Hibiscus Tea for Weight Loss: How It Works & How To Take (2024)

Drinking hibiscus tea every daycan help with weight loss naturally. This plant contains anthocyanins, phenolic compounds and flavonoids that can help to regulate the genes involved in fat digestion, which can boostfat elimination. These substances also help to manage fat cell hypertrophy by reducing the dize of fat cells.

However, this plant doesn't appear to have anyaffect on curbingappetite. Thereforepeople with bigger appetites looking forweight loss results should use hibiscus combined with another plant that specifically targetappetite control, likeCaralluma fimbriataor fenugreek.

The best way to use hibiscus toget optimalresults is to take it inthe form of capsules, as this way, you know you are gettingan accurate dose. However, you can also prepare it as ate, using the plant species Hibiscus sabdariffa.This can be found in somegrocery stores orpharmacies.

Hibiscus Tea for Weight Loss: How It Works & How To Take (1)

Unlike green tea, hibiscushas a more pleasant flavor. Itis alsorich in antioxidants that prevent heart disease and premature aging. There it is a great option for those who don't like to drink green tea.

How to make hibiscus tea

To make hibiscus tea and maintain the flower's properties, the water must be brought to a boil and then removed from heat. Add the hibiscus flowers to the water, cover the pot, and let the flowers soakfor 10 minutes before straining and drinking.

The correct proportion of hibiscus and water is:

  • 2 tablespoons of dry hibiscus or 2 hibiscus tea bags;
  • 1 liter of water just beginning to boil

You should drink 3 to 4 cups of this tea daily, half an hour before your main meals. The tea should be takenwithout sugar to achieve the expected effect, howeveroptimalweight loss results will be notedwhen combined with a balanced diet and physical exercise.

Weight loss meal planwith hibiscus tea

The following table provides an example of a 3-day diet menu to lose weight with hibiscus tea:

Meal

Day 1Day 2Day 3

Breakfast

1 cup of soy milk + 1 cup of strawberries + 1 tablespoon of oats

1 slice of whole grain bread with 20 g of white cheese + 1/2 a papaya

1 skim yogurt with 1 chopped kiwi and 1 tablespoon of flaxseed flour

Lunch

1 scrambled egg + 2 tablespoons of whole grain rice + salad with arugula, corn, carrot and tomato, seasoned with olive oil and vinegar + 1 slice of watermelon

1 grilled chicken breat + 1/2 cup of whole wheat pasta with homemade tomato sauce + salad with lettuce, pepper, cucumber, seasoned with olive oil and lemon juice + 1 peach

120 g of grilled tofu + 2 tablespoons of whole grain rice + salad with cucumber, arugula and carrot, seasoned with olive oil and balsamic vinegar + 1 banana with cinnamon

Afternoon tea

1 cup of hibiscus tea, unsweetened, after lunch

1 cup of hibiscus tea, unsweetened, after lunch

1 cup of hibiscus tea, unsweetened, after lunch

Afternoon snack

2 whole grain toasts with 20 g of white cheese + 1 cup of natural orange juice

1 skim yogurt (no sugar) with fruit salad

2 whole grain toasts with 2 tablespoons of guacamole, made with avocado, tomato, pepper and onion

Dinner

1 grilled salmon fillet + 2 tablespoons of mashed potatoes + boiled broccoli seasoned with olive oil and lemon juice +1 apple

1 boiled fish fillet + 2 tablespoons of quinoa + sauteed cabbage with olive oil and garlic + 1 pear

1 sea bass fillet + 2 tablespoons of boiled sweet potato + 3 tablespoons of boiled cauliflower seasoned with olive oil and vinegar + 1 small mango

Evening tea

1 cup of hibiscus tea, unsweetened, after dinner

1 cup of hibiscus tea, unsweetened, after dinner

1 cup of hibiscus tea, unsweetened, after dinner

The quantities included in this menu vary according to factors like theperson's age, sex and health history. Therefore, you are advised to consult a registered dietitian to devise a meal plan that is based on your health needs and goals.

Check out other great benefits that hibiscus can offer.

