The story that hibiscus tea slims is all the more hot. But is this information true? According to pharmacist Maria Júlia Pereira Reis, the infusion of this plant can indeed help the weight loss process.

However, before knowing how this tea works in the body, we need to understand that there are several types of hibiscus . That’s because not all varieties of this plant work as a natural remedy.

According to Maria Júlia, the tea loaded with benefits to the body is the one prepared with the chalice of the dried bud of the Hibiscus Sabdariffa flower. Contrary to what many might think, this type is not the same one commonly found in gardens.

Knowing this information, it’s time to understand how hibiscus tea helps with weight loss. In addition, check out the other benefits offered by this drink, learn how to prepare it and the side effects that can arise if consumed in excess.

Does hibiscus tea really lose weight?

Yes, hibiscus tea can help with the weight loss process . This is what the pharmaceutical Maria Júlia says, whose justification is the reduction of adipogenesis through the consumption of this drink.

For those who don’t know, adipogenesis is responsible for the production of fat cells called adipocytes. Once produced, these cells can accumulate in the body, particularly in the abdomen and hips.

“It is still not clear which substance is present in the drink that is responsible for the benefit. However, it is believed that the antioxidant action of the flavonoids anthocyanin and quercetin contribute to reduce fat deposits .” (1)

“It also loses weight because tea contains an inhibitor that blocks the production of amylase, an enzyme that transforms starch into sugar. Helping in reducing the uptake of excess glucose and transforming it into a lipid reserve”, explains the pharmacist.

However, these are not the only reasons that explain the role of this infusion in weight loss. This is because the drink also has a diuretic action, being an ally of the body against fluid retention .

“Studies found that the flavonoid quercetin present in the drink is one of the nutrients that helps to provide this action. Other researches conclude that the tea acts on aldosterone, a hormone secreted by the adrenals that regulates the body’s electrolyte balance, favoring the diuretic action.” (1)

Benefits of this infusion

In addition to preventing fat accumulation and fluid retention, hibiscus tea has other great benefits. Also according to the pharmacist, this infusion also has cardioprotective and vasodilatory effects.

Another great benefit is cholesterol control . “Studies concluded that the consumption of hibiscus tea contributes to a decrease in bad cholesterol , LDL, and an increase in good cholesterol, HDL. The drink lowered LDL cholesterol by 8% and increased HDL by 16.7%.” (1)

How to make hibiscus tea to lose weight?

– 200 ml of filtered water
– One teaspoon of dried hibiscus flowers

Bring the water to the fire and wait for it to boil. After reaching a boil, turn off and add the hibiscus. Then cover the container and wait for the infusion to be ready in approximately 5 minutes.

Finally, strain the liquid and drink afterwards. As the purpose of this tea is slimming , it is recommended not to add sugar , honey or sweetener.

Hibiscus tea with cinnamon

A good way to block carbohydrates is to drink hibiscus tea with cinnamon . “This tea blocks amylase, an enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates and facilitates the entry of sugar into the bloodstream.” (two)

To enjoy this benefit, just prepare this infusion, which is ready in just under 15 minutes. Check out:

– 200 ml of filtered water
– 1 teaspoon of dried hibiscus flowers
– 1 cinnamon stick

Start by putting the water to a boil and after the boiling process turn off the heat. Then just add the other ingredients, cover the container and wait around 5 minutes.

After the specified time, strain the infusion and drink afterwards. But of course, without adding any kind of sweetener, sugar or honey.

How and when to take?

According to pharmacist Maria Júlia, the safest thing is to consume up to two cups of tea a day . “Two 200 ml cups. In putting in the fridge and drinking it as if it was water (anything in excess is bad)”, he points out. The best time to have hibiscus tea is after meals .

Types of Hibiscus and Where to Find It

“There are two plants from which tea is made – Hibiscus acetosella and the more common one, Hibiscus sabdariffa . Those we find in our gardens are not these. There are approximately 200 types of beautiful colors and make the garden wonderful”, emphasizes Maria Júlia.

In addition to the types of hibiscus, it is important to note that this plant can be found in its natural and dried form, in bags or in capsules. In the first two cases, they can be purchased at pharmacies, natural food stores or drug stores .

“There are formulations of capsules and sachets. For use, a nutritionist, nutritionist and pharmacist must be consulted”, recommends the professional.

What are the side effects of hibiscus tea?

As it is a tea with diuretic properties, this infusion can increase the elimination of electrolytes. These nutrients are essential for the body, as they have potassium, calcium, sodium and magnesium in their compositions.

By losing these nutrients in large amounts, the body can begin the process of dehydration . Therefore, it is recommended to always drink plenty of water.

Who has high blood pressure can take it?

“In addition to not being able to use it due to its pharmacological properties, hibiscus interferes with the action of anti-inflammatory and anti-hypertensive drugs , including paracetamol”, explains Maria Júlia.

The pharmacy professional also points out that hypotensive people, people with low blood pressure, should also not use tea due to the diuretic effect it has.

Contraindications

As mentioned before, hibiscus cannot be ingested by hypertensive and hypotensive individuals. In addition, pregnant women, nursing mothers and children under 14 years old should not enjoy this drink.

“Patients with kidney problems, elderly people, heart disease Patients should not consume the plant”, warns the pharmacist. Outside these audiences, other people can enjoy the benefits of hibiscus tea, but always with a conscience.

How to lose weight?

As you’ve already seen, hibiscus tea does slim down. However, it cannot make the body lose weight on its own. For this reason, it is recommended to associate the consumption of this infusion with other healthy practices.

First, consult with a nutrition specialist , be it a nutritionist or nutritionist. Afterwards, follow the professional’s guidelines regarding a balanced diet.

Finally, practice sports and drink plenty of water, two to three liters a day. Thus, hibiscus tea will have an even more powerful result in terms of the weight loss process.