What are the 17 Health Benefits of Zobo? The Zobo drink, also known as Hibiscus tea is one of the world most popular beverages. Health benefits of zobo are numerous. Many people are familiar with the beautiful flowers of the hibiscus plant (Hibiscus Sabdariffa).
It originated in North Africa and Southeast Asia but now grows in many tropical and subtropical climates.
People around the world use various parts of the plant as food and medicine.
In Nigeria, the tea is refers to Zobo drink. It is made from Hibiscus Sabdariffa leaves (dried Roselle leaves), and it is often used as a medicinal tea. The English name of Zobo is Hibiscus sabdariffa tea or drink.
According to Wikipedia, Hibiscus tea or Zobo drink is an herbal tea made as an infusion from crimson or deep magenta-colored calyces of the roselle flower. It is consumed both hot and cold. It has a tart, cranberry-like flavor. Below are the health benefits of Zobo drink.
What are the 17 Health Benefits of Zobo
1. Boost your Liver Health
The liver is very essential in the body as it engages in several essential functions, including the regular production of proteins, secretion of bile, decomposition of fat, and lots more. However, these functions can be hindered if your liver is not working efficiently.
Fortunately, multiple studies show that Zobo can help promote liver health and boost its functioning. The liver-protecting properties contained in the hibiscus extract helps in promoting liver health simply by increasing drug-detoxifying enzymes and reducing liver damage and fatty liver.
2. Very nutritious
Zobo drink is a very nutritious drink and it is cheap. Regular intake of this drink can fight nutritional deficiencies and prevent malnutrition. Some important and vital nutrients provided by zobo drink are carotenes, vitamin C, thiamine, calcium, fat, iron, fiber, phosphorous, riboflavin, and niacin.
All these nutrients boost your health and improve the functions of various tissues, organs, and systems in the body. This drink strengthens the immune system and improves your overall health.
3. Boosts Healthy Eyes
Carotene is present in zobo leaves, the body converts this nutrient into vitamin A. vitamin A keeps the eyes healthy, it boosts clear and healthy visions and prevents eye problems like night blindness.
A combination of vitamin A and C strengthens immunity and guards against eye problems and also prevents eye problems caused by aging.
4. Guards against Kidney Problems
Doctors recommend zobo drink for patients with kidney disease and other kidney problems. It contains vital organic acids like citric acid, acetic acid, tartaric acids and maleic acid; all these acids help the kidneys function properly.
They help the kidney eliminate uric acid and oxalic acid, these are the two main causes of kidney stones and this, in turn, can lead to kidney damage and failure if not treated properly. It also eliminates other wastes from the kidneys and body.
Don’t add sugar or artificial sweeteners when taking zobo for the health of your kidneys.
5. Boosts the Levels of your Energy
Vitamin B2 or riboflavin present in zobo leaves increase the levels of energy and fight fatigue and mild cases of chronic fatigue syndrome.
This vitamin plays a role in energy metabolism and thereby increases the levels of energy in the body.
6. Boosts Appetite
Fiber, carotene, iron and calcium and other important nutrients found in hibiscus flower increase appetite; it fights the loss of appetite and other eating disorders.
It boosts digestion and prevents digestive issues that can affect appetite. It fights worms and bacteria in the gut and digestive system because it has antibacterial properties.
7. Boosts a Healthy Nervous System
Thiamine or vitamin B1 present in zobo drink helps build and maintain a healthy nervous system. It also supports the muscles of the heart and improves cardiovascular functions.
It protects the nervous system and promotes healthy hairs, mouth, liver, and eyes.
8. Prevents Cancer
Regular consumption of zobo drink increases the levels of antioxidants in the body thereby preventing and treating cancer. These antioxidants fight free radicals which cause oxidative damage and stress which later lead to cancer.
These antioxidants also boost the immune system and prevent cancer and other chronic and life-threatening diseases. Don’t add sugar or artificial sweeteners because they feed cancer cells.
