The effect of hibiscus tea on estrogens. What foods increase estrogen in women? Contraindications for hibiscus tea

The hibiscus drink is incredibly popular in all corners of the world, and almost everywhere it has different names. In America it is better known as a drink made from a Jamaican flower, on the Isthmus of Panama the name “soril” is more common, in Arab countries it is known only as Kujarat tea, and in Africa almost every nation has its own name. In fact, calling hibiscus tea is not entirely correct, since it is a herbal tincture of hibiscus flowers, which is called “hibiscus tea.” The beneficial properties of this drink are undeniable, which is why it has won so many admirers.

Hibiscus is common on all continents, and it is not surprising if one of its varieties is now on your windowsill; in total, there are about one and a half hundred of them. This plant is grown en masse in Egypt, on the island of Java, Mexico, Sudan, India, Thailand, China and many other countries. However, its use is not at all limited to the preparation of a tonic drink, since perhaps only the root of the plant is not used in cooking, yet the remaining parts can be found in a huge number of recipes.

For example, young leaves, buds or stems would be an ideal ingredient for vegetable salads; dried leaves can be used as a seasoning; the seeds of the plant will add a piquant taste to soups. So what is hibiscus tea made from? To prepare the aromatic drink, dried inflorescences of the Sudanese rose (also called hibiscus) are used. And we’ll talk about all its usefulness.

Healing properties of hibiscus

In folk medicine, each component part of the plant is appreciated, since they all have different effects on the body, as they contain vitamins, microelements, and bioflavonoids. Such a rich composition indicates an antibacterial, immunizing and rejuvenating effect; the plant is also used as an antispasmodic.

Unlike cooking, hibiscus root is used very widely in healing, because preparations based on it are sedatives. They are also able to have a mild laxative effect, which is indispensable for intestinal disorders. The seeds have a diuretic effect and, due to their high concentration of vitamin C, are used together with the petioles in the treatment of scurvy.

The rest of the components are clear, so let’s take a closer look at hibiscus tea itself, the beneficial properties and contraindications of which are worth studying in more detail. Let's start, of course, with the benefits.

Losing excess weight. Tincture of hibiscus leaves can improve intestinal motility, thus preventing constipation and cleansing the intestines of toxins, which significantly reduces weight. Also, for the purpose of losing weight, the diuretic property of hibiscus is used, which not only copes with kidney problems, but also removes excess fluid from the body. Another important factor in losing weight is the high concentration of fruit acids, which trigger metabolism, thereby preventing the body from accumulating excess weight.

However, we should not forget that hibiscus tea, whose beneficial properties for weight loss are beyond doubt, must be taken systematically for such purposes, since a visible effect can only be achieved with regular use. The recommended course is three weeks - a week break - and another 10 days. During this period, the tincture is quite capable of improving the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and cleansing the body.

Does hibiscus tea increase or decrease blood pressure? Despite the fact that the benefits of the drink for the cardiovascular system are beyond doubt, there is constant debate about its effect on blood pressure. It has been scientifically proven that anthocyanins, a high concentration of which is found in hibiscus flowers, have a positive effect on blood vessels, namely making them more elastic and flexible, which significantly reduces weather sensitivity and normalizes blood pressure.

Surely you have come across the statement according to which hibiscus, hot and cold, has the opposite effect on pressure, namely, that a hot drink significantly reduces its level, and a cold drink, on the contrary, increases it. In fact, such a statement does not have the slightest scientific support, and any practicing doctor can only say with confidence about the blood pressure-lowering effect of tea. Experiments proving this fact were indeed carried out, but the respondents were exclusively hypertensive patients, which refutes the possibility of scientific proof of the ability of hibiscus to raise blood pressure. Therefore, people suffering from hypotension are not recommended to abuse this drink.

When is it undesirable to use hibiscus?

As you know, every barrel of honey has its own fly in the ointment, and so does hibiscus, the benefits and harms of which are closely related. However, it is still worth noting that the latter is much less. However, you should also not forget about contraindications.

First of all, pregnant women and nursing mothers, as well as those who are just trying to get pregnant, should be careful. It would seem, how can tea prevent pregnancy? In fact, one of the components of the plant is estrogen, a hormone that, along with progesterone, is called the “pregnancy hormone”. An increased amount of it can cause an increase in the tone of the uterus, as well as its contraction. It also harms the normal maturation of the egg, thereby minimizing the chances of conception. This drink is also contraindicated for those undergoing hormonal therapy, since a surge in estrogen can completely negate the therapeutic effect of it.

