hibiscus
Hibiscus powder is rich in polyphenols and flavonoids and acts as a powerful antioxidant. It is an excellent source of Vitamin B3 and B6. Hibiscus is known to reduce hypertension, lower cholesterol and prevent fat accumulation. It also contains iron which helps relieve fatigue and improve cognitive health.
What is
Hibiscus Powder
Hibiscus Powder is made from the trumpet-shaped flower-calyx of the plant Hibiscus sabdariffa. Often called Roselle, it has been widely used across Africa and the Asia for both its culinary and health enhancing properties. It is suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets and is certified organic, halal and kosher.
WHERE DOES
HIBISCUS
COME FROM?
Hibiscus is commonly grown in many parts of tropical Africa where it is prized for its use in traditional medicines and as a culinary ingredient. We source our hibiscus powder from local African producers.
HEALTH
BENEFITS
Hibiscus is an excellent source of Vitamin B3 and B6, polyphenols and flavonoids and acts as a powerful antioxidant. Hibiscus may be helpful in reducing hypertension, lowering cholesterol and fat accumulation. Hibiscus contains iron which helps relieve fatigue and improve cognitive health.
Hibiscus powder contains iron which your body needs to produce haemoglobin which transports oxygen to your cells helping you to feel energised. Tiredness and fatigue can sometimes indicate an iron deficiency. We also need iron for normal cognitive development; the ability to think with clarity, to learn effectively and for our memory to function well.
Hibiscus powder contains high levels of Vit B3 and B6. Vitamin B3 and B6, is an important Vitamin that every part of your body needs it to function properly. Vit B3 and B6 helps lower cholesterol, ease arthritis and boost brain function.
Hibiscus contains phenols, a compound known to have an antioxidant effect on free radicals. Free radicals are molecules which have become unstable through losing an electron which then has a damaging effect on other molecules, even causing molecules to create more free radicals.
A study found that drinking hibiscus tea increases the antioxidant loads in the bloodstream thereby reducing compounds that contribute to oxidative stress and which damage cells. Antioxidants replace the missing electron in a free radical, rendering it harmless.
The consumption of hibiscus powder also helps to increase the bio-availability of phenolic compounds released from food in the gut, thereby making antioxidants more available for absorption into the bloodstream.
Recent studies have shown that hibiscus tea can help to lower blood pressure. Daily consumption of hibiscus tea helped adults suffering from moderate hypertension and type 2-diabetes to significantly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure and control hypertension.
Studies have found that drinking hibiscus tea can help to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride fats in the blood stream and inhibit obesity and fat accumulation. Hibiscus can reduce the possibility of coronary heart disease and diabetes, particularly in people with metabolic syndrome.
FOOD &
CULINARY USE
Our hibiscus powder is a deep-pink fuschia colour with a refreshing raspberry-like flavour.
Hibiscus powder can be used in the preparation of herbal drinks, hot and cold beverages, fermented drinks, wine, jam, ice cream, chocolates, puddings and cakes. It is also used to add a rich red colour to foods and beverages. See our recipes page for more ideas.
Possible Risks
& Side Effects
Most sources recommend that 3 teaspoons (15 g) of hibiscus powder daily, may be taken as a tea without adverse effects. Taking larger doses hibiscus may have negative effects especially for pregnant women, therefore pregnant women are not encouraged to take any products containing hibiscus.
