Hibiscus Tea lowers Blood Pressure
This simple recipe will not only please
your heart but your tastebuds too. Its main ingredient is the hibiscus
flower, which is revered for its beauty. A lesser-known quality of the
hibiscus flower is its healing ability. In traditional medicine, this
beautiful flower has often been used in tea, and as far as taste goes,
it's predominantly tart, much like cranberries are. However, with a
little bit of sugar and a slice of citrus, the balance is just right.
With respect to the flower's medicinal
properties, new and exciting research has shown that hibiscus is
especially beneficial for heart health. In fact, scientists have
confirmed that the deep red flowers gently lower blood pressure thanks
to their diuretic properties (which help the body eliminate excess
water).
Furthermore, the flowers have been shown to
contain anthocyanin (a powerful compound), which blocks the
angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), a compound that causes blood
vessels to constrict. This effect is exactly what the prescription drug
combination of lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide does, but to a milder
degree and without the side effects. So, to reap the benefits of this
wonderful tea here's a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
4 cups water
3 tablespoons dried or 4-5 tablespoons fresh hibiscus flowers
1 cinnamon stick
1 tablespoon raw sugar
Juice of 1 orange
Method:
Bring the water to a boil, then pour it over the hibiscus and the
cinnamon stick. Steep the ingredients for 20 minutes, then strain the
hibiscus and cinnamon stick out. If desired, add sugar and orange juice.
This tea may be served hot or cold.