Why? It's delicious, satisfying, thirst-quenching. As a bonus, it has some nice support for my body.
I've been on a quest to find concentrated food sources that are high in vitamins. This has a very impressive profile.
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The Wiki link will not post. Go to Wiki and Search: Roselle (plant)
The roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is a species of Hibiscus native to the Old World tropics,. . .
. . . Hibiscus sabdariffa has shown in vitro antimicrobial activity against E. coli.[9]
A recent review stated that specific extracts of H. sabdariffa exhibit activities against atherosclerosis, liver disease, cancer, diabetes and other metabolic syndromes.[10] . . .
Also at www.iherb.com and other places. In many natural foods stores.
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As the Hibiscus powder can be a bit grainy in the bottom of the glass, I find that decreases if I mix up several spoonfuls of powder with water and stevia in a small glass jar and keep that concentrate in the fridge, drawing from that for a few days.
Still a bit grainy in the last few sips but, as the cost is so economical, I put up with it. And I love the taste.
If used as a hot tea, it dissolves pretty well. But that might lower Vitamin C content when heated. I'm not sure but too tired to scout that out.
To avoid the graininess altogether, try other sources (such as Mercola's).
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RINSE & SWISH mouth very well with pure water after enjoying a glass of this tea. As it has a high Vitamin C content, you don't want that sitting on your teeth. Do not brush for at least 30 minutes afterward. -
[ 02-07-2013, 03:44 AM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posted by aklnwlf (Member # 5960) on :
Thanks Keebs! Googling......
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Many of the top TEA companies carry HIBISCUS FLOWERS for tea.
This would be more subtle and gentler for the mouth, compared to making it from a powdered concentrate (even if just from the flowers, themselves). -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
The antioxidant and drug metabolizing potentials of Hibiscus anthocyanin extract in CCl(4)- induced oxidative damage of rat liver was investigated . . . .
. . . Hibiscus anthocyanin extract produced a significantly increase and completely attenuated the CCl(4)-mediated decrease in antioxidant enzymes (e.g., catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase).
However, the level of nonenzymic antioxidant molecules (i.e., vitamins C and E) were significant preserved by Hibiscus anthocyanin extract. . . .
. . . In view of these properties, Hibiscus sabdariffa anthocyanin extract can act as a prophylactic by intervening as a free radical scavenger both in vitro and in vivo as well as inducing the phase II drug detoxification enzymes. -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Add some color to your life ! This does not excite me as much as Hawthorn for the heart, still, just stumbled upon this and thought it may be of interest.
[ 01-03-2014, 10:45 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- I suggest certain brands since I've "vetted" them myself. While the teas come from all over the world (mostly close to or in the southern hemisphere, though) I like to buy from vendors close to home. So do search out who is near you. If no one of comparable quality, consider:
Strand Tea (an excellent company near Portland, Oregon. They travel the world, research sources for purity and practices - and maintain relationships with tea growers). Some of their offerings:
Berry-Licious - Fruit Tea. 100% Pure Naturally Dried Fruit and Hibiscus Flowers.
This delicious blend of dried elderberries, cranberries, currant, cherries, and hibiscus flowers makes a nice hot or iced beverage.
Below, from the Tao of Tea (the "dow"). They are in Portland, OR and generally good but I find their customer service to be less than ideal. Still, they may have improved that. I have enjoyed their Hibiscus and want you to see the photo so you know what it should look like: