Jamaica flower can be consumed in the form of tea or “water”, capsules and even in the preparation of some meals.
Jamaica flower is a medicinal plant rich in anthocyanins. This is a compound that gives it that characteristic red coloration, and in turn provides it with great antioxidant power.
Hibiscus, as it is also known, is also rich in flavonoids, vitamin C and organic acids, which provide various health benefits, such as helping to control blood pressure and promote weight loss, for example.
Its scientific name is Hibiscus Sabdariffa and it can be ingested in the form of tea, “water”, capsules and even in some countries it can be used to prepare some culinary dishes, and can be purchased in supermarkets, health food stores and in some online stores.
The health benefits of Jamaica flower are:
lower blood pressure
Jamaica flower might help prevent and control mild and moderate high blood pressure, as it favors the relaxation of blood vessels.
It is believed that this effect might be due to its anthocyanin content and its antioxidant properties and its diuretic effect.
In fact, some scientific studies seem to indicate that regular intake of hibiscus might have an effect similar to that of some antihypertensive drugs, such as captopril, for example. However, it should not replace the treatment indicated by the doctor, as more scientific evidence is needed to support it.
Take care of heart health
In addition to helping to lower blood pressure, it may also help lower “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and even increase “good” HDL cholesterol.
This might be due to the fact that there is a suppression in the synthesis of fatty acids in the liver, favoring the burning of fats in the body and reducing the absorption of triglycerides at the intestinal level.
Regulate blood sugar
Jamaica flower might help regulate blood sugar, because it might inhibit the activity of some pancreatic and intestinal enzymes that are responsible for the digestion of carbohydrates in the small intestine, thus avoiding spikes in blood sugar and excessive excretion of insulin, helping to prevent diabetes and improve glucose in the case of people who suffer from it. [1]
Promote weight loss
Thanks to its content of polyphenols, mainly anthocyanins, flavonoids and other phenolic compounds, such as galloyl, chlorogenic acid, quercetin and caffeic acid, regular consumption of Flor de Jamaica might promote weight loss and prevent obesity.
It is believed that this effect may be due to the fact that it helps regulate blood sugar, decreases the absorption of carbohydrates at the intestinal level and improves the metabolism of fats in the body, and might even control appetite, as some studies indicate that it might influence some hormones, such as ghrelin and leptin, which are responsible for regulating it.
Take care of liver health
Jamaica flower might inhibit the production of fatty acids in the liver, so it might improve and prevent fatty liver, improving its functioning. In addition, it might increase the enzymes that are responsible for detoxifying the body, thus reducing liver damage.
It has antioxidant properties
Hibiscus has antioxidant properties thanks to the fact that it is rich in polyphenols, mainly anthocyanins, which inhibit oxidative stress and prevent the formation of free radicals, as well as the damage they can cause to cells, thus preventing premature aging, the appearance of chronic diseases and even cancer.
Help fight bacteria
Some studies indicate that Jamaica flower has antimicrobial properties, helping to inhibit the activity of bacteria, such as Escherichia Coli, a bacterium that causes diarrhea and gastrointestinal discomfort; as well as other microorganisms such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, for example.
Prevent urinary infections
As mentioned above, Jamaica flower has antimicrobial properties, and according to some scientific studies, it helps fight bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, which are the main microorganisms responsible for causing urinary tract infections.
Likewise, it also has diuretic properties that help increase the amount of urine produced, favoring the elimination of these bacteria and preventing the appearance of recurrent infections. It is believed that this may be because it is rich in some antioxidant compounds that help regulate aldosterone, a hormone that controls urine production.
How to consume it
Jamaica flower can be consumed in the form of tea or “water”, capsules and even in the preparation of some foods such as desserts, tacos, ice cream, salads, among others.
At present, it has not yet been determined in what exact dose it should be used by diabetic and hypertensive people, so the recommendations for use below are general:
Jamaican water or tea
Jamaica water or tea is prepared with 1 tablespoon of dehydrated Jamaica flowers and 400 ml of boiling water.
The first thing is to add the flowers in the boiling water, let stand for 5 minutes.
Strain and drink warm or cold, 3 times a day. For weight loss, it is recommended to drink 1 cup of this tea following meals.
For blood pressure, a clinical study indicates that taking Jamaica flower water prepared with 1 tablespoon (10g) in 500 ml of boiling water daily, 2 hours following each meal and for at least 4 weeks, might improve blood pressure .
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