Ever since we introduced our hibiscus flavored Sparkling CBD soda we have received numerous inquiries about hibiscus, with most people asking what it is and what (if any) are its various benefits. So, in the interest of transparency and out of respect for those valued customers we decided to put together this post on hibiscus. We'll touch on what it is, how it's grown, its many benefits, and the best ways to consume it.
What is Hibiscus?
Hibiscus is a type of flowering plant that is native to Malaysia and India but can be found these days in many of the world’s tropical and subtropical areas. There are hundreds of types of hibiscus, including hibiscus trees, hibiscus bushes and shrubs and hibiscus herbs. Hibiscus sabdariffa is a flowering shrub and probably the most well-known member of the hibiscus family. When people think of hibiscus they likely picture hibiscus sabdariffa.
These days hibiscus is sold in capsules, as a liquid extract, in powder form and is a popular type of tea. You can also find hibiscus jams and jellies, hibiscus syrup and sauces and hibiscus stems used in traditional medicine. Sparkling CBD Beverages is one of the few soft drink makers that offer a hibiscus-flavored CBD drink. We'll get more into that later, but for now, let's look at the benefits of hibiscus.
The Many Health Benefits of Hibiscus
It’s Antioxidant Rich
Hibiscus is a rich source of antioxidants including vitamin C and beta-carotene. Antioxidants, of course, are our best and only allies in the fight to root out and destroy free radicals that cause or contribute to so many vexing health conditions including heart disease and some forms of cancer.
It’s an Anti-Inflammatory
Free radicals and inflammation are the twin pillars of dysfunctional health. Inflammation is a leading cause of both acute and chronic pain. It is also known to contribute to the development of countless diseases and conditions including cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma and more.
Hibiscus May Help Lower Blood Pressure
No one in their right mind is suggesting that hibiscus will cure high blood pressure. But there is tantalizing evidence that it may help reduce high blood pressure when used as part of a comprehensive blood pressure management plan that includes dietary and lifestyle modifications and proven medications.
Supports a Healthy Liver
You can’t live without your liver. Hence the name. The liver’s job is to filter toxins from what we eat and drink but it’s not invincible. Anything you can do to help bolster the health of your liver is bound to pay long-term dividends. Many researchers believe moderate hibiscus consumption can, in fact, help protect the liver from harm inflicted by a variety of toxins.
May Help Lower Cholesterol
According to WebMD, there is evidence to suggest that drinking hibiscus tea may increase the amount of so-called "good" cholesterol in the blood while simultaneously reducing "bad" cholesterol levels. That's great news because bad cholesterol is a major contributor to health problems including heart attack and stroke.
Seems To Have Antibacterial Properties
Although the amount of clinical research conducted on this topic is somewhat wanting, what there is suggests that hibiscus, and particularly hibiscus tea, may possess antibacterial properties. One small study suggested hibiscus may inhibit the development of E coli, while another indicated it may have a role to play in fighting off a variety of bacterial strains. While the results are promising large-scale, long-term studies are needed to confirm them.
Can Aid In Weight Loss Efforts
While the exact physiological mechanisms remain shrouded in mystery, research suggests that hibiscus may have a role to play in helping people reduce body fat, increase the effectiveness of various weight-loss diets and help prevent obesity in some individuals. The most promising results indicated a potential link between the drinking of hibiscus tea and body fat reduction.
For the record, since many of the potential benefits of hibiscus stem from the consumption of hibiscus tea, it would be tempting to ascribe these same benefits to drinking CBD Sparkling Soda Hibiscus Tea. We cannot and do not make any such claim. We merely provide the above information as a way of fleshing out the picture people have of hibiscus and its various uses.
Okay, But Is Hibiscus Safe?
The fact that the US FDA places no restrictions on hibiscus consumption indicates that it is generally considered safe to consume in any of its myriad forms. Although it is highly unlikely, it is theoretically possible that a tiny percentage of people may experience an allergic reaction to hibiscus.
The following are considered the most popular and efficacious ways to enjoy hibiscus in your diet.
- Hibiscus tea - Hibiscus tea is popular in many parts of the world and is made by steeping the dried hibiscus buds in boiling water.
- Powder - Hibiscus powder is available in many health food and natural food stores. Simply mix the powder with your favorite non-carbonated beverage and drink.
- Extract - This is a highly concentrated form of liquid hibiscus and is typically prescribed by practitioners of alternative medicine to treat various conditions.
- CBD Sparkling Soda - We are one of the few beverage makers who offer Hibiscus Tea as a carbonated beverage. Since its introduction, it has quickly become one of our most popular flavors.
Order CBD Sparkling Water or CBD soda in our online store, or contact our team to learn more about our CBD products.