High blood pressure can be the warning sign of dangerous health complications to come, so it’s crucially important to keep your blood pressure in check. While some foods are associated with a higher risk of hypertension, others are linked to bringing the all-important blood pressure reading down – including this herbal tea.
High blood pressure is often nicknamed the ‘silent killer’ as although the condition can be life-threatening, it has few – if any – noticeable symptoms.
Having high blood pressure puts you at increased risk of heart disease, cardiac arrest and stroke.
According to Blood Pressure UK, over five million people in England are likely to have undiagnosed high blood pressure.
While high blood pressure is staggeringly dangerous, making some simple changes to your diet and lifestyle can reduce your risk of the condition – including drinking this tea.
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Hibiscus tea
This bright red, tart and flowery tea has been associated with reducing the risk of high blood pressure, amongst other health benefits.
Studies have looked at the impact drinking hibiscus tea has on blood pressure, with many finding that drinking this tea brought down people’s blood pressure readings.
One study took a group of 65 people, half of which were given hibiscus tea and half getting a placebo.
Other health benefits of hibiscus tea
In addition to helping hypertension, hibiscus tea has many more health benefits.
This tea is full of antioxidants which can limit cell damage.
Drinking hibiscus tea may also help with weight loss, as it’s low in calories and can help ease snack cravings.
Replacing sugary or alcoholic beverages with hibiscus tea can save you many calories, as well as prevent liver damage in the case of alcohol.
What is normal blood pressure?
According to the NHS, a healthy blood pressure reading is one between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is considered to be anything higher than 140/90mmHg.
If you smoke, are overweight or have a family history of heart disease, you are considered “at risk” for high blood pressure and should have it checked once a year.
The NHS also recommends anyone over the age of 40 should have a blood pressure check every five years.