Constantly drinking hibiscus water would help reduce flu symptoms, regulate blood pressure, and prevent diabetes. Learn more about the benefits of this plant.
A glass of ice-cold hibiscus water when you are thirsty or very hot is delicious, as it is considered a hydrating drink. However, drinking it regularly is also beneficial for health when you have heart disease, or diabetes, and want to lose weight.
Hibiscus is a small flower that belongs to the tulip family. Its scientific name is Hibiscus sabdariffa, although it is better known as Jamaica, Rose of Jamaica, Guinea Sorrel, Obelisk, Rosamorada, or Karkadé. It grows on a bush approximately 3 meters high, surrounded by thorns that serve as protection.
This plant is native to tropical Asia and Sudan, then it was introduced to Egypt, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Jamaica, Mexico, and Guatemala. Until 2020, Baja Verapaz was the department that had first place in the production of Rose of Jamaica, followed by Huehuetenango, Jutiapa, Escuintla, and El Progreso.
“Hibiscus can be taken as an infusion, in a soft drink, or used as a condiment. It is also found in jellies and even in salads, due to its peculiar flavor. In addition, its properties make it a food that helps combat the symptoms of the flu, stomach diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and menstrual problems,” says Carolina De León, nutritionist.
Properties of Jamaican Rose
Roselle is a diuretic plant that helps cleanse the body. It is also considered rich in vitamins A, C, B1, and E, as well as iron, phosphorus, and calcium, says Estuardo Martínez, naturopath. It is also considered a natural fiber.
The professional points out that it is beneficial for patients with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, cancer, and other inflammatory diseases of the liver and kidneys. When consumed constantly, it plays an important role in preventing chronic and degenerative diseases that are related to oxidative stress.
It also has antioxidant, antiseptic, purgative, diuretic, astringent, emollient, and sedative properties.
Benefits of Jamaican water
One of the most common ways to take advantage of the properties of hibiscus is to drink it as a soft drink or infusion, either hot or cold. In the Manual of Medicinal Plants of the Guatemalan Highlands for Family Use, it is recommended to use 30 grams of this plant per liter of water and drink at least one glass a day to see positive health results.
When taken consistently, at least one glass a day, the following benefits could be achieved:
- Prevents fatty liver: Hibiscus may inhibit the production of fatty acids in the liver, thereby improving its health and preventing fatty liver disease. It also helps detoxify the body.
- Regulates blood sugar: This plant is beneficial for those with glucose problems, such as diabetes, as it inhibits some pancreatic and intestinal enzymes responsible for carbohydrate digestion. It prevents glucose spikes, thus preventing diabetes.
- It helps you lose weight: in addition to regulating blood sugar and reducing the absorption of carbohydrates at the intestinal level, it improves the metabolism of fats in the body.
- Regulates blood pressure: Hibiscus relaxes blood vessels and, due to its antioxidant and diuretic properties, helps control mild and moderate hypertension.
- Prevents urinary tract infections: its antibacterial properties help fight Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia, bacteria responsible for causing urinary tract infections. In addition, as it is a diuretic, it promotes the elimination of microorganisms through urine.
- Prevents heart disease: In addition to lowering blood pressure, which helps maintain heart health, hibiscus also lowers LDL cholesterol, considered bad, and increases HDL cholesterol, also called “good cholesterol.”
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