Try hibiscus (karkade).
Try hibiscus (karkade). Hibiscus is a very beneficial and underrated caffeine-free beverage with numerous health benefits. Hibiscus, also known as roselle or Sudanese rose, is made from the sepals of the roselle plant. Hibiscus has many names: red tea, Kandahar, okra, kenaf, Jamaica, buzo, etc. Its leaves and shoots can be used as vegetables, known as “red sorrel.” In different countries, hibiscus is served in various ways, sometimes chilled, other times with spices (ginger, cloves, lemon, etc.).
The active components of hibiscus include flavonoids (quercetin, luteolin), chlorogenic acid, gossypetin, hibiscetin, and phenols. Its rich, bright color is due to anthocyanins, such as delphinidin-3-sambubioside and cyanidin-3-sambubioside, which readily dissolve in water when brewed. However, it does not contain astringent tannins.
Why is hibiscus good for you? Whether hot or chilled, it tastes great and looks beautiful when served in a clear glass. It is also beneficial for health. The antihypertensive properties of hibiscus have been studied well. Regular consumption lowers systolic blood pressure by 7.5 mm Hg and diastolic pressure by 3.5 mm Hg.
It positively affects lipid profiles by reducing total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides, decreases oxidative damage to LDL, and lowers malondialdehyde levels. Anthocyanins are primarily responsible for these properties. In animal experiments, hibiscus promotes the growth of new blood vessels, reduces blood viscosity (by blocking cyclooxygenase), inhibits adipocyte differentiation through PI3-K/Akt and ERK pathways, and suppresses adipogenesis through the PPARγ pathway. Hibiscus extracts are also beneficial for fatty liver disease.
Try reducing your caffeine intake from tea and coffee by substituting them with equally beneficial caffeine-free beverages. This will help you sleep better, feel less anxious, and improve your health by avoiding dehydration. Maintain a clear mind without caffeine intoxication and good hydration!
Molecules. 2019 Jan; 24(1): 210.Beneficial Effects of Natural Bioactive Compounds from Hibiscus sabdariffa L. on Obesity
Nutrients. 2019 Feb 5;11(2). pii: E341. doi: 10.3390/nu11020341.Acute Effects of Hibiscus Sabdariffa Calyces on Postprandial Blood Pressure, Vascular Function, Blood Lipids, Biomarkers of Insulin Resistance and Inflammation in Humans.
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J Hypertens. 2015 Jun;33(6):1119–27. doi: 10.1097/HJH.0000000000000585.Effect of sour tea (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) on arterial hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Fitoterapia. 2013 Mar; 85: 84–94.Hibiscus sabdariffa L. in the treatment of hypertension and hyperlipidemia: a comprehensive review of animal and human studies
Antioxidant and cyclooxygenase inhibitory activity of sorrel (Hibiscus sabdariffa) J. Food Compost. Anal. 2006;19:778–783.
Molecules. 2019 Jan 8;24(1). pii: E210. doi: 10.3390/molecules24010210. Beneficial Effects of Natural Bioactive Compounds from Hibiscus sabdariffa L. on Obesity. Molecules. 2019 Jan; 24(1): 210.Beneficial Effects of Natural Bioactive Compounds from Hibiscus sabdariffa L. on Obesity
Nutrients. 2019 Feb 5;11(2). pii: E341. doi: 10.3390/nu11020341.Acute Effects of Hibiscus Sabdariffa Calyces on Postprandial Blood Pressure, Vascular Function, Blood Lipids, Biomarkers of Insulin Resistance and Inflammation in Humans.
J Hypertens. 2015 Jun;33(6):1119–27. doi: 10.1097/HJH.0000000000000585.Effect of sour tea (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) on arterial hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Fitoterapia. 2013 Mar; 85: 84–94.Hibiscus sabdariffa L. in the treatment of hypertension and hyperlipidemia: a comprehensive review of animal and human studies
Antioxidant and cyclooxygenase inhibitory activity of sorrel (Hibiscus sabdariffa) J. Food Compost. Anal. 2006;19:778–783.
Molecules. 2019 Jan 8;24(1). pii: E210. doi: 10.3390/molecules24010210. Beneficial Effects of Natural Bioactive Compounds from Hibiscus sabdariffa L. on Obesity.
