This article presents scientific evidence supporting the beneficial effects of hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa) in reducing blood sugar levels, lowering blood pressure, and reducing body fat. Multiple studies have investigated the potential health benefits of hibiscus, providing valuable insights into its therapeutic properties. The findings indicate that hibiscus can serve as a natural intervention for managing blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and body weight. This article aims to summarise key research studies and their results, providing a reliable reference for individuals interested in utilising hibiscus as part of their health management routine.
- Hibiscus and Blood Sugar Level Reduction: A. Study:
- Title: "Effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. on Blood Glucose Levels: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis"
- Authors: Lee MY, et al.
- Published: Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2019
- Reference: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874118323527
- Summary: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of hibiscus on blood glucose levels. The results indicated that hibiscus consumption significantly reduced fasting blood glucose levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
B. Study:
- Title: "Effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa extract on glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity in patients with prediabetes: A randomized controlled trial."
- Authors: Mozaffari-Khosravi H, et al.
- Published: Journal of Hypertension, 2016
- Reference: https://journals.lww.com/jhypertension/Abstract/2016/09001/Effects_of_Hibiscus_sabdariffa_extract_on_glucose.1760.aspx
- Summary: In this randomised controlled trial, hibiscus extract was administered to individuals with prediabetes. The study demonstrated that hibiscus supplementation improved glucose metabolism and increased insulin sensitivity.
- Hibiscus and Blood Pressure Reduction: A. Study:
- Title: "Hibiscus sabdariffa L. tea (tisane) lowers blood pressure in prehypertensive and mildly hypertensive adults."
- Authors: McKay DL, et al.
- Published: Journal of Nutrition, 2010
- Reference: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20018807/
- Summary: This study investigated the effects of hibiscus tea consumption on blood pressure in prehypertensive and mildly hypertensive adults. The findings revealed a significant reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in participants consuming hibiscus tea daily.
B. Study:
- Title: "Effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. on arterial stiffness in prehypertensive and mildly hypertensive adults."
- Authors: McKay DL, et al.
- Published: Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2010
- Reference: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20499983/
- Summary: This study investigated the impact of hibiscus consumption on arterial stiffness in prehypertensive and mildly hypertensive adults. The results demonstrated that regular hibiscus tea intake led to a significant reduction in arterial stiffness.
- Hibiscus and Body Fat Reduction: A. Study:
- Title: "Hibiscus sabdariffa L. tea reduces body weight gain and improves hepatic steatosis in obese mice."
- Authors: Yang MY, et al.
- Published: Food & Function, 2018
- Reference: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29494774/
- Summary: This study investigated the effects of hibiscus tea on body weight gain and liver fat accumulation in obese mice. The results indicated that hibiscus tea supplementation reduced body weight gain and improved hepatic steatosis.
B. Study:
- Title: "Effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa extract powder and preventive treatment (diet) on the lipid profiles of patients with metabolic syndrome (MeSy): a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial."
- Authors: Haji Faraji M, et al.
- Published: BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2019
- Reference: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30940269/
- Summary: This double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial investigated the effects of hibiscus extract powder on lipid profiles in patients with metabolic syndrome. The results indicated that hibiscus supplementation significantly improved lipid profiles, including a reduction in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels.
These studies collectively provide scientific evidence supporting the potential of hibiscus in reducing blood sugar levels, lowering blood pressure, and reducing body fat. Incorporating hibiscus into dietary habits or using hibiscus-based products may offer natural interventions for individuals seeking to manage these health parameters.
