Top 5 health benefits of hibiscus

Health benefits of hibiscus may include:

• Rich in protective plant compounds
• May lower blood pressure
• May support cholesterol balance
• May support blood sugar management
• May have a hormonal effect

Discover our full range of health benefit guides and check out some of our best ever tea recipes like our smoky ginger & honey tea or rooibos & pear tea. Learn more about the different types of tea and even make your own iced hibiscus tea.

Nutritional profile of hibiscus

Figures per 237ml cup (sweetened):

• 88 kcals / 370KJ
• 1.0g Protein
• 1.5g Fat
• 17.7g Carbohydrates
• 14.9g Sugar
• 0.7g Fibre
• 21mg Potassium

Naturally caffeine-free, much of tea’s goodness lies in the plant compounds it contains, levels of which depend on the temperature of the water and the steeping time used to make the tea.

Hibiscus tea benefits

1. Rich in protective plant compounds

Hibiscus is rich in protective plant compounds (polyphenols) including anthocyanins and flavonoids. These antioxidant compounds reduce the damaging effects of a natural process called oxidation and in so doing may protect cells from damage. Most of the studies in this area have used high dose hibiscus extract, rather than a tea, and have been conducted using animal models. This means more research is needed to fully evaluate whether similar effects may be replicated in humans.

2. May lower blood pressure

A number of studies suggest that drinking hibiscus tea may help lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Elevated blood pressure for extended periods of time may narrow and damage the arteries that supply blood to the heart, and consequently increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke. A 2020 review evaluating seven previous trials of H.sabdariffa found hibiscus tea significantly reduced blood pressure. While drinking the tea may be a safe and natural way to lower blood pressure, it is not recommended for those on prescribed medication for blood pressure management as it may interact with these medications.

3. May support cholesterol balance

The evidence of hibiscus on cholesterol management is mixed. Some studies have shown that for those with diabetes or metabolic syndrome hibiscus tea may lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. A 2021 review of 39 previous studies suggested that H.rosasinensis may help with high cholesterol levels and that a homemade tea is theoretically effective. A 2020 study reported that although drinking hibiscus tea may reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol it did not appear to significantly improve high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol or reduce triglyceride levels. Therefore, more research is needed to assess the effects on the general (healthy) population

4. May support blood sugar management

In addition to the above the same 2020 study suggested that hibiscus tea significantly lowered fasting blood glucose levels. Similarly, the same 2021 review found evidence that hibiscus has an anti-diabetic effect and may help manage diabetes. However, it may not be suitable for those on prescribed medication given the risk of interaction.

5. May have a hormonal effect

The polyphenols in hibiscus have a phyto-oestrogenic activity and as such may influence female hormonal health. However, there is not enough evidence to confirm this although it has been used to manage premenstrual syndrome and to alleviate some menopausal symptoms. Again, many of the studies appear to use a high dose extract and relate to animal models. One woman undergoing IVF treatment, who consumed hibiscus tea, may have experienced effects that adversely impacted her treatment.

Is hibiscus tea safe for everyone?

Hibiscus tea may not be suitable for everyone, this is because it may interact with prescribed medication (including those for diabetes and blood pressure management) and it may also not be appropriate for those who have naturally low blood pressure. Research looking at the use of hibiscus during pregnancy is insufficient and as such it should be avoided or used with extreme caution, during this time. This is because it has blood pressure lowering properties and is associated with uterine contractions, which could be harmful. It may also be unsafe while breastfeeding.

Some people may experience an allergy if they are allergic to other members of this plant family, which includes hollyhock.

Overall, is hibiscus tea good for you?

Hibiscus tea is a fragrant herbal infusion enjoyed by many. It is caffeine-free and may be associated with a number of potential health benefits thanks to its rich polyphenol content. That said, in some areas, more research is needed to clarify and confirm these perceived effects.

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Kerry Torrens BSc. (Hons) PgCert MBANT is a BANT Registered Nutritionist® with a post graduate diploma in Personalised Nutrition & Nutritional Therapy. She is a member of the British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT) and a member of the Guild of Food Writers. Over the last 15 years she has been a contributing author to a number of nutritional and cookery publications including Good Food.

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