Hibiscus Lemonade for Your Blood Pressure and Heart Health

It’s getting cooler outside which can, for some, make you crave hot drinks throughout the day. If you’re going to drink something hot, it has to taste good … but also, why not make it medicinal? 

As a holistic doctor, I am always looking for ways to help people upgrade their health practices without sacrificing taste!

Hibiscus has been proven to reduce cardiovascular disease risk by improving the function of veins and arteries.¹  It is also known for its blood pressure lowering effect and has proven to be as effective as some medications.² 

Keep in mind that most teas work in a very subtle way.  You may have to do a few cups/day for at least a month to notice the benefits.  That said, this is still a great, tasty and inexpensive way to drink more water and improve your cardiovascular function.

I love loose tea but you can use tea bags as well.  Just look for organic and ensure there’s nothing added.

One of my favorite ways to use hibiscus is to make Hibiscus Lemonade.  It’s delicious and SO easy.  Just brew the tea and cool it, then add fresh squeezed lemon juice (a great source of minerals) and the natural sweetener of your choice to taste.  I often add a pinch of Pink Salt and a dash of Vietnamese cinnamon.  The color is so beautiful and draws people.… Everyone always loves it!  You can actually do this lemonade hot or cold! 

Get Healthy Now by sipping your way to better health.

Resources:

1. Abubakar SM, Ukeyima MT, Spencer JPE, Lovegrove JA. Acute effects of hibiscus sabdariffa calyces on postprandial blood pressure, vascular function, blood lipids, biomarkers of insulin resistance and inflammation in humans. Nutrients. 2019. doi:10.3390/nu11020341

2. Hopkins AL, Lamm MG, Funk JL, Ritenbaugh C. Hibiscus sabdariffa L. in the treatment of hypertension and hyperlipidemia: A comprehensive review of animal and human studies. Fitoterapia. 2013. doi:10.1016/j.fitote.2013.01.003

Nothing said or implied in this post is intended to treat, cure, diagnose or prevent any disease.  It does not take the place of a qualified health care practitioner and is intended for educational purposes only.