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Hibiscus tea: benefits and harms. Video
Hibiscus, or red tea, is made from hibiscus (Sudanese rose) flowers. This plant belongs to the Malvaceae family and has about 150 different species. It is a rather tall shrub with large flowers (up to 7-10 cm in diameter).
Hibiscus tea: benefits and harms
Sudanese rose petal drink
Different parts of hibiscus are used for food, except for the roots. For tea, they take flower petals and cups, and fresh stems and shoots are added to salads.
Added hibiscus petals when cooking rice will give the dish a spicy sour flavor and an unusual pink hue.
The homeland of this tea drink is India. Currently, hibiscus is grown in many countries with tropical climates. There are large plantations in Egypt, China, India, Thailand, Sri Lanka and Mexico.
The benefits and harms of hibiscus tea
Eating hibiscus in moderation is very beneficial for your health. In its composition, the drink contains antioxidants that protect the cells of the body from the negative effects of free radicals, thereby slowing down the aging process and preventing the formation of tumors.
The special substances anthocyanins found in rosella flowers strengthen the walls of blood vessels, and also give hibiscus flowers a dark red color.
Known for the strengthening properties of hibiscus. Due to the high content of citric acid and vitamin C, this drink will help improve immunity.
In Sudan and Egypt, a drink made from hibiscus petals is considered special, with “magical” properties. At especially important holidays, for example, at a wedding, the newlyweds are given hibiscus to drink
Fatty organic acids in its composition dissolve excess fat, prevent the formation of cholesterol plaques, improve brain function and relieve stress. The antispasmodic, bactericidal, sedative and diuretic properties of hibiscus are also widely known. The pectin contained in the petals of the Sudanese rose removes various toxins, toxins and heavy metal salts from the body.
However, there are also contraindications to the use of this drink. For people suffering from gastritis and peptic ulcer disease, hibiscus tea can be harmful, as it increases the acidity of gastric juice. In addition, hibiscus cannot be drunk with exacerbations of gallstone and urolithiasis.
Cooking and eating hibiscus
You can drink red tea both hot and cold, from this hibiscus does not lose its benefits. For the preparation of the drink, it is better to use whole dried leaves without additives or flavors. You can brew the petals in the usual way in a porcelain or glass teapot (a glass of boiling water for a teaspoon of leaves). In a metal container, the drink loses its beneficial properties and changes color. There is also a cold brewing method and an “Egyptian recipe” for making red tea.
Read also an interesting article about diet salad.