Benefits of Hibiscus Tea

By Megan Tempest in Food on Jan 19, 2010 4:40PM

Hibiscus produces a vibrant red-orange tea with a pleasantly-tart taste and may lower blood pressure naturally. In 2009 researchers at Tufts University published results of their study that analyzed the effects of hibiscus tea on individuals with mildly elevated blood pressure.

For six weeks, half of the study participants consumed hibiscus tea three times daily. The other half consumed a placebo tea. All participants were instructed to follow their normal diet and exercise routine. The hibiscus drinkers demonstrated significant decrease in blood pressure. Those that had the highest blood pressure at the start of the study demonstrated the most improvement. The healthy effects of the hibiscus tea are attributed to its high content of anthocyanins - potent phytochemicals that impart red, blue and purple hues to many fruits and vegetables.

If hibiscus tea sounds unusual and difficult to find, we assure you it is not. One stellar option is the hibiscus, orange, and ginger combo of “Captivation” tea by the Chicago-based brand Ineeka. Other fine choices are Tazo Passion herbal tea, Celestial Seasonings Red Zinger tea, and the Republic of Tea’s new Get Heart tea and Flowering Fruit tea.