The human body is constantly under attack from various harmful bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms.

While modern medicine has come a long way in mitigating the effects of these infections, it is ultimately up to one’s immune system to protect the body from falling sick. Fortunately, several plants and herbs contain natural compounds that can boost the immune system’s response.

In this article, we will discuss one such herb – Hibiscus sabdariffa – and its high vitamin C content that makes it an excellent natural immune booster.

What is Hibiscus sabdariffa?

Hibiscus sabdariffa, also known as roselle, is a plant species that is native to Africa but is now cultivated in many tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.

The plant has long been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including high blood pressure, liver problems, and fever. It is a rich source of nutrients and bioactive compounds that are beneficial to health.

Vitamin C Content of Hibiscus sabdariffa

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a powerful antioxidant that plays a vital role in many biological processes.

It is an essential nutrient that cannot be produced by the human body, meaning it must be obtained from external sources, such as food or supplements. Vitamin C is best known for its role in the immune system, where it acts as a co-factor for many enzymes and enhances the activity of white blood cells that fight off infections.

Hibiscus sabdariffa contains high levels of vitamin C, making it an excellent natural immune booster.

According to a study published in the Journal of Food Science and Technology, the vitamin C content of hibiscus calyces (the fleshy part of the flower) ranged from 89.4 to 151.6 mg/100 g of fresh weight. This makes hibiscus sabdariffa an excellent source of vitamin C for people looking to boost their immune system naturally.

Other Health Benefits of Hibiscus sabdariffa

In addition to being a natural immune booster, Hibiscus sabdariffa has many other health benefits. Some of these benefits include:.

Lower Blood Pressure

Hibiscus sabdariffa has been shown to have a beneficial effect on blood pressure levels.

According to a study published in the Journal of Human Hypertension, consuming hibiscus tea for 12 weeks resulted in a significant reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in people with pre-hypertension or mild hypertension.

Anti-inflammatory Properties

Hibiscus sabdariffa contains several compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds can help alleviate symptoms of inflammation in the body, such as joint pain and swelling.

A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that hibiscus extract reduced inflammation in rats with arthritis.

Antioxidant Activity

Hibiscus sabdariffa is a rich source of polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants that protect the body against oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress is a process that occurs when there is an imbalance between free radicals (molecules that damage cells) and the body’s ability to neutralize them. A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that hibiscus extract had potent antioxidant activity and protected against oxidative stress in rat liver cells.

Liver Health

Hibiscus sabdariffa has been shown to have several beneficial effects on liver health.

According to a study published in the Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, hibiscus extract improved liver function in rats with liver damage caused by alcohol consumption.

How to Consume Hibiscus sabdariffa?

There are several ways to consume Hibiscus sabdariffa, including:.

Hibiscus Tea

Hibiscus tea is a popular and easy way to consume hibiscus sabdariffa. To make hibiscus tea, steep dried hibiscus flowers in hot water for 5-10 minutes. The resulting tea is tart and refreshing and can be sweetened with honey or sugar if desired.

Hibiscus Powder

Hibiscus powder is made by grinding dried hibiscus flowers into a fine powder. It can be used as a natural food coloring or flavoring agent in dishes such as smoothies, yogurt, and baked goods.

Hibiscus Capsules

Hibiscus capsules are a convenient way to supplement with hibiscus sabdariffa. They can be found at health food stores and online retailers and are an excellent option for people who do not like the taste of hibiscus tea.

Conclusion

Overall, Hibiscus sabdariffa is an excellent natural immune booster due to its high vitamin C content. It also has several other health benefits, including reducing blood pressure, alleviating inflammation, and protecting against oxidative stress.

Incorporating hibiscus sabdariffa into your diet is a simple and effective way to support your immune system and improve overall health.