Hibiscus Tea (Zobo)
The tea is made from the hibiscus plant, which is ruby red in colour and is a very popular drink in Nigeria. It is taken by both old and young.
Hibiscus tea is made by steeping dry hibiscus / zobo leaves in boiling water, and can be enjoyed both hot and cold. It has a sour taste, so it is known as sour tea, having a flavour similar to cranberry juice.
In the Caribbean, a hibiscus drink called sorrel is made by adding ginger, sugar and rum to the hibiscus brew. Though, it is advised that anyone seeking to gain any health benefits from a hibiscus tea does not add anything with negative dietary effects such sugar or alcohol to the drink.
Zobo drink has an enjoyable taste, and the health benefits are enormous, though may be dangerous during pregnancy, due to its ability to cause hormone fluctuations
1. Zobo leaf drink may relieve menstrual pain
Traditionally, the health benefits of hibiscus tea include relief from cramps and menstrual pain. It is thought to help in restoring hormonal balance as well, which can reduce the symptoms of menstruation like mood swings, depression, and overeating.
2. Zobo drink may manage high blood pressure
Consuming zobo drink may lower the blood pressure in pre-hypertensive and mildly hypertensive adults. it has antihypertensive and cardioprotective properties, which may be beneficial for people suffering from hypertension, and those at high risks of cardiovascular diseases.
3. HIbiscus tea may lower cholesterol
Zobo drink helps to lower the levels of (bad) LDL cholesterol from the body, thereby helping to protect against heart diseases and protecting blood vessels from damage. The hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic properties of hibiscus tea may be beneficial for those who suffer from blood sugar disorders like diabetes.
4. Zobo drink may protect the liver
The antioxidant properties, in particular from flavonoids, of hibiscus tea may also help in treating liver diseases. Antioxidants help protect your body from diseases because they neutralize the free radicals present in body tissues and cells. Hibiscus tea could increase your lifespan by maintaining good overall health.
5. It contains anti-cancer properties
Hibiscus tea contains hibiscus protocatechuic acid which has antitumor and antioxidant properties. Hibiscus may slow down the growth of cancerous cells by inducing apoptosis, commonly known as programmed cell death.
6. Hibiscus tea is an anti-inflammatory & antibacterial agent
Zobo drink is rich in ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, an essential nutrient required by your body to boost and stimulate the activity of the immune system. It is also used to treat discomfort caused by fever.
7. Zobo leaf drink may be an antidepressant agent
Hibiscus tea contains many vitamins and minerals, while it’s the presence of flavonoids which have been found to have antidepressant properties. Consumption of hibiscus tea may help calm down the nervous system, and it may reduce anxiety and depression by relaxing the mind and body.
8. Zobo drink may promote weight loss
A study in the molecules journal has shown that hibiscus may reduce lipid accumulation, as well as acting to lower the development of fat tissue in the body. Both of these effects suggest that hibiscus tea may be a useful aid for weight loss, when combined with a health diet and lifestyle.