As mentioned earlier, it is not advisable for hypotensive patients to use hibiscus, since its ability to reduce blood pressure has been proven, which is highly undesirable in such situations.

The alkaloids contained in the drink can reduce concentration and impair attention, and cause slight dizziness during severe physical exertion. However, what are the benefits of hibiscus tea? , So it is the ability to perfectly eliminate hangover syndrome.

This drink is prohibited for people suffering from gastritis or stomach ulcers. The reason for this is that fruit acids, present in it in very high concentrations, have an irritating effect on the gastric mucosa, which can cause not only discomfort, but also aggravate the disease.

It is also worth refraining from taking hibiscus during an exacerbation of diseases of the liver and genitourinary system, since its diuretic effect can negatively affect the healing process.

Another important factor that should not be forgotten is the possibility of interaction with drugs. One of them is paracetamol, which we so often use, so before taking drugs based on it, give up the hibiscus drink.

Cooking methods

To reap all the possible benefits, you first need to know how to brew hibiscus correctly. And there are several ways to do this.

The simplest one is to pour a couple of pinches or teaspoons of dried inflorescences into a glass of boiling water and let it brew. As a rule, the drink is drunk unsweetened, but in this matter you can rely on your taste. By the way, by preparing it using this express method, you can lose all its healing properties, so if possible, it is better to wait a little and pour cooled boiled water over the hibiscus. Of course, the infusion time will increase from 10-15 minutes to an hour and a half, but you will get not only an incredibly tasty, but also a healing drink. You can serve this tincture with honey, pieces of ginger, lemon balm leaves, so that you and your guests have the opportunity to create your own unique taste.

The cold brewing method differs only in that the inflorescences are filled with cold water and wait in the wings for at least 12 hours; it is better to keep the tincture for 24 hours.

In principle, each of us can create our own recipe by adding all kinds of spices to the drink: cinnamon, vanilla, ginger - it all depends on imagination and the desire to experiment.

A drink with a rich red color and slight sourness, made from hibiscus flowers, appeared in the Russian diet relatively recently. A plant with beautiful flowers that are dried for tea, grows in tropical countries: Egypt, Malaysia, Hawaii. The leaves of the plant are used to make salads. The unique properties of the drink have been known for a long time; in ancient times it was considered an effective remedy for the treatment of many diseases. It contains vitamins B, P, C, useful acids: malic, tartaric, citric, anthocyanins and pectins, as well as essential amino acids. But not everyone is recommended to drink the drink. Let's take a closer look at its effect on the body, contraindications and brewing methods.

Useful properties of hibiscus

The drink has a tonic, invigorating effect on the body. Other beneficial properties of hibiscus tea:

We have listed only the main beneficial properties, but in combination with other products, hibiscus has a diverse effect on the body in a positive way.

Harm to hibiscus

Even the healthiest product can cause harm to the body if consumed in excess. Therefore, you need to drink tea in moderation, making sure that there is no individual intolerance.

Like all drinks with acids, it negatively affects tooth enamel, so it is recommended to drink it through a straw. Afterwards, it is advisable to rinse your mouth with water.

If you suffer from low blood pressure, then regular consumption of the drink can be harmful to your health. Therefore, when starting to drink hibiscus, observe its effect on your body.

Pregnant and lactating women should not drink the drink.
Hibiscus may have an effect on hormonal levels. In addition, the red infusion sometimes causes allergic reactions that negatively affect the baby.

Hibiscus contains a lot of acids, it increases the acidity of the stomach. For gastritis in acute or chronic form, the infusion increases pain.

Contraindications for hibiscus

When using hibiscus infusion, it is important to know its contraindications:

When using drugs to lower blood pressure, anticancer drugs, paracetamol, it is better to avoid hibiscus. The infusion can enhance the effect of medications, which will negatively affect your health.

Hibiscus increases or decreases blood pressure

American researchers conducted an experiment in which a group of people with high blood pressure regularly consumed hibiscus infusion. As a result, after 1.5 months they noted a decrease in blood pressure of up to 15%. Observations confirmed the assumptions about the hypotonic effect of the infusion of hibiscus flowers.

At the same time, there is an opinion that a cold infusion lowers blood pressure, and a hot one increases it. The effect of the drink on a specific organism must be tested experimentally.

