Infusion of hibiscus - a drink with health benefits

Infusion of hibiscus - a drink with health benefits

Hibiscus are tropical flowers that grow in tropical and subtropical regions. They have been used in cooking: dried flowers to prepare infusions, and fresh flowers for salads, soups or sauces.
Nutritional benefits of hibiscus

• can help lower blood pressure
• rich in polyphenols (flavonoids) that give it antioxidant and cardiovascular health protective properties
• rich in vitamin C, supporting immune health

Consuming hibiscus infusion moderately is considered safe, however other products in the form of extracts, supplements or capsules are not recommended. Because they are not regulated and their adverse effects are not studied. Its consumption is not recommended for pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding. The same applies to any medicinal plant.

Infusion of hibiscus - recipe.

​Ingredients

• 2 lt of water
• 1 cup hibiscus (dried flowers)
• ½ cup sugar (100 g) (optional)
• To serve
• fresh mint leaves
• lemon slices

Method

1. Boil the water for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and add hibiscus. Shake well. Leave to infuse for 15 minutes.
2. With a strainer, filter the tea to remove the hibiscus. Be careful, because this infusion leaves color. Use glass or stainless steel container.
3. Add the sugar to the filtered infusion and stir well with a spoon. Let it cool down and put it in the fridge for a few hours until it gets really cold.
4. Taste the infusion (after it has cooled down), and if you find it too concentrated, add a little more water, stir well and taste until you reach your desired taste. Also remember that if you serve the infusion with ice cubes, the ice will dilute even more.
5. Serve the infusion in a glass or clear glass cup and add fresh mint leaves and lemon slices.

Recipe tip
You can try adding cinnamon stick, ginger, orange peel and try to find your favorite way to consume this infusion.

Nutrition information per portion (247)
39 Kcal, 1 g Fat, 1 g Saturated fat, 11 g Carbs, 11 g Sugar, 1 g Fiber, 1 g Protein, 0 g salt

Joana Jardim
Registered Dietitian, MSc Clinical Dietitian
Founder of YourDietAdvice.com