Karkade Tea: Health Benefits and Harms

Karkade

The national Egyptian drink, with its distinctive ruby color and unusual taste, is popular all over the world.

For the first time, collecting and drying the cups of the rosella flowers, also known as the Sudanese rose, belonging to the genus hibiscus, began the ancient African healers & mdash; although formally the birthplace of tea culture is Southeast Asia.

Ease of cultivation, unpretentiousness and unique properties & mdash; the structure of inflorescences contains anthocyanins, which provide not only a red tint, but also P-vitamin activity, which has a positive effect on the state of blood vessels & mdash; have a special relationship with the plant.

From today's review, you will find out what and why Karkada tea is useful, what qualities it has, and what brewing recipes help reveal its best sides.

Composition and caloric content

The first thing to look for when starting a comprehensive study of the drink & mdash; list of substances that have a positive effect on the human body.

In our case, it is quite extensive, and includes:

  • Antioxidants and fruit acids.
  • Amino acids and vitamins of groups A, C, B and P.
  • Quercetin, anthocyanins, and other flavonoids.
  • Trace elements, including potassium, phosphorus, and iron.

The natural sediment formed after brewing is caused by the presence of dietary fiber.

For those who plan to drink karkade during their diet, it is worth noting that the calorie content is only 37 kcal per 100 grams of brew, and the content of protein, fat and carbohydrates varies within one to two percent.

 

Taste

The slightly acidic taste characteristic of brewed tea is primarily due to the presence of citric acid.

Differentiator & mdash; compatibility with natural sweeteners emphasizing infusion saturation. You can saturate and enhance a bouquet of aromas with cinnamon, mint, vanilla and ginger, as well as other spices.

The chilled drink tastes like a refreshing berry fruit drink, and if you add a little apples and sugar during cooking & mdash; becomes like a compote.

However, the traditional way of use is to use herbal tea in its pure form.

What are the health benefits of karkade tea

In Arab countries, flower brewing is widely used in medicine and is recommended as a strengthening and tonic preventive agent.

Of course, it would be wrong to talk about using one of the oldest tea drinks as a universal medicine that can replace real drugs.

However, the positive properties caused by the specific biochemical composition of the plant have a beneficial effect on the general condition of the human body.

Considering the usefulness of karkade tea, the following manifestations are usually mentioned:

  • Stimulation of the immune system and obstruction of inflammatory processes.
  • Lower blood pressure with anthocyanins that dilate blood vessels.
  • Normalization of liver and gastrointestinal function.
  • Increase fat cell burning and carbohydrate absorption.
  • Diuretic effect that relieves swelling and toxins.
  • Cholesterol reduction and micronutrient saturation.
  • Prevention of vitamin deficiency due to vitamins of several groups.

In addition, calcium and phosphorus are present in the plant, strengthening the bone structure, as well as magnesium, characterized by light sedation, which helps to normalize the sleep cycle.

Karkade in a glass

Benefits for Men and Women

The anatomical structure of the male reproductive system determines the importance of high-quality and unhindered blood circulation.

Practice shows that vasodilation caused by anthocyanins has a positive effect on functional indicators, contributing to the restoration of self-confidence.

For the fair sex, the herbal collection properties that appear when adding infusion to water during bathing, as well as during hygienic procedures involving the application of lotions, may be no less interesting.

The natural components of the Sudanese rose provide a skin rejuvenation effect, relieve irritation and inflammation, and postpone the visual manifestation of signs of natural age-related changes.

Karkade views

The variety of plants that grow mainly in warm climates determines the existence of different varieties, each of which has its own characteristic features: 4

  • Rosella & mdash; Indian variety of Sudanese rose, spread in tropical areas, it is this plant that is the basis for the production of a drink of a rich ruby ​ ​ shade with a deep rich taste with acidity. The drink perfectly quenches thirst, enhances tone and maintains performance regardless of the supply temperature.
  • Rico & mdash; Filipino variety with golden orange bud, characterized by large size and high yield. It is actively used in food production.
  • Archer & mdash; it is also a red hibiscus of the mallow family, first discovered in the Antilles, and having several subspecies characterized by a yellow and white-green tint. Used to make yarn, but not suitable as a brew.
  • Victor & mdash; herbaceous plant, similar to rosella in appearance and structure, but having a rougher stem, as well as fewer flowers.

Considering the beneficial properties of karkade tea, indications and contraindications to its use, it will not be superfluous to recall that it is the Sudanese rose that is used for the manufacture, the infusion of which has unique taste and color characteristics.

Correct preparation

One of the distinguishing features of the drink in question can be considered the presence of two methods of brewing at once: both in the usual way, that is, by adding boiling water, and by infusing herbal collection in cold water.

The choice of the appropriate option is usually determined by the ambient temperature conditions & mdash; depending on them, the infusion can serve as both a warming and refreshing agent.

Welded karkade

Hot Karkade Tea

It perfectly quenches thirst, saturating the body with heat, and creating a sense of comfort.

For cooking, a glass or porcelain teapot on a stand with a heating element is suitable.

One and a half to two spoons of dried mixture should be filled into cold water & mdash; this will brighten the taste.

If desired, you can add sugar, spices, or a couple of peppermint leaves. The tank is put on fire, after which it remains to wait for the boiling to begin and reduce the intensity of heating to a minimum.

Flowers swell within minutes, giving the liquid useful substances, giving it a bright color, and making the brew thick and fragrant.

Karkade iced tea

An alternative that will take a little longer. For a standard kettle or jug filled with boiled water, two tablespoons of dried hibiscus flowers are enough.

You can diversify your taste range using lemon juice or classic green varieties (5-7 grams).

The resulting composition should be left in the refrigerator for several hours, then brought to a boil on the stove, kept for several minutes, and allowed to cool again. It is recommended to serve with ice.