Hibiscus for weight loss

Hibiscus flower infusion contains amylase inhibitors, including phaseolamine. They are able to break down complex sugars and reduce the absorption of fats and carbohydrates. When using these substances, it occurs

Hibiscus improves metabolism, has a mild laxative and diuretic effect. It contains electrolytes of calcium, potassium, vitamin C. As a result of regular use of the infusion, bloating goes away and the intestines are cleansed of toxins. Plant antioxidants strengthen the vascular system, lower blood pressure, and help get rid of fat. A person feels better during active physical activity.

The effectiveness of its use for weight loss is also due to the presence of bioflavonoids - proanthocyandins, which are found in grape seeds. They improve blood circulation and protect cells from the effects of free radicals. After several months of regular consumption of the drink, metabolic processes are normalized, appetite decreases, and the amount of fat decreases.

How to brew hibiscus

When brewing, it is important to use soft, clean water. Utensils made of metal or aluminum cannot be used. It is better to brew in ceramic, glass and porcelain containers.

Basic recipes for brewing infusion:

To preserve the beneficial substances as much as possible, you can brew the infusion in an unusual way. Dry hibiscus petals are finely chopped, then wrapped in thin cloth or gauze. The ends of the flap are tied, inside it turns out to be a bag of hibiscus. It is placed in a glass jug with cold water. To infuse, the jug is placed in the sun and left for 6-8 hours. Before use, sugar, honey, and lemon are added to the hibiscus.

How to drink hibiscus

The brewed drink is consumed cold or hot. To improve the taste, honey, sugar, syrups, and lemon are added to it. Hibiscus infusion can be the basis for punches, cocktails, and compotes. Despite its high usefulness, you should not drink liters of hibiscus.
3 glasses of the drink per day are enough to enjoy drinking and replenish the supply of vitamins in the body. If you care about your dental health, drink the drink through a straw and then rinse your mouth with water.

Is it possible for children to do hibiscus?

It is strictly not recommended to give hibiscus to an infant. A red drink can cause allergies or upset the digestive system. You can give the drink to an older child little by little, but it is better not to do this until the child reaches the age of three.

The drink contains many tannins that reduce appetite. A child needs to get a lot of food, so a poor appetite is undesirable for him. In addition, bioflavonoids and amylases reduce the digestibility of fats, which are necessary for the brain in childhood. Hibiscus has a tonic effect on the body; it can provoke increased excitability, poor sleep, nervousness and restlessness in children.

You need to introduce the drink into your child’s diet gradually, observing his body’s reaction.

Hibiscus is a source of many vitamins, amino acids, and minerals. Moderate consumption of the drink, taking into account contraindications, can be beneficial for the body, especially during the period of vitamin deficiency, the autumn-winter period.

In many tropical countries there grows a beautiful shrub that blooms with magnificent red flowers - Hibiscus sabdariffa, Hibiscus Sabdariffa (rosella or Sudanese rose). It is this plant that is used to prepare a healing drink - hibiscus tea. It is also called the drink of the pharaohs, since in Egypt this tea is part of the national tradition. You can drink it in the hot heat, because it quenches thirst well, and on a winter evening to warm up. Hibiscus tea has many beneficial properties, which is why it is valued in the Caribbean, Thailand, North Africa, where it is most popular, and all over the world.

Useful properties of hibiscus

Hibiscus is a versatile plant, each part of this plant has unique properties. The leaves have a diuretic and sedative effect. The root is used as a sedative and laxative. Flower extract is effective for high blood pressure and liver diseases. The plant imparts all these properties to tea. Hibiscus tea contains fruit acids, vitamins A, P, C, B, polysaccharides, bioflavonoids, pectins, valuable microelements (phosphorus, potassium, calcium, iron, sodium), thirteen amino acids. Hibiscus contains anthocyanins and alkaloids, as well as quercetin, which is an antioxidant. Tea has many healing properties.

Reduces cholesterol levels. The bioflavonoids it contains help prevent the growth of cholesterol plaques on the walls of blood vessels. This property leads to a decrease in the level of bad cholesterol, preventing the occurrence of more dangerous diseases.

Reduces high blood pressure. Studies have shown that daily consumption of tea in the amount of three glasses of 225 ml each allows you to keep your blood pressure normal. Some experts believe that tea is more effective than many medications that have a lot of side effects. Consultation with the attending physician is required.

Has a rejuvenating effect. For many centuries, hibiscus tea has been used to slow down the aging of the body and slightly prolong life. Using this tea, you can forget about numerous anti-aging medications. The antioxidants contained in hibiscus effectively fight premature aging.

