to a decrease in body mass index (BMI), body weight, and body fat. Hibiscus also helps reduce levels of triglycerides and harmful cholesterol in the blood, which reduces the risk of obesity and weight gain.

Does hibiscus cause miscarriage?

 

Hibiscus tea is useful in regulating hormones and treating delayed menstruation, but it is recommended not to consume it during pregnancy. Consuming hibiscus during pregnancy can affect the hormones of a pregnant woman, which may cause an increase in uterine contractions, thus increasing the risk of bleeding, premature birth, and miscarriage.

**Benefits of Hibiscus with Lemon**

Hibiscus drink with lemon is considered one of the beneficial drinks to boost immunity, as it contains a high percentage of vitamin C, which helps the body fight bacterial and viral infections, and contributes to recovery from colds and flu.

**Benefits of Hibiscus with Apple Cider Vinegar**

Apple cider vinegar has a number of health benefits, including:

- It contains a high percentage of nutrients.

- Its ability to kill harmful bacteria.

- It can help lower blood sugar levels and manage diabetes.

- It supports the process of weight loss.

- It improves heart health.

- It enhances skin health.

As for hibiscus, it is characterized by:

- It is rich in antioxidants such as beta-carotene, vitamin C, and anthocyanins.

- Its ability to fight inflammation.

- It lowers blood pressure.

- It reduces cholesterol.

- It supports weight loss.

- It fights bacteria.

- It supports liver health.

**Benefits of Hibiscus and Starch Mask**

Hibiscus and starch mask can be used as a natural treatment for the face and body, as it contributes to:

- Tightening the skin.

- Giving the skin a pink color and unifying its color.

- Helping to get rid of pigmentation over time.

**Benefits of Hibiscus for hair with henna**

Hibiscus is used with henna to color hair a natural red color, making it a safe alternative to dyes and materialsFor harmful chemicals. This is especially beneficial for women who are not medically allowed to use dyes, such as those who suffer from hereditary hair loss.

**Benefits of hibiscus and yogurt for hair**

The hibiscus and yogurt mask is an effective natural treatment for moisturizing hair and soothing the scalp, and it also provides hair with the necessary nutrients to promote its growth.

**Does hibiscus raise blood pressure?**

No, on the contrary, hibiscus works to lower blood pressure whether consumed cold or hot.

**Does hibiscus raise blood sugar levels?**

 

Hibiscus does not raise blood sugar levels, unless sugar is added for sweetening. However, when consumed without any additives, it will not affect blood sugar levels.

Does hibiscus cause weight gain?

 

No, hibiscus helps in losing weight, unless artificial sweeteners are added, as they can make it an unhealthy choice and lead to weight gain.

Does hibiscus help regulate the menstrual cycle?

Yes, hibiscus can help regulate and regulate menstruation.

Does hibiscus work as a diuretic?

 

Yes, hibiscus is a diuretic drink, which helps lower blood pressure.

**Benefits of cold hibiscus**

Hibiscus can be consumed cold by soaking the flowers and sweetening the resulting liquid as desired, making it a refreshing option in hot weather.

- Enhances the feeling of freshness.

- Helps protect the body from fever and maintains its normal temperature.

- Supports the respiratory system and protects it from cough, cold and flu.

- Contains vitamin C, which enhances the body's ability to fight diseases.

- Helps prevent high blood pressure, especially in hot weather.

- Works as a diuretic and helps eliminate toxins.

- Helps maintain ideal body weight by reducing starch absorption, which helps get rid of fat and excess weight.

**Benefits of cold hibiscus for diabetics**

Controlling blood sugar levels carefully is vital for people with diabetes, so choosing foods and drinks that enhance this control is essential. Cold hibiscus is a useful option in this context. Zero- or low-calorie drinks, such as cold hibiscus, are an excellent alternative to sugary drinks such as soda or sweetened coffee, which helps improve diabetes control.

Cold hibiscus contains plant compounds that help protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation, in addition to reducing blood sugar levels, making it an ideal choice for diabetics.

Drinking cold, unsweetened hibiscus also helps keep the body hydrated, which is essential for all vital processes, including regulating blood sugar levels. Studies indicate that dehydration can lead to high blood sugar levels in diabetics, highlighting the importance of drinking fluids regularly.

**Benefits of cold hibiscus for anemia**

Drinking cold hibiscus is an effective way to reduce blood pressure in adults with moderate high blood pressure. In a blind study of 100 participants, the group that consumed 3 servings of cold hibiscus daily showed a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure after just six weeks.

