Other antioxidants found in hibiscus leaves are chlorogenic acid, neochlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, quercetin, kaempferol and their glycosides ( Phytochemistry, antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content and anti-inflammatory activity of Hibiscus sabdariffa leaves).Īntioxidants hunt down damaging free radical molecules and prevent them from causing damage to cells and DNA. The red color the flowers impart to teas and other hibiscus beverages is actually a release of anthocyanins. The red hibiscus variety is a rich source of anthocyanins, natural red pigments with antioxidant properties. in the treatment of hypertension and hyperlipidemia: a comprehensive review of animal and human studies). It would appear that almost daily consumption of the plant can contribute to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglyceride levels, without any negative impact on HDL (good) cholesterol ( Hibiscus sabdariffa L. 2) Cholesterol-lowering propertiesīoth animal and human studies show that hibiscus plays a part in lowering high blood cholesterol levels. There are numerous clinical trials that demonstrate the anti-hypertensive effects of hibiscus and studies reveal that the effectiveness of the plant is strongly dependent on the amounts consumed. Ntioxidant activity is also believed to promote lower blood pressure levels. The species is also a mild diuretic, encouraging urine excretion, a mechanism that favors a lowering in blood pressure. Research suggests hibiscus helps lower high blood pressure by positively affecting the activity of a blood vessel dilator called nitric oxide. What are the benefits of Hibiscus? 1) Blood pressure-lowering effects Find out below what are the top 6 health benefits of hibiscus. In this respect, the Hibiscus Sabdariffa beautiful red variety is the go-to species used for curative purposes. Modern medicine has not been able to prove most of the curative uses of the hibiscus plant, but preliminary research is optimistic as to it treating and successfully managing a small number of medical issues. As it is not the most fruitful edible plant, it was used mostly for medicinal purposes and thus employed to treat a variety of conditions ranging from fever to diabetes, high blood pressure, colds, cough, constipation, skin infections and wounds, liver problems, nervous system illnesses and conditions. As a result of its spread, people had to make good use of it. Hibiscus is a genus of flowers encountered throughout the tropical, subtropical and temperate regions of the world. Just like the red flowers, they can be steamed, fried or made into soup, added to curry, chicken dishes, etc. The leaves are cooked like leafy greens and either mixed with legumes or enjoyed as a side dish. They are viewed as culinary vegetables and added to various traditional recipes, or even made into candy. Hibiscus flowers are also food in various countries around the world. The leaves and the cup-like part of the plant center (sepals forming a calyx) are also used for the same purpose. The fresh or dried flowers of the Hibiscus Sabdariffa species are made into a flavorful, deep red, tart tea which can be consumed both hot and cold. Both the flowers and the fruits of the species are depicted in the group of images below. Each fruit-capsule contains several seeds and splits open when ripe. It has broad leaves of a bold red color and produces ribbed, capsule-like fruit of a deep red color. The Hibiscus Sabdariffa species, used for medicinal purposes is the subject of today’s article. They can be yellow, peach, white, red, pink, violet, dark red, purple or blue and each flower may have at least two different colors on its petals.Įach flower has 5 or more large, broad petals with a long, slender stigma (female part of a flower) in the middle. Flowers come in a wild variety of colors and are the pride and joy of any garden. Hibiscus refers to a genus of several hundred species of flowering plants, shrubs and small trees. However, despite its benefits, hibiscus consumption is not recommended before and during pregnancy and may reduce fertility in both women and men. Hibiscus holds cardiovascular benefits and exerts a beneficial action on the nervous system. The polyphenolsin the infusion provide antioxidant protection to cells and help reduce inflammation levels in the body, preventing the development of chronic disease. Preliminary studies indicate the species exerts mild diuretic properties and a strong anti-inflammatory action, contributing to an overall good health. In addition to promising health benefits such as hypertension reduction and lowering of LDL and triglyceride levels, hibiscus infusions and extracts boast mild laxative effects as well as anti-diabetic properties. Aside from being a delight to one’s eyes, hibiscus ( Hibiscus Sabdariffa) is also a popular medicinal herb, rich in potent antioxidant compounds.
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