O hibiscus is becoming more and more fashionable, mainly due to the tea The hibiscus is a flower, also known as azedinha and caruru-azedo, among other names. It is believed to be original from Angola, but it is also very present in the Asian continent. But do you know what hibiscus is and what the benefits of hibiscus are?

As a whole, the flower is very nutritious. Its leaves, which can be eaten in salads, are rich in vitamins, such as A. Its calyx, usually red and sour in taste, contains acids that are essential to good health. It is from this part, when dehydrated, that its tea is made.

What is hibiscus

Besides vitamin A, its leaves are also rich in vitamin B1 Not only that, they are abundant in mineral salts and amino acids.

Among the acids found in the calyx are citric, as well as hibistic, malic, and tartaric, the latter of which is also present in wine and has antioxidant properties.

Citric acid is widely used as a natural preservative, while malic acid, also found in apples and pears, is widely applied in the food industry.

What are the benefits of hibiscus

The hibiscus has several antioxidant substances flavonoids, especially anthocyanins, which have a cardioprotective, vasodilating, and fat-preventing effect.

Combats the action of free radicals

Free radicals are molecules that promote oxidation of other molecules, and thus are associated with, for example, premature aging of the skin and the appearance of wrinkles.

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What is hibiscus: Helps with weight loss

The tea, thanks to its diuretic action, prevents the retention of liquid and helps to "deflate" the body. Thus, combined with a balanced diet and an exercise routine, it is excellent to help in the weight loss process.

Similarly, hibiscus tea is a great ally for those on a diet because it contains an inhibitor that blocks the production of amylase This is an enzyme that turns starch into sugar. Drinking hibiscus tea after meals will help reduce the absorption of carbohydrates Thus, it will gradually lead to weight loss.

It is a natural relaxant

What's more, hibiscus tea acts as a true relaxant, absolutely natural - and best of all: cheap and affordable. Just prepare your tea and take a moment to enjoy the calm and peace.

Read also: Meditation: All you need to know about the practice

What are the benefits of hibiscus: Prevents hypertension

Drinking tea from this flower helps prevent increased blood pressure in the arteries, which can lead, for example, to a heart attack.

How to consume

As said, its leaves can be added to salads, thus adding even more vitamins to any recipe. Not only that, the tea made from its dried goblet is certainly its most common and popular use, but not the only one.

Other possible uses of hibiscus are, for example:

• Medicinal use (capsules and extract dehydrate);
• Therapeutic purposes;
• Ornamental use (decorative flowers).

Hibiscus Tea Recipe

Bring 200 ml of water to a boil, but do not bring to a full boil. Remove from heat as soon as it begins to boil. Add 1 Tbsp of the hibiscus. Let it infuse in a covered container for 10 minutes.

For best results you can add a tablespoon of grated ginger to the tea. You can also enhance the tea's action with cinnamon or horsetail (these additional ingredients are thermogenics, and speed up your metabolism. In other words, they help your calorie expenditure even more).

Read more: Hibiscus Tea: How to prepare and consume for weight loss