If you are a tea lover who wants to know whether hibiscus tea contains caffeine, the short answer is no; hibiscus tea is caffeine-free.
That makes it a perfect drink if you’re sensitive to caffeine or just trying to avoid the jitters before bed.
Each of us have a different and unique physiological response to caffeine but generally, the stimulant has a half-life of 5 hours according to sleep experts.
Half-life is the time it takes for a substance to be reduced to half the original amount.
Meaning if you consume 100mg of caffeine, 50mg will still be present in your system 5-6 hours later even when the observable effects have worn off.
Older adults process it much slower.
In other words, sip a late-afternoon espresso, and the caffeine will still be in your bloodstream when you’re ready to hit the pillow.
The more reason experts suggest avoiding caffeine at least 6 hours before you hit the sack.
The thing is, even if you consume a caffeinated drink in the late afternoon, the effect can still reduce your sleep time by an hour, one study finds.
But if saying goodbye to your evening coffee feels like breaking up with a best friend, don’t sweat it.
Instead, try hibiscus tea.
This tart-red brew is a guilt-free nightcap. No jitters, no tossing and turning.
And that’s not the best part.
Beyond being a delightful caffeine-free indulgence, a cup of hibiscus tea packs a punch in terms of health benefits, especially for your heart, waistline, and immunity.
So beyond caffeine – or rather the lack of it, let’s look at why hibiscus is more than just another trendy addition in health-conscious recipes.
Hibiscus Nutrition Facts
When we say “hibiscus”, we mean Hibiscus sabdariffa, also known as Roselle.
While there are many varieties, Roselle is the one most commonly used for making tea and also the variety that has been researched the most.
Probably for its powerhouse of nutrients especially anthocyanins.
If you are thinking, “Isn’t that the same compound that makes berries and grapes one of the most coveted ‘superfoods’?
Well, you’re right!
Anthocyanins are the same antioxidants found in blueberries and grapes that give hibiscus its bold red color.
But besides giving pigment to red, blue, and purple foods, anthocyanins supply a distinctive quality to food as they can increase the nutritional potential. They fight off free radicals and any molecules that accelerate aging and degenerative diseases.
Among other health benefits, hibiscus has been proven to have anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertensive, and hypocholesterolemic effects according to the research findings by The Journal of Nutrition.
Here’s what else is in a cup of delicious hibiscus tea:
- Vitamin C: Supports your immune system.
- Polyphenols: Antioxidants that reduce inflammation and protect your heart.
- Minerals: Calcium, magnesium, and potassium, all of which support the heart and overall health.
- No Calories or Caffeine: Hibiscus tea is naturally calorie-free and caffeine-free.
Because of its rich antioxidant content, hibiscus tea is often compared to other health-promoting beverages like green tea. Interestingly, some research even suggests hibiscus may have more potent antioxidant effects.
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Hibiscus Tea and Blood Pressure
The science behind the flower’s HBP-crushing ability is the most studied among its lineup of benefits. What makes it more fascinating is that hibiscus tea can regulate your blood pressure without the often ignored but harmful side effects of many conventional drugs.
Evidence shows that drinking hibiscus tea lowers systolic blood pressure by an average of 7.2 mm Hg after six weeks of daily consumption.
Sixty-five participants in the study saw their systolic blood pressure (the top number) drop by around 7.2 mm Hg, compared to a placebo. The reduction was most noticeable in people with prehypertension or mild hypertension based on the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
That may sound like a tiny shift, but even a 5-mmHg reduction in systolic blood lowers the risk of cardiovascular issues by a whooping 10%.
Now, there are several mechanisms at work here:
Phytonutrients in Hibiscus
The phytonutrients present lower blood pressure by working as natural ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors.
If the term rings a bell, that’s because many blood pressure medications fall into the same category.
ACE is an enzyme that plays a key role in regulating blood pressure. It’s part of a chain reaction in your body that causes blood vessels to constrict, raising blood pressure.
By inhibiting ACE, hibiscus tea helps your blood vessels relax and widen, allowing blood to flow more easily and reducing the pressure on your heart and arteries.
While prescription ACE inhibitors are effective, they often come with side effects and most critically – nutrient depletion.
Diuretic Action in Hibiscus Without Nutrient Loss
Hibiscus tea also has a mild diuretic effect, meaning it can help your body get rid of excess fluid and sodium. However, the diuretic effect of this drink works without causing the loss of potassium.
And why is this such a big deal?
You see, many diuretics tend to waste sodium, potassium, and magnesium leading to imbalances.
The result? Lower levels of essential minerals.
Ironically, losing vital minerals such as potassium in a bid to regulate blood pressure leads to a vicious cycle where the very treatment for HBP causes imbalances that can make the problem worse.
Quite like trying to plug a leak by poking another hole.
Let’s go back to what the research shows.
Studies have identified that at a specific dose (around 86 mg/kg of body weight), hibiscus extract exhibited its strongest sodium-flushing capability.
