Benefits of Hibiscus for Women. Hibiscus is a tropical plant characterized by its beautiful flowers and bright red color. Hibiscus is used to prepare a refreshing drink with many health benefits. For women, hibiscus provides a range of health and beauty benefits. In this article from Dalili Medical, we will review the most prominent benefits of hibiscus for women and how it can be included in the daily diet.

**Nutritional value of hibiscus**

 

Each part of the hibiscus plant is characterized by a unique combination of minerals and essential elements that contribute to the health of the body. 100 grams of hibiscus herb contains the following nutritional components:

- **Protein**: Its percentage ranges between 2 grams in flowers and 28 grams in seeds.

- **Carbohydrates**: Its percentage ranges from 8 grams in leaves to 25 grams in seeds.

- **Fat**: Its percentage is high in seeds, while it is almost non-existent in leaves and flowers.

- **Vitamin A**: Exclusively found in the leaves at 1000 mg.

- **Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)**: Found at 0.2 mg in the leaves, 0.1 mg in the seeds, and 0.05 mg in the flowers.

- **Vitamin B2**: Found at 0.15 mg in the seeds.

- **Vitamin C**: Its proportion ranges from 2 mg in the leaves to 17 mg in the flowers.

Calcium is present at proportions ranging from 150 mg in the flowers to 350 mg in the seeds.

As for iron, its proportion ranges from 3 mg in the flowers to 9 mg in the seeds.

**Benefits of Hibiscus for Pregnant Women**

 

Here are the most important benefits of hibiscus for pregnant women after the first three months of pregnancy:

1. **Hibiscus and blood pressure for pregnant women** Some pregnant women may experience high blood pressure during the last trimester of pregnancy, and hibiscus tea can help reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure during this period.

"It is best to avoid consuming hibiscus and look for suitable alternatives to lower blood pressure during pregnancy."

2. Reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels Pregnancy causes a slight increase in triglyceride and cholesterol levels, but these levels usually return to normal after childbirth. Medical research has shown that consuming hibiscus tea can help reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood.

3. Promoting liver health Hibiscus tea can help promote liver health, as it helps improve the condition of fatty degeneration of the liver, which reduces the risk of liver failure.

4. Weight Loss Support Several medical studies have shown that hibiscus tea can help with weight loss and reduce the risk of obesity. One study showed that hibiscus extract contributed to reducing body fat and weight, in addition to reducing the body mass index after 12 weeks of use.

Therefore, consuming hibiscus may help pregnant women avoid significant weight gain during this period. However, it should be consumed under medical supervision, as its negative effects may outweigh its benefits during pregnancy.

**Benefits of hibiscus for immunity during pregnancy**

 

Hibiscus is a rich source of vitamin C, which is an essential element and a powerful antioxidant, which contributes to strengthening the immune system and protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals in the body. This helps reduce the likelihood of developing various diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

In addition, hibiscus contributes to tissue growth and repair, enhances cartilage health, and plays a role in the formation of collagen, which helps in wound healing. In addition, it contributes to improving the absorption of iron from foods, which helps prevent anemia.

Hibiscus is also known for its ability to fight bacteria, purify the blood and lymph nodes from toxins, as well as enhance and strengthen the health of the digestive system.

**Benefits of Hibiscus for pregnant women in the first months**

 

It is preferable to avoid drinking hibiscus tea during pregnancy, especially in the first three months, as it may lead to risks such as premature birth or miscarriage. It is also believed that it may negatively affect the growth of the child, due to its content of phytoestrogens.

Although some elderly people may advise pregnant women to drink hibiscus in the ninth month to facilitate the onset of labor, it is best to avoid drinking it throughout pregnancy, as its risks outweigh its benefits. It is recommended to look for other alternatives to help lower blood pressure and boost immunity during pregnancy.

**How ​​to Prepare Hibiscus Juice**

 

Preparing hibiscus juice, whether cold or hot, is one of the most common ways people enjoy the taste of hibiscus. Here's how to prepare it:

**Ingredients:**

- 10 cups of water.

- 1 cup (about 2 ounces) of dried hibiscus flowers.

- 1/2 cup of sugar (about 360 calories), and the amount can be increased as desired for a sweeter taste.