Has an anti-inflammatory effect at the first signs of a cold. Tea contains vitamin C, which helps improve immunity and prevent the further development of infectious diseases, influenza. In East African countries, hibiscus tea has long been used to treat coughs.

Helps reduce weight. Tea helps reduce appetite, which helps you lose extra pounds. The effect of tea on the absorption of carbohydrates and fats allows you to slow down the absorption of fats, it will be less deposited on the waist and hips. It also helps to lose weight that hibiscus has a diuretic effect, removing dangerous toxins and waste from the body.

Improves intestinal function. Tea has a laxative and natural antispasmodic effect. It is recommended for those who often experience constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, and other digestive problems.

Relieves depression. A tea drink made from hibiscus will help improve your mood and relieve mood swings. The minerals and vitamins contained in the drink have calming properties and calm the nervous system. Hibiscus has been used for centuries to treat anxiety and various mental disorders.

Prevents the growth of cancer cells. Antioxidants contained in tea effectively fight free radicals. There is a slowdown in the growth of cancer cells and a reduction in the risk of developing cancer.

Prevents the risk of cardiovascular diseases. American scientists believe that to reduce mortality after heart disease, it is necessary to consume at least two cups of hibiscus per day. Tea can also be used for prevention.

Red decoction helps cleanse the liver; in oriental medicine it is used for various liver diseases. It is very useful to drink hibiscus tea when taking a large number of drugs that have a negative effect on the liver.

Contraindications for drinking hibiscus tea

We talked about the beneficial properties of this healing drink, but in certain diseases it can also cause harm. Hibiscus has contraindications.

• You should not drink hibiscus tea during pregnancy! The estrogenic activity of the plant and the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in it can lead to premature birth, miscarriage, and congenital malformations of the fetus.
• Hibiscus should not be taken by people with gastritis or stomach ulcers, since the drink can greatly increase the acidity of gastric juice.
• Individual intolerance, as well as allergies, can cause refusal of the drink.
• The simultaneous use of hibiscus tea and many medications can change the effect of the latter; consultation with a doctor is necessary.
• If you have stones in the gall bladder or kidneys, it is better to stop taking hibiscus.
• Women who are preparing to conceive or want to have a child should exclude hibiscus from their diet. It has estrogenic properties, inhibits egg maturation and promotes uterine contraction.
• Despite its ability to normalize blood pressure, people with high blood pressure and frequent blood pressure changes should be careful when taking red hibiscus tea.
• With excessive consumption of the drink, there is a deterioration in concentration due to the alkaloids contained in it.

How to brew hibiscus tea

There are several ways to prepare a delicious hibiscus drink. To brew, you need to take dried Sudanese rose flowers, it is better if they are whole leaves. You will need fresh boiling water. For a glass of hot water, usually take from one to three teaspoons of raw materials. By experimentation, everyone can choose the optimal ratio of flowers and water.

Hibiscus flowers are poured with boiling water in a teapot or mug. Let it brew a little (5-7 minutes), and you can drink this wonderful drink. Prepared this way, it turns out quite rich and strong.

There is another way, but it will take longer. The petals of the plant must be filled with cold water for several hours, then put on low heat, brought to a boil and boiled for 5 minutes. Strain through a strainer. The resulting drink is good cold or hot.

Properly prepared hibiscus tea has a rich burgundy color, its taste is pleasant, soft with a slight sourness.

Egyptian hibiscus tea

For 250 ml of water, take 2 teaspoons of prepared dry tea leaves. The tea leaves are poured with boiling water and simmered over low heat for two minutes, then filtered. You should not overexpose the mixture over the fire, as this will deteriorate the appearance of the drink and lose its value.

Jamaican hibiscus tea

To prepare, you need to boil two glasses of water, add sugar to taste, a little ginger and cinnamon into the boiling water. It is necessary that the sugar is completely dissolved. To do this, the mixture is constantly stirred and kept on low heat for several minutes. Then remove from heat, add 3-4 teaspoons of hibiscus and cover with a lid. Leave the mixture for at least 20 minutes.

Before use, the mixture is filtered through a strainer. Since the drink concentrate is quite strong, it is worth diluting it with boiled water and, if desired, adding orange or lemon juice and mint leaves. This drink is served chilled using ice. Using the same principle, you can prepare tea with the addition of apple juice.