The blood pressure-lowering effect of cold hibiscus is attributed to its flavonoid and phytochemical content. The results of this study suggest that regular consumption of hibiscus may help reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks. In addition, hibiscus is a natural diuretic, as it promotes urination and bowel movements. When water is removed from the body, it is accompanied by sodium, which helps lower blood pressure.

**Benefits of cold hibiscus for the stomach**

Cold hibiscus is a beneficial drink for the stomach, as it helps improve the digestion process. Among its other benefits that we will review:

- It helps hydrate the body and enhances the efficiency of the digestive system, which helps prevent constipation.

- It enhances the stomach's ability to absorb nutrients from food.

**Diverse Benefits of Cold Hibiscus Tea**

Hibiscus tea, whether cold or hot, has many health benefits. The most prominent of these benefits are:

1. **Reducing high blood pressure**One of the most important benefits of cold hibiscus is its ability to reduce high blood pressure levels. (Journal of Nutrition) Eating hibiscus helps lower blood pressure in individuals who suffer from a slight increase or are at risk of this problem.

2. Improving good cholesterol levels Drinking hibiscus tea can help raise good cholesterol levels in the body, and it also helps reduce levels of harmful cholesterol and triglycerides.

3. Contains antioxidants Antioxidants are molecules that help combat compounds known as free radicals, which cause damage to the body's cells.

Thus, it increases the risk of many chronic diseases, such as inflammation, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. The benefits of this drink are evident in its high levels of powerful antioxidants, which help prevent damage and diseases resulting from the accumulation of free radicals.

Promote Liver Health * Maintaining liver health and function is essential. Hibiscus promotes liver health and helps maintain optimal liver function.

Regulates blood sugar levels * Another benefit of cold hibiscus is that it can help people with type 2 diabetes improve their blood sugar control.

. Supports weight loss * Positive effects of hibiscus tea on weight loss. One report indicated that consuming hibiscus contributed to reducing body mass index, body weight, and body fat percentage, in addition to reducing the ratio of hip circumference to waist circumference.

. Natural antidepressant * Hibiscus tea is considered a natural sourceEffective in combating symptoms associated with depression, such as fatigue, despair, and loss of enthusiasm. A group of studies have shown that there are flavonoid compounds that contribute to the treatment of depression.

. Anti-staphylococcal bacteria * Hibiscus has an anti-staphylococcal effect (MRSA), which causes many diseases, such as sore throat, pneumonia, and infections that lead to the formation of abscesses.

**. Preventing kidney stones ** Hibiscus is a natural diuretic, which helps reduce the accumulation of compounds and salts that lead to the formation of kidney stones in the bladder for long periods.

** Moisturizing the body: ** Cold hibiscus works as a natural moisturizer for the body, especially in hot weather, as it helps compensate for lost fluids.

** Warnings for taking hibiscus **

Despite the many benefits of cold hibiscus, which is considered safe in most cases, there are some health conditions that require caution before taking it.

**Hypertension patients:** It is recommended that people who take diuretics do not consume hibiscus, as hibiscus can interact with these medications, leading to a sharp and sudden drop in blood pressure.

**Diabetes patients:** Hibiscus helps lower blood sugar levels, so caution should be exercised against a sharp and sudden drop in blood sugar levels in diabetics.

**Malaria patients:** Hibiscus consumption interferes with malaria medications, which may reduce the effectiveness of these medications.

. **Serious drop in blood pressure:** Given the ability of hibiscus tea to lower blood pressure, consuming it by people with low blood pressure may lead to a sharp and dangerous drop in blood pressure, which may cause serious health complications such as dizziness, fainting, and brain and heart damage.

**. Decreased female fertility and pregnancy problems** Consuming some types of hibiscus can lead to reproductive problems in women, both before and during pregnancy. Hibiscus contains substances that may negatively affect fertility levels, including:

- Substances that have an effect similar to the hormone estrogen in the body, which may prevent the implantation of the fertilized egg and reduce the chances of a successful pregnancy.

- Embolic substances that may stimulate uterine contractions and the menstrual cycle, which may lead to miscarriage or premature birth if hibiscus is consumed by a pregnant woman.

**. Negative interactions with some medications **One of the potential risks of hibiscus is that it contains substances that may negatively interact with some medications or reduce their effectiveness, especially the following medications:

- Some medications used to treat malaria, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

- Hormonal treatments.

- Birth control pills.

. Low blood sugar levels Consuming hibiscus can lead to low blood sugar levels, which may cause serious health complications for some groups, especially:

- Diabetics who take medications to control blood sugar levels.

- People who are preparing for an imminent surgery, as hibiscus may affect the body's ability to regulate blood sugar levels during surgery.