9. Improves Brain Functions
Niacin or vitamin B3 present in zobo leaves supports healthy functions of the brain and fights brain problems and mood disorder like depression.
10. Fights High Blood Pressure
Zobo drink is very effective against pre-hypertension and mild hypertension. It contains enzyme inhibitors that block the production of amylase and this helps to lower blood pressure because this enzyme breaks down starches and complex sugars.
11. Boosts the Immune System
Zobo drink is rich in vitamin C, this vitamin fortifies the immune system and fights all kinds of diseases and infections. Regular intake of zobo drink will increase the levels of vitamin C in your body and thus empower your immune system.
Due to the high content of vitamin C in zobo drink, it can fight colds and coughs. It fights inflammation and kills bacteria and this is helpful in treating colds and coughs.
It has a cooling effect that can help reduce high body temperature and relieve fever.
12. Strengthens the Bones
Calcium is found in large amount in zobo leaves, this helps to strengthen the bones and teeth and guard against osteoporosis and other bone problems.
Calcium also benefits the heart and muscles; it helps them function properly. It prevents diseases of the teeth and bones.
13. Fights Diabetes
Unsweetened zobo drink brings down high levels of sugar in the bloodstream and it guards against and treats diabetes. Diabetic patients are free to take this drink without any fear or reservations as long as there is no sugar or any type of artificial sweeteners.
14. Fights Digestive Problems
Zobo leaves contain a high amount of fiber and other important nutrients that support the digestive problems and fight indigestion, constipation, and other digestive problems.
15. Fights Anemia
Zobo leaves have a rich content of iron, this mineral is needed to make new red blood cells and hemoglobin. This helps transport oxygen all through the body.
Those with low pack cell volume and anemia can start consuming zobo drink regularly to boost the levels of iron in their bodies. It also fights the symptoms of anemia like weaknesses and fatigue.
16. Aids Weight Loss
Zobo drink aids weight loss and maintains a healthy weight. This drink is low in sugar and fats and it contains nutrients that maintain proper weight. Don’t take it with sugar if you want to lose weight because the sugar will make you put on weight.
17. Relieves Menstrual Pain
Another health benefit of Zobo is that it helps boost the female reproductive system.The Menstruation process is usually accompanied with several intense pains, including cramps.
But the good news is that Zobo has been proven to be very effective in reducing the pain to a significant extent.
Not that alone, Zobo also helps in restoring hormonal balance in the female body so as to reduce the symptoms of menstruation, including mood swings, depression, overeating, etc.
The link between zobo drink and ovulation has not yet been ascertained completely; however many reports suggest zobo drink helps to deal with menstrual pain.
Types of Hibiscus Tea
Hibiscus may be available in the following forms:
- Single tea bags
- Ready-to-drink tea
- Loose flower petals
- Liquid extract
- Encapsulated powder
Side effects and risks of Zobo (Hibiscus Tea)
In life, everything we do should of course be done with moderation. Too much of everything is not good as Nigerians popularly says.
A 2013 review of studies reported that very high doses of zobo or hibiscus extract could potentially cause liver damage.
The same review reported that hibiscus extract was shown to interact with hydrochlorothiazide (a diuretic) in animals and with acetaminophen in humans.
Individuals who drink herbal teas should let their doctors know, as some herbs have the potential to interact with medications.
According to other sources, hibiscus consumption is not safe for people who take chloroquine, a medication for malaria. Hibiscus may decrease how well the medicine works in the body.
People with diabetes or on high blood pressure medications should monitor their blood sugar and blood pressure levels when consuming hibiscus. This is because it may decrease blood sugar or blood pressure levels.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not drink hibiscus tea.
Drinking hibiscus tea in moderation is generally considered safe. However, other products containing hibiscus are not regulated and may or may not contain what they claim. These include:
- Supplements
- Capsules
- Extracts