Thus, making it a serious contender for managing conditions like hypertension or fluid retention without the unwanted side effects.
One compound in hibiscus is Quercetin, a flavonoid with a vasorelaxant effect because of its nitric-oxide release capacity.
In plain English, Quercetin helps your blood vessels relax, which improves blood flow to the kidneys. This enhanced blood flow is what makes your kidneys better at filtering out waste and excess fluid.
With more nitric oxide released from the inner cells of the arteries, veins, and capillaries, the kidneys get a boost in infiltration capacity, which leads to the increased diuretic effect observed in the study.
Also, a 2022 meta-analysis of 13 randomized controlled trials with 1,205 participants concluded that hibiscus tea significantly lowered systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
In the same research, the effectiveness of Hibiscus was comparable to Captopril, a standard treatment for hypertension, says Eric Berg, an authority in the diet and nutrition circle.
While standard meds performed slightly better, hibiscus tea still showed remarkable results in lowering blood pressure—from 146/97 to 129/85.
The researchers noted that hibiscus tea is an effective and safe option for managing hypertension, especially for those seeking a natural remedy.
Plus, it offers many additional benefits, such as lowering LDL cholesterol which only adds to its heart-healthy effects.
Hibiscus Tea Recipe for High Blood Pressure
This inexpensive drink is prepared by steeping dried hibiscus calyces (the part that surrounds the flower petals) in hot water. What you get is a deep red, tart tea that’s reminiscent of cranberries mingled with lemon.
Here’s How You Can Prepare Hibiscus Tea for Hypertension
You can enjoy the blood-pressure-lowering benefits of hibiscus leaves as a cold refreshing drink. Keep it within 40^celcius if you must take it warm.
Hibiscus Tea Recipe :
- 1–2 tablespoons of dried hibiscus flowers (you can find these in health food stores or online)
- 2 glasses of water
Method:
- Boil the water and add the hibiscus flowers.
- Let it steep for 10–15 minutes (the longer you steep, the stronger the flavor).
- Strain the tea
- Drink it warm or chill it in the fridge for a refreshing cold beverage.
For best results, drink 3 cups of hibiscus tea every day for six weeks.
And here’s a fun tip: If you want to get creative, toss in a cinnamon stick to balance the tartness or a slice of lime for extra flavor.
This is only necessary if you simply want to enjoy a different taste while reaping other benefits like weight loss.
So, if you’re looking for a simple, safe, and inexpensive way to help lower your blood pressure, hibiscus tea might be the perfect natural remedy.
Pair it with a healthy diet, lifestyle, and the right supplements for best results.
And, of course, consult your doctor, especially if you’re on any medications. You don’t want to crash your numbers to dangerously low levels.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Hibiscus Tea
Does hibiscus tea contain caffeine?
No, hibiscus tea is naturally caffeine-free. It’s an excellent option if you are avoiding caffeine. You can enjoy it any time, even before bed, without worrying about sleeplessness or jitters. It’s also a great herbal alternative to black or green tea.
Can hibiscus tea lower blood pressure?
Yes. Hibiscus tea is well-researched for its potential to lower blood pressure. Several studies have shown that it can significantly reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
Does hibiscus tea help with weight loss?
Studies have shown that it may help reduce body weight, BMI, and body fat by combating oxidative stress and inflammation. While it’s not a miracle weight-loss solution, it can be a helpful part of a healthy diet by regulating metabolism and promoting fat breakdown.
Are there any risks or side effects to drinking hibiscus tea?
Hibiscus tea is generally safe for most people when consumed in moderation. However, it can lower blood pressure, so if you’re already on antihypertensive medications, it’s important to consult your doctor to avoid potential over-lowering of your blood pressure.
Rare side effects include stomach upset, headaches, and tinnitus (ringing in the ears). Additionally, avoid this drink if you are pregnant as it may lead to a miscarriage..
Does hibiscus tea interact with medications?
Hibiscus tea may interact with some medications, especially blood pressure and diabetes medications.
It may enhance the effects of these drugs, leading to dangerously low blood pressure or blood sugar levels.
Additionally, hibiscus can interact with acetaminophen, altering how the body metabolizes it.
It’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider if you’re on medication before incorporating hibiscus tea into your routine.
Can hibiscus tea help prevent cancer?
While no human studies have definitively proven this, laboratory studies show that hibiscus tea has anti-cancer properties.
The extracts have been found to induce apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells, particularly in breast and prostate cancer cells.
However, these results are still in the lab stage, and more research is needed before we can make solid claims about hibiscus in cancer prevention.
Is it safe to drink hibiscus tea every day?
For most people, yes! Hibiscus tea is generally safe to consume daily, but you should limit yourself to 1-2 cups if you have concerns about blood pressure or are taking medications that might interact with it.
Studies suggest that drinking hibiscus tea daily for up to six weeks is safe, but there isn’t much research beyond this timeframe, so moderation is key.
Are there other ways hibiscus tea can be used to handle high blood pressure? Let’s know your opinion.