How much cooking takes

The duration depends on the selected method. For hot tea, it is recommended to keep the brew in boiling water for no longer than ten minutes & mdash; this is enough to get a quality infusion.

If you need a soft drink & mdash; will have to wait at least three hours, taking into account the soaking time, as well as cooling after boiling.

If you want to enjoy the best combinations of Sudanese rose, you should pay attention to the blends presented in the catalog & laquo; Russian Tea Company & raquo;:

  • Treasures of the Emperor & mdash; large-leaf baikhovy tea with the addition of rose hips, pieces of fruit and citrus zest, characterized by a rich taste and fresh aroma.
  • Royal Hibiscus & mdash; a classic formulation ideal for a traditional formulation, collected from plantations in Egypt and Sudan.
  • Клубничный Зефир — a fruit mix featuring an unusual combination of strawberries, apple and rosella, complemented by a creamy flavor.

How much can you drink karkade

For adults, a volume of three small cups is considered acceptable, provided that the decoction is moderate.

It is best to switch to tea after eating, especially if the diet includes spicy or fatty foods.

Infusion stimulates the digestive system and prevents colic and cramping.

Studies conducted by American experts have also shown the effectiveness of tea as a preventive agent that reduces the likelihood of developing cardiovascular pathologies.

Is karkade healthy

The positive effect of drinking a tea drink is due to the variety of natural trace elements needed by the human body.

Karkade

Blood pressure decreased

An experiment organized in 2013 by researchers at Arizona State University proved that the anthocyanins contained in karkada not only determine its color and strengthen the immune system, but also dilate the vessels and strengthen the structure of the walls, keeping BP levels within regulatory limits.

In addition, the plant contains rutin, which has a beneficial effect on capillary permeability, protecting the heart and brain.

Cholesterol reduction

Linoleic acid & mdash; a biochemical element that stabilizes the concentration of low-density cholesterol lipids and prevents the formation of plaques that can block blood flow.

Losing weight

Is it possible to say that karkade tea & mdash; a drink useful when switching to a dietary diet? Definitely, yes.

The combination of fruit acid and oxidizing inhibitors stimulates metabolic processes important in terms of weight loss.

The composition has a mild diuretic and laxative effect, contributing to the removal of excess fluid. The phaseolamine compound promotes the absorption of fats and carbohydrates, and is involved in the breakdown of sugar and starch, accelerating the rate of muscle gain.

And yet it is worth noting that achieving the desired result with tea alone will not work & mdash; strict diet and exercise are equally important.

Reduced cramping pain

Symptoms characteristic of regular cycles appear in the form of involuntary muscle contraction. The volume of trace elements contained in one cup of carcade is sufficient to reduce discomfort and helps restore emotional balance.

Tonic effect

The depressed state of the nervous system, due to stress and overwork, requires additional support from the body. The flowers of the Sudanese rose are rich in vitamins and amino acids, which help to overcome the loss of strength, and give a boost of vigor.

Recovery of liver fermentation

Anthocyanins not only dilate and strengthen blood vessels, but also prevent the development of inflammatory processes, which is a prerequisite for the full functioning of the liver.

Improve digestion

A property common to most herbal infusions. Hibiscus stimulates the gastrointestinal tract, preventing the formation of constipation and gastric disorders, and also stops heartburn and bloating. Cause & mdash; presence of polyphenols actively interacting with body cells.

Strengthening the immune system

The vitamin complex, as well as the increased content of natural antioxidants, contribute to the increase in the resistive functions of the immune system. The use of tea in combination with medicines allows you to stop the early symptoms of colds, including cough and high fever.

Cosmetic effect

The regenerative properties of hibiscus have been known for a long time, which leads to the use of the plant in the manufacture of skin care products. The finished infusion added to the bath, or applied during the wiping procedure, increases tone and reduces irritation.

Preventing cancer

The main function of inhibitors is to destroy free radicals that provoke the growth of cancer cells. In addition, the composition contains protocatechic acid & mdash; an organic compound that has a preventive effect and reduces the risk of oncology.

Girl drinking Karkade

Pregnancy use

Expecting a baby & mdash; a factor that forces you to carefully check all possible contraindications, and the benefits of karkade tea are very useful in situations where medication is undesirable. These symptoms include:

  • overpressure;
  • toxic poisoning;
  • vitamin deficiency and helminthiasis.

At the same time, it should be borne in mind that the susceptibility to individual elements of the drink is determined by the individual characteristics of the body.

Experts recommend consuming no more than one cup of infusion per day, and only after undergoing a consultation that eliminates possible risks.

How to drink to lose weight

Regular, sugar-free and confectionery-free. The biochemical composition of the plant is high in useful components, including phaseolamine and antioxidants that increase the intensity of fat breakdown.

Low calories and hunger can help normalize your daily diet.

By following a diet and exercise regimen, you can achieve the desired result in less time.

Contraindications

A lot has already been said about the benefits, and most of these facts are known to the average layman, but what is harmful about karkada tea & mdash; few know.

Factors limiting the possibility of drinking a natural herbal drink include:

  • Stomach diseases, including ulcers and gastritis, and increased acidity.
  • Presence of diagnosed kidney or gallbladder stones.
  • Individual intolerance to plant components.

Infusion is also not recommended during the feeding period. The baby's body cannot always cope with the saturated concentration of trace elements that enter the mother's milk. As a consequence, & mdash; high likelihood of allergy.

Let's summarize

The unusual color, rich taste and mass of useful properties of karkade tea make it one of the most noticeable herbal-based drinks.

Competent use can strengthen the immune system and improve overall well-being, but before you start drinking hibiscus on a regular basis, it is recommended to make sure that there are no medical contraindications.

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