**Tools:**

- A large bowl.

- A large pitcher with a lid or plastic wrap.

- A measuring cup.

- A fine mesh strainer.

- A long spoon or ladle.

**Steps:**

You can follow these steps to prepare cold hibiscus juice:

 

1. Boil 10 cups of water in a large pot.

2. Add a cup of dried hibiscus flowers to boiling water, let it boil for 2 to 3 minutes, then turn off the heat and move the pot away from the stove.

3. Leave the hibiscus to soak in the water for 15 minutes.

4. Carefully pour the hibiscus through a fine mesh strainer into the pitcher.

5. You can use a piece of cotton cloth to line the strainer, which helps prevent any sediment from passing into the pitcher.

6. Be careful when transferring the hibiscus to the pitcher, as it can leave stains on surfaces.

**How ​​to prepare hibiscus jam**

 

The method of preparing hibiscus jam may not be common, but it is characterized by its sweet taste that adults and children alike love. Mothers can use this method to encourage their children to eat hibiscus and benefit fromIts multiple health benefits.

**Ingredients:**

- Hibiscus

- Sugar to taste

- Lemon juice

- A spoonful of butter

- Water

**Tools:**

- A large pot

- A long spoon for stirring

- A measuring cup

- A strainer

**Steps:**

The steps for preparing hibiscus jam include the following:

 

1. The hibiscus flower consists of the calyx and seeds, so the calyx must be separated from the seeds at the beginning of preparation, as we only need the leaves of the calyx.

2. After separating the leaves, they are washed well, then placed in a large pot and soaked in water, then filtered using a strainer.

3. The leaves are added to a pot containing water, then placed on the fire until it reaches the boiling point.

4. You must continue to stir well to avoid the hibiscus leaves clumping at the bottom of the pot.

5. After boiling, leave it on low heat for a while until it turns into a sticky mass similar to the consistency of the known jam.

The volume of the liquid mixed with hibiscus should be measured after boiling and preparing it as jam, using a measuring cup.

An amount of sugar should be added equal to the same amount of jam, i.e. a cup of sugar for each cup of jam liquid.

Lemon juice and a piece of butter are added, stirring well using a long spoon.

Leave the pot to cool until it reaches room temperature.

**How ​​to prepare concentrated hibiscus syrup**

 

Concentrated hibiscus syrup can be prepared and used in preparing sweets or sweet baked goods, and it can also be added to ice cream that children love, giving them additional health benefits with a delicious taste.

**Ingredients:**

- Hibiscus

- Water

- Sugar

- Lemon juice

- Citric acid

**Tools:**

- A large pot to wash the hibiscus

- Another pot to boil

- A spoon to stir

- A strainer

- A measuring cup

**Steps:**

To successfully prepare concentrated hibiscus syrup, you can follow the following steps:

 

1. Wash the hibiscus leaves well by soaking them in a large pot and then draining them from the water.

2. Place the drained leaves in a pot with an appropriate amount of water.

3. Place the mixture of hibiscus leaves and water on the fire until it boils.

4. Continue stirring slowly using a spoon.

5. Let the mixture boil for a short time and then remove the pot from the fire.

6. Separate the hibiscus leaves from the liquid using the strainer.

7. Use the measuring cup to measure the volume of the filtered liquid.

8. Add an amount of sugar equal to the amount of liquid.

Return the pot to the fire with the sugar added, and continue stirring until the sugar dissolves completely in the water.

Leave the mixture to boil for a short time.

Then remove from the heat and add lemon juice and citric acid.

Leave the mixture to cool until it is ready to use, which adds a distinctive flavor to many recipes.

**How ​​to use hibiscus for breastfeeding**

 

It is recommended that breastfeeding and pregnant women consume hibiscus in moderate quantities to avoid any negative effects that may result from this drink. It is also important to consult a doctor before starting to use it. As for how to prepare hibiscus for breastfeeding, you can prepare a refreshing hibiscus drink, whether cold or hot, while being careful not to overdo it.

