Roselle tea is the infusion made from the calyces (sepals) of the Hibiscus sabdariffa flower, an herbal tea drink consumed both hot and cold by people around the world. Some tea drinkers use this tea to aid in weight loss.
The body produces an enzyme known as amylase which functions to break down complex sugar and starch molecules in food.
When a person consumes too much carbohydrate-rich food (full of sugar and starch) that individual is most likely going to gain weight.
According to various researches, roselle contains a substance that can inhibit the production of amylase.
A person regularly drinking roselle tea can thus prevent too much absorption of carbohydrates and consequently not gain excess weight.
Roselle tea is rich in vitamin C and makes a wonderful herbal remedy to fight off colds and infections by strengthening the immune system.
Although it is an energizing beverage, it does not contain any caffeine. Use three or four flowers to make a cup of tea. Leave it to rest for five minutes, drain, and drink it hot or cold.
It reduces cholesterol levels and eliminates the fat deposits on the blood vessels, improving circulation.
Three cups a day treat high blood pressure, reducing the incidence of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney diseases.
The plant has been proven just as effective as standard hypertension drugs. The beverage has a calming effect, working as a mild sedative.
This is why it should not be consumed before driving or when you need a sharp mind. Persons with low oestrogen levels should avoid this herbal tea.
This herbal remedy should not be given to children and must be avoided by pregnant and nursing women. Roselle has emmenagogue (to stimulate menstrual flow) effects.
The flowers are considered relatively nontoxic. However, high doses have caused death in mice within 24 hours.