Hibiscus tea recipes for weight loss

Hibiscus tea can be used to prepare healthy and tasty recipes such as juices, popsicles, "soft drinks" or gelatin.

1. Watermelon hibiscus popsicle

Each popsicle contains just 37 calories, and can be eatenas a dessert or snack.

Ingredients:

  • 2 large slices of watermelon with seeds
  • 1 cup of hibiscus tea
  • 1 tablespoon of chopped mint leaves

How to prepare:

Mix all the ingredients in a blender and fill popsicle molds with this mixture. You can additionally also place pieces of fruit, such as kiwi and strawberries, inside the molds before filling them, as this will provide the popsicles withmore nutrients and make them even more attractive.

2. Healthy hibiscus “soda”

Each 240 ml glass of this soft drink has just 14 calories and can be taken during lunch or dinner.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of hibiscus tea
  • Sparkling water

How to prepare

Start by preparingthe hibiscus tea byusing 3 tablespoons of dried hibiscus flowers for 500 ml of water. Bring the water to aboil, remove from heat and add the hibiscus leaves, covering the pot and letting it infuse for 5 minutes. Strain and place the tea in the refrigerator. Prior to drinkingdrinking, fill ⅓ of the glass with hibiscus tea and top up the rest with sparkling water.

3. Light summer juice

Each 200 ml glass of this juice has just 105 calories, and can be taken for breakfast or an afternoon snack, for example.

Ingredients:

  • 500 ml of cold hibiscus tea
  • 500 ml of sugar-free red grape juice
  • 1 lemon juice
  • 1 lemon cut into slices
  • 3 sprigs of mint

How to prepare:

Make hibiscus tea with 3 tablespoons of the plant for every500 ml of water. In a pitcher, place the grape juice, the juice of one lemon, the hibiscus tea, the mint sprigs and the lemon slices. Leave in the fridge to cool and add more ice when serving.

4. Hibiscus jello

A cup with 100 ml of hibiscus gelatin has 32 calories, and can be consumed as a dessert for dinner, for example.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of hibiscus tea
  • 2 tablespoons of natural gelatin powder
  • 1 level tablespoon of sweetener

How to prepare:

Dissolve the gelatin well, according to the label instructions, in the hibiscus tea. Sweeten with the sweetener, and transfer the liquid to a bowl or individual glasses. Place in the fridge for 4 hours or until it is very firm.

Contraindications for hibiscus tea

Hibiscus tea is contraindicated for women who are pregnant,for women during PMS, (as it can worsen their symptoms), and people with low blood pressure. Hibiscus tea may cause hormonal changes and reduce fertility, so it is contraindicated for women trying to conceive.

Excessive consumption of hibiscus tea can also lead to an overdose, changes in blood pressure and muscle weakness, so the maximum daily dose should be 2 to 3 grams or about 6 cups of tea.

Possible side effects

Excessive intake of hibiscus tea can cause symptoms such as excess gas, increased urine volume, stomach pain, constipation and low blood pressure.

How to lose weight fast

Hibiscus is a good way to try to speed up the weight loss process, but you should also eat foods rich in nutrients and avoid everything that contains sugars and fat as much as possible. Ginger tea can also be a good option for weight loss, however be sure to check out other natural teas you can try.

Going for walks is also very important and staying active is also very important to achieve weight loss results. You engage in some type of physical exercise at least 3 times a week. Check out some chest workouts or leg workouts to incorporate into your exercise routine.

Clinical review:

Tatiana Zanin

Registered Dietitian

Nutrition studies completed at Catholic University of Santos. Licensed to practice through the CRN-3 #15097.

95% of readers find this content useful (98 ratings in the last 12 months)

Update History

We regularly update our content with the latest scientific information to maintain an exceptional level of quality.

