Hibiscus tea
In a study published in the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, use of hibiscus in lowering blood pressure in pre hypersensitive and hypertensive adults was analysed.
The study noted: “In vitro studies show Hibiscus sabdariffa L., an ingredient found in many herbal tea blends and other beverages, has antioxidant properties, and, in animal models, extracts of its calyces have demonstrated hypocholesterolaemia and antihypertensive properties.
“A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted in 65 pre- and mildly hypertensive adults, age 30-70 years old, not taking blood pressure (BP)-lowering medications, with either three 240-mL servings/d of brewed hibiscus tea or placebo beverage for six weeks.
“At six-weeks, hibiscus tea lowered systolic BP (SBP) compared with placebo.”
The study concluded that daily consumption of hibiscus tea, in an amount readily incorporated into the diet, lowers BP in pre- and mildly hypertensive adults and may prove an effective component of the dietary changes recommended for people with these conditions.
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