Having learned about such a healthy drink as hibiscus tea, its beneficial properties and contraindications, you can include it in your daily diet, subject to these recommendations. Tea will definitely bring benefits if you do not abuse it and brew it correctly. Discover this drink - red hibiscus tea, which nature itself has endowed with wonderful properties.

This popular drink today has been known for a long time, dating back to the times of Ancient Egypt, so it was often called the drink of the pharaohs. It consists of the petals of only one plant - hibiscus. Many will be surprised to learn that this plant grows very close by, in many homes and offices, and is known to us under the name “Chinese rose.”

Hibiscus is revered in many countries; in Malaysia, for example, it is considered the national flower. The five petals of its inflorescence are a symbol of the commandments of the Islamic religion, but it is revered not only by the Malays, but also by the Hindus and the Chinese.

Hibiscus is an edible plant; not only the petals of its flowers are eaten, but also its leaves as an additive to salads, meat dishes and for seasoning soups. After flowering is completed, juicy red boxes form on the plant. This part is used to make sauces, compotes, jellies and tea. To learn about hibiscus tea, the benefits and harms of its use, you need to consider all its properties.

Beneficial properties of hibiscus tea

The drink has many amazing qualities and is a remedy for various diseases. It contains useful substances:
The red color is given to the plant by anthocyanins, which have P-vitamin activity, which helps strengthen the walls of the blood vessels of the circulatory system, maintaining their elasticity and impermeability.

Tea has components that work as antispasmodics, antipyretics and diuretics.

The plant's antioxidants concentrate and remove a huge amount of accumulated harmful substances from the body, so it helps well with various poisonings, including alcohol poisoning.

Tea is also used as an anti-inflammatory agent for skin diseases such as furunculosis, eczema, non-healing wounds and even malignant formations. It is not only taken orally, but is used for lotions and compresses.

Activating bile production with the help of hibiscus helps the gastrointestinal tract and has a beneficial effect on the liver.

Hibiscus is a very good hemostatic agent and even helps with gynecological problems.

The components of the tea prevent the formation of stones and sand in the kidneys and gall bladder.

Hibiscus can also be used as a mild laxative.

Due to the properties of tea, it is also used as an adjuvant in the treatment of allergies of various types.

Tea has a calming effect and is good for the cardiovascular and nervous systems.

They also drink tea for diseases of the pancreas and diabetes.

Who shouldn't eat hibiscus

Like any product, hibiscus cannot be suitable for everyone without exception; it also has its own contraindications, which you also need to know.

Hibiscus should not be given to very young children, under three years of age.

Gastritis with increased gastric acidity, as well as stomach or duodenal ulcers are diagnoses for which you should not drink this drink.

This drink should not be consumed by people with hormonal imbalances or those taking hormonal medications.

It is necessary to take into account the properties of tea to cause dizziness and drowsiness when initially taking it, so it is better not to drink it when driving a car.

There is individual intolerance to the components of the drink. Before actively using it, you need to start with small doses, for example, one spoon.

The benefits and harms of hibiscus tea during pregnancy have not been fully studied. There is an assumption that it interferes with the production of the hormone estrogen, which in this condition of a woman can negatively affect her health. Therefore, it is better to refuse hibiscus during this period.

How to brew hibiscus correctly

To brew hibiscus correctly and get the desired effect from it, you need to know a few secrets of its preparation. If you brew it like regular tea, it will not show all its miraculous properties.

First you need to choose high-quality tea; it should be made from large dried petals of burgundy color with pink splashes.

Tea can be brewed in any container except metal. Metal kills the beneficial properties and spoils the taste of the drink. Boiling water is not suitable for brewing hibiscus; you need boiled water cooled to a temperature of 40-50 degrees. You can also use cold brew. You need to infuse the tea from one to several hours, depending on the temperature of the water with which it is poured.

If hibiscus is not used for medicinal purposes, but simply as tea or a soft drink, you can brew it with boiling water, then hold it over low heat for 2-3 minutes, strain and drink hot, or wait until it cools down.

Hibiscus for weight loss

Does hibiscus help in the process of losing weight? It is safe to say that, thanks to its properties of breaking down and removing harmful and excess substances from the body and activating metabolism, hibiscus helps to lose excess weight.

For weight loss, tea is used as follows: for 20-25 days you need to drink it two or three times a day, one cup, take a break for 6-8 days, and then continue the course for 10-12 days. Of course, you will not achieve weight loss, for example, five kilograms per week, but the weight will go away smoothly and for a long time. To achieve visible results, you will have to take the tea for a fairly long period of time.

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