Hibiscus: Beauty from Garden to Table

Did you know that Hibiscus, also known as Hibiscus sabdariffa or roselle, is a beautiful flowering plant that's native to India and Malaysia. What's really interesting is that there are hundreds of different types of Hibiscus, ranging from herbs to shrubs and trees. But the most common type you'll come across is Hibiscus sabdariffa, which is a shrub with striking yellow flowers that eventually turn pink and red.

Hibiscus thrives in tropical and subtropical regions, with countries like China, Thailand, Sudan, Nigeria, and Mexico being known for growing this wonderful plant. And get this: different parts of the plant such as the flowers, seeds, leaves, and stems are all used for various purposes, including in culinary dishes, cosmetics, and traditional medicines.

In this blog, we're going to share with you not only the benefits and downsides of Hibiscus, but also Nommy’s favorite ways to use hibiscus flowers. 

How Hibiscus benefits your health?

• Lowers blood pressure: Drinking Hibiscus tea or taking supplements helps decrease blood pressure, which can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

• Aids in weight loss: Animal studies suggest that Hibiscus extract helps prevent fat cells from accumulating, which can protect against obesity-related complications.

• Manages metabolic syndrome: Hibiscus helps manage aspects of metabolic syndrome, including high blood sugar and blood triglycerides.

• Protects your liver: Hibiscus protects against liver damage associated with obesity, diabetes, and certain medications.

• Potentially fights cancer: The antioxidant compounds in Hibiscus has anticancer properties and could even enhance the effect of chemotherapy treatments on breast cancer cells.

So, next time you come across a beautiful Hibiscus plant, remember that it's not just a pretty face - it holds some powerful health benefits too!

How much Hibiscus is safe to consume, and what are the potential side effects?

When it comes to dosages for Hibiscus, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. While drinking Hibiscus tea in moderation is generally safe, the safety of other forms of Hibiscus like extracts, capsules, and powders is not well known.

It's important to note that taking high doses of Hibiscus extract for a prolonged period of time may lead to liver injury. 

Also, if you're on certain medications, Hibiscus could interact with them. So, if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any underlying health conditions, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional before trying Hibiscus.

So now that we've talked about the good and the not-so-good when it comes to consuming Hibiscus, let's get into something more fun - delicious ways to enjoy it in your diet!

Nommy’s Favorite Ways to enjoy Hibiscus: 

• Hibiscus Agua Fresca
• Hibiscus Lemonade
• Hibiscus Granita

Hibiscus is not only a beautiful flower but also a powerhouse of health benefits. From reducing high blood pressure to aiding digestion and boosting the immune system, Hibiscus can be a great addition to your diet. 

And with delicious and refreshing recipes, you can easily incorporate this amazing flower into your daily routine. 

So why not give it a try and reap the benefits of this wonderful plant?