Hibiscus promotes detoxification
Hibiscus calyx, which is commonly known in Nigeria as Zobo, is a rich source of nutrients that activate detoxification. It literally contains thousands of health-promoting substances. Of particular interest is a class of compounds called anthocyanins. These compounds give hibiscus tea its characteristic red hue. Anthocyanins not only activate detoxification enzymes, but signal to cells to assemble more such machines.
Yes, hibiscus speaks to the body. Nutrients are much more than just calories. They carry information and instructions. They initiate and inhibit numerous processes in the body. The nutrients in Zobo initiate cleansing and regenerative processes. Whereas the anti-nutrients in say soft drinks, initiate chronic inflammation and oxidative damage.
Hibiscus tea helps resolve metabolic syndrome
Not surprisingly, hibiscus tea has been found to improve markers of metabolic syndrome. What is metabolic syndrome? It is a physiological state marked by the break down of insulin signaling. This results in abnormally high levels of insulin that create disorder in the body. Blood sugar and cholesterol levels spike. Blood vessels harden and stiffen. Chronic infections run wild as the immune system is subdued. The liver becomes clogged with fat and cholesterol. The brain fills up with non-functional, junk protein fibers. And so on.
Metabolic syndrome is also a cluster of interrelated diseases. That is, it is the root cause of a family of chronic diseases. Many chronic diseases appear as if they have little in common. What does type 2 diabetes have to do with heart disease? Or kidney stones with cataracts? Well, they have everything in common. They are merely manifestations of an underlying disease process. For example, hypertension, liver disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, glaucoma, dementia, and kidney disease are all impacted by defective insulin signaling (metabolic syndrome).
One way in which hibiscus helps resolve metabolic syndrome is that it promotes the excretion of uric acid. Metabolic syndrome is associated with excess uric acid in the body. As the body gradually detoxifies this and other metabolic wastes, the defect in insulin signaling also resolves. And by so doing, hibiscus calyx helps to resolve the biggest killer of the modern age.
How to prepare hibiscus tea
Next week: We get an in-depth look at detoxification.
References:
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C M Gurrola-Díaz, P M García-López, S Sánchez-Enríquez, R Troyo-Sanromán, I Andrade-González, J F Gómez-Leyva. “Effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa extract powder and preventive treatment (diet) on the lipid profiles of patients with metabolic syndrome”. Phytomedicine. 2010. Web
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H Mozaffari-Khosravi, B-A Jalali-Khanabadi, M Afkhami-Ardekani, F Fatehi, M Noori-Shadkam. “The effects of sour tea (Hibiscus sabdariffa) on hypertension in patients with type II diabetes”. Journal of Human Hypertension. 2009. Web
Ezenwa Onwugbenu is a nutritional healer and public speaker on natural health matters. You can find out more about him and his passion for natural health and living on Creative Juices.
