Hibiscus Tea, also known as Sobolo or Zobo drink, is a very popular beverage in many regions of the world and is often used for medicinal purposes.
The tea is made from the hibiscus plant, which is ruby red in colour.
There are many species of the hibiscus plant across the world including across Africa.
The most common variety used in zobo drink across the world is called roselle.
Beyond Africa, hibiscus rosa-Sinensis is also described as having a number of medical uses in Indian Ayurveda.
Hibiscus tea is made by steeping dry hibiscus/zobo leaves in boiling water and can be enjoyed both hot and cold.
It has a sour taste, so it is known as sour tea, having a flavour similar to cranberry juice.
In the Caribbean, a hibiscus drink called sorrel is made by adding ginger, sugar and rum to the hibiscus brew.
Though, it is advised that anyone seeking to gain any health benefits from a hibiscus tea does not add anything with negative dietary effects such as sugar or alcohol to the drink.
Zobo drink has an enjoyable taste, and the health benefits may also be far-reaching. From managing high blood pressure, lowering cholesterol and protecting the liver, to relieving menstrual cramps and acting as an antidepressant, hibiscus tea has an impressive list of potential benefits.
*hibiscus tea may be dangerous during pregnancy, due to its ability to cause hormone fluctuations*
Traditionally, the health benefits of hibiscus tea include relief from cramps and menstrual pain.
It is thought to help in restoring hormonal balance as well, which can reduce the symptoms of menstruation like mood swings, depression, and overeating.
Consuming zobo drink may lower the blood pressure in pre-hypertensive and mildly hypertensive adults.
A study in the Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology & Research found that it has antihypertensive and cardioprotective properties, which may be beneficial for people suffering from hypertension, and those at high risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Research in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine shows that zobo drink helps to lower the levels of (bad) LDL cholesterol in the body, thereby helping to protect against heart diseases and protecting blood vessels from damage.
The hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic properties of hibiscus tea may be beneficial for those who suffer from blood sugar disorders like diabetes.
4. Zobo drink may protect the liver
The BMC Complementary Medicines and Therapies journal published a study that also suggests that the antioxidant properties, in particular from flavonoids, of hibiscus tea may also help in treating liver diseases.
5. It contains anti-cancer properties
According to research in the Cancer Letters journal, hibiscus tea contains hibiscus protocatechuic acid which has antitumor and antioxidant properties. Hibiscus may slow down the growth of cancerous cells by inducing apoptosis, commonly known as programmed cell death.
6. Hibiscus tea is an anti-inflammatory & antibacterial agent
Zobo drink is rich in ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, an essential nutrient required by your body to boost and stimulate the activity of the immune system. It is also used to treat discomfort caused by fever.
7. Zobo leaf drink may be an antidepressant agent
Hibiscus tea contains many vitamins and minerals, while it’s the presence of flavonoids that have been found to have antidepressant properties, by a study supported by CNPq and CAPES in Brazil.
Consumption of hibiscus tea may help calm down the nervous system, and it may reduce anxiety and depression by relaxing the mind and body.
8. Zobo drink may promote weight loss
A study in the Molecules journal has shown that hibiscus may reduce lipid accumulation, as well as act to lower the development of fat tissue in the body. Both of these effects suggest that hibiscus tea may be a useful aid for weight loss when combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Remember to always consult with your doctor about any medical concerns, conditions and supplements that you may be taking. Always take the advice of a medical professional on how to proceed with your treatment.