**Ingredients:**

- Dried hibiscus flowers

- Lemon balm sprigs

- A few basil sprigs

- Water

**How ​​to prepare:**

 

1. Soak hibiscus flowers, lemon balm, and basil sprigs in water overnight.

2. In the morning, strain the mixture and serve it cold with ice.

**Hibiscus harms for pregnant women**

 

Despite the many benefits of hibiscus for pregnant women, it has some harms that should be noted. The most prominent of these harms are as follows:

- **A sharp drop in blood pressure**: Hibiscus may lead to a significant drop in blood pressure, which increases the risk of health problems such as fainting and brain and heart damage.

- **Low blood sugar levels**: Hibiscus can cause a sharp drop in sugar levels, so it is recommended to avoid it during pregnancy, especially when using other medications to avoid any drug interactions.

- **Digestive disorders**: Some may experience problems such as bloating and gas.

- **Allergic reactions**: People who are sensitive to hibiscus may experience allergic reactions.

**Hibiscus harms for breastfeeding women**

 

Since there are not enough studies to confirm the safety of using hibiscus for breastfeeding women, it is recommended to avoid it. It is important to note that consuming large amounts of hibiscus may lead to a range of damages, the most prominent of which are:

- Stomach disorders and pain.

- Tremors.

- Headache.

- Pain during urination.

- Constipation.

- Gas.

- Low blood sugar.

**Benefits of hibiscus for women**

 

**Improving heart health:**Hibiscus contains antioxidants that help lower levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase levels of good cholesterol (HDL), which promotes heart health.

**Lowering blood pressure:**Drinking hibiscus helps reduce blood pressure, which reduces the risk of heart disease.

**Reducing inflammation:**The antioxidants in hibiscus reduce inflammation associated with heart disease.

**Supporting digestive health:**Hibiscus contains natural compounds that promote digestion and relieve digestive problems such as bloating and constipation. It also stimulates bowel movements and promotes the secretion of digestive juices, which facilitates the digestion process.

**Improving skin and hair health:**Hibiscus contains vitamin C and amino acids that promote collagen production, which improves skin and hair health.

- **Moisturizing the skin:** Helps moisturize the skin and make it soft and radiant.

- **Promoting hair growth:** Stimulates hair growth and strengthens the roots, which reduces hair loss.

- **Anti-aging:** Antioxidants help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

**Supporting weight loss:**Hibiscus is a low-calorie drink and can contribute to weight loss by boosting metabolism and increasing fat burning.

**Increase metabolism:** Hibiscus helps increase metabolism, which leads to burning calories faster.

**Reduces appetite:** It contains compounds that contribute toIn reducing appetite and limiting overeating.

**Improving kidney health:** Hibiscus is characterized by its diuretic properties, which helps in enhancing kidney health and eliminating toxins from the body.

**Kidney cleansing:** It contributes to cleansing the kidneys of toxins and sediments.

**Preventing stone formation:** It reduces the risk of kidney stones thanks to its diuretic properties.

**Regulating hormones and enhancing reproductive health:** Hibiscus contains natural compounds that contribute to regulating hormones and improving reproductive health in women.

**Relieving menstrual symptoms:** Hibiscus helps in relieving cramps and pain associated with menstruation.

**Regulating the menstrual cycle:** It contributes to regulating the menstrual cycle and reducing cramps.

**Boosting the immune system:** Hibiscus is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which enhances the immune system and helps in preventing diseases.

**Fighting infections:** It helps in fighting bacterial and viral infections.

**Improving general health:** It contributes to enhancing general health by strengthening the immune system.

**Hibiscus consumption warnings**

 

Despite the many benefits of hibiscus, there are some warnings that should be taken into account when consuming it. These warnings include:

- **Pregnancy**: It is likely unsafe to consume hibiscus during the first three months of pregnancy, as it may stimulate the menstrual cycle or cause effects that lead to termination of pregnancy.

- **Breastfeeding**: It is likely unsafe to consume hibiscus during breastfeeding, due to its potential negative effect on the health of the infant.

- **Low blood pressure**: Consuming hibiscus may lead to a sharp drop in blood pressure in people who suffer from low blood pressure.

- **Surgery**: Consuming hibiscus can affect blood sugar levels, making them difficult to control during and after surgery. Therefore, it is recommended to stop consuming hibiscus at least two weeks before the surgery.