Roselle  and its  effects on weight loss and its other Health Benefits

What is the Roselle Plant?

Roselle is a tropical plant from the Malvacaae family which is called in different names such as red, sour tea, red sorrel and scientifically as hibiscus sabdariffa.  Originally it has been cultivated in  Africa and Carribean countries like West Indies, Trinidad and Tobago, but is now grown in other parts of the world particularly in India and Southeast Asia. The plant is easy to grow and produces beautiful flowers.

Roselle leaves and seeds have been used traditionally as medicine to treat hangovers, urinary tract infections, colds, sores, ulcers, conjunctivitis, toothaches and for food and  weight loss for a long time.

Health Uses and Benefits of the Roselle Plant

Roselle seeds, leaves, calyces, stem, and flowers are all used for health reason.

          Roselle and. Weight Loss

Research has shown that the flower extracts of hibiscus could be used to reduce weight, y and coronary heart diseases like atherosclerosis by reducing (LDL) the blood levels of low-density lipoprotein which is considered bad cholesterol.

Atherosclerosis, which consists of deposits of fatty substances, is a fibrous protein that can cause the clotting of blood.

Roselle or hibiscus herbal tea is good for losing weight. This tea is used in weight loss products because it can reduce the absorption of glucose. Studies have indicated that roselle or hibiscus extract can reduce the absorption of starch and glucose and may help with weight loss. Hibiscus inhibits the production of amylase, which helps in the absorption of carbohydrates and starch.

 Studies indicate that Roselle can lower serum cholesterol Another scientific study also reveals that extract from the leaves of Roselle significantly exhibits a hypo-lipidemic effect. (source) 

Roselle extract was also used as a study on subjects, some with and some without metabolic syndrome. Subjects with metabolic syndrome that received an extract of Roselle had significantly reduced glucose, total cholesterol( source). This reduction in cholesterol level will ultimately reduce weight levels. Drinking Roselle tea can thus be an anti-obesity agent as it reduces the absorption of starch and glucose.

It must be noted,  however, that the use of hibiscus should be done in moderation as excessive use can compromise kidney functions.

Roselle Tea and weight loss

How to make Roselle tea( Hibiscus tea)

1. Wash the hibiscus fruits and wash them clean, and air dry or dry them in an oven at 70  to 80 degrees C for 3 to 4 days.

2. Peel off the calyx and grind them and store them in air-tight containers.

Take  a tablespoon of the ground dried calyx into a cup and, add  boiling water, and allow the water to absorb the roselle for  3 minutes filter into a teacup and drink.

 You can add a teaspoon of honey if you want to sweeten the taste but I prefer to drink it without honey. You can add lemon juice also if you prefer the lemon taste.

1. Roselle contains anti-Inflammatory and antioxidant  Properties.

Roselle contains vitamin C,  ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C. which is anti-inflammatory and boosts your immune system. Fresh or dried roselle, which you can drink as tea contains high levels of Vitamin C which can fight the free radicals in your body and thus also helpful for your liver. Studies have shown that poly-phenolic acid, flavonoids, and anthocyanins which are found in Roselle are strong antioxidants and are  anti-inflammatory agents

2. Roselle is Good for Digestion

The properties in the roselle is good for digestion and increase both urination and bowel movements because of the diuretic compounds in it. Roselle assists in treating your constipation disorder and can help prevent rectal cancer. It is a good product because of its laxative effect and its ability to increase urination

           3,    Roselle and Menstrual Pain

Roselle can assist in relieving cramps and menstrual pain. This plant will help you to balance your  hormones which can reduce the symptoms of menstruation such as overacting, depression and  mood swings

4. Roselle may Reduce Stress and Anxiety

The flavonoids in the roselle can assist to calm down the nervous system helping you to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression by creating a relaxed sensation in the body and mind.

5.   Roselle ha anti-cancer properties.

Roselle herbal tea contains can fight cancer cells because of its properties in it.  Roselle contains protocatechuic acid which has anti-tumor and antioxidant properties.         

6. Roselle is beneficial for Cough, Colds and Fever Management

The vitamin C content in hibiscus is known to have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. It is also effective in reducing the symptoms of fevers.

7. Roselle and Skincare

Roselle is now popularly used as an anti-aging agent. Roselle is used as a natural face and body scrubs. The antioxidant properties of roselle flowers are beneficial as it assists in fighting the free radicals in your system, keeping your skin  healthy and glowing.

8. Blood Pressure and Roselle

Roselle tea can help you lower your blood pressure. A publication from the American Heart Association in November of 2008 indicated that consuming roselle tea helps manage blood pressure in pre-hypertensive and mildly hypertensive adults. Also, the anti-inflammatory properties of hibiscus tea can reduce blood pressure by up to 10 points, according to research done at Tufts University in Boston. It was indicated that the consumption of roselle extract daily  can result in a decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure( source)

9. Other Benefits. Roselle contains iron and it is advisable for people suffering from iron deficiency to drink more hibiscus tea. It can maintain healthy teeth and gums

Because of the iron and calcium content in red roselle, this herb can be used for treating cracks in the feet, wounds, sores, and bilious.

10. Roselle and antifungal and antibacterial

Roselle is also used as an antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic agent. Oil extracted from seeds of Roselle has been shown to be effective  in inhibiting  Bacillus anthracis and Staphylococcus  bacterias, which is why it is considered good for bacterias that affect the gum and wound 

                   Conclusion

  Botanically called Hibiscus sabdariffa, also called roselle is used for different ailments.

Research findings indicate that the flower and leaf extracts of Hibiscus sabdariffa could be used for hypertension and coronary heart diseases.

The different parts of the plant, the seeds, leaves, roots, and flowers have been used not only for therapeutic reasons but for food as well. Roselle is rich in nutrients such as iron. calcium,  niacin, carotene, riboflavin, anthocyanins, ascorbic acid,   and vitamin C. More studies are still being conducted to determine the medical and scientific benefits of the Roselle plant.

This plant with its fleshy red calyces is used also to produce red-colored, good-tasting drinks known as roselle juice or flor de jamaica. The leaves of the roselle are also used for salads. 

The dried calyces and as well as dried flower is also used as essential ingredient in various recipes. However, to make a conclusive statement about the health benefits of roselle more scientific studies are still needed.

Hibiscus  can be taking as tea, spice  and liquid. I sometimes use zinamex to reduce the acne in my face . open in a new tab.