  • 25 October, 2023 (Current version)

    Updated by Daisy Oliveira - Registered Nurse

  • 1 March, 2022

    Updated by Manuel Reis - Registered Nurse

  • 24 February, 2022

    Updated by Daisy Oliveira - Registered Nurse

  • 28 May, 2021

    Updated by Manuel Reis - Registered Nurse

  • 11 April, 2019

    Clinical review by Tatiana Zanin - Registered Dietitian

  • Published in April, 2019

References
  • Jeffery T.D. Richardson M. L. A review of the effectiveness of hibiscus for treatment of metabolic syndrome. J Ethnopharmacol. 270. 113762; 2021
  • IZQUIERDO-VEGA, Jeannett A.; et al. Organic Acids from Roselle ( Hibiscus sabdariffa L.)-A Brief Review of Its Pharmacological Effects. Biomedicines. 8. 100; 1-16, 2020
  • COSTA Eronita. Nutrição & Fitoterapia. 2º. Brasil: Vozes Ltda, 2011.
  • SERNA Ana; MARHUENDA Javier et al. Effectiveness of a Polyphenolic Extract (LippiaCitriodora and Hibiscus Sabdariffa) on AppetiteRegulation in Overweight and Obese Grade IPopulation: A 8 weeks Randomized, Double-Blind,Cross-Over, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Research Square. 1-33, 2020
  • DA-COSTA-ROCHA Inês et al. Hibiscus sabdariffa L. – A phytochemical and pharmacological review. Food Chemistry. 165. 424-443, 2014
  • AJIBOYE Taofeek et al. Antioxidant and drug detoxification potentials of Hibiscus sabdariffa anthocyanin extract. Drug and Chemical Toxicology. 34. 2; 109-115, 2011
  • ROCHA Manuel Augusto. Plantas medicinais mais procuradas na plataforma Google pela população leiga brasileira. Trabalho de investigação e revisão da literatura, 2018. CESPU.
  • JALALYAZDI Majid, et al. Efect of hibiscus sabdariffa on blood pressure in patients with stage 1 hypertension. Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology & Research . 10. 3; 107-111, 2019
  • HONG-CHOU Chang et al. Hibiscus sabdariffa extract inhibits obesity and fat accumulation, and improves liver steatosis in humans. Food & Function - The Royal Society of Chemistry. 5. 4; 734-739, 2014
  • EXAMINE.COM. Hibiscus sabdariffa. Available on: <https://examine.com/supplements/hibiscus-sabdariffa/research/#cardiovascular-health>. Access in 11 Feb 2021
  • SINGH Pragya et al. Nutritional and Health Importance of Hibiscus Sabdariffa: A Review and Indication for Research Needs. Journal of Nutritional Health & Food Engineering. 6. 5; 1-4, 2017
Hibiscus Tea for Weight Loss: How It Works & How To Take (2024)

FAQs

Hibiscus Tea for Weight Loss: How It Works & How To Take? ›

Hibiscus tea can aid in weight loss due to its ability to boost metabolism, reduce the absorption of carbohydrates, and help in controlling appetite. How should hibiscus tea be prepared for weight loss? To prepare hibiscus tea for weight loss, steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried hibiscus petals in hot water for 5-10 minutes.

How to drink hibiscus tea for weight loss? ›

You should drink 3 to 4 cups of this tea daily, half an hour before your main meals. The tea should be taken without sugar to achieve the expected effect, however optimal weight loss results will be noted when combined with a balanced diet and physical exercise.

Does hibiscus tea reduce belly fat in a week? ›

According to studies, it can prevent diseases like obesity, improve your metabolism, digestive system and your gut health. However, there is very little evidence regarding how much hibiscus tea is essential for weight loss and burn belly fat. Overall, this drink has nothing but good effects on your health.

What is the best time to take hibiscus tea? ›

Although you can drink hibiscus tea anytime throughout the day, the recommended time to drink hibiscus tea is after dinner. This is because hibiscus tea contains flavonoids that will help to lessen the absorption of fats.

How long does it take to see results from hibiscus tea? ›

Several studies show the potential of hibiscus tea to promote weight loss and prevent obesity. One study showed that hibiscus extract reduced body weight, body fat, and body mass index after 12 weeks.

What medications does hibiscus tea interfere with? ›

According to an older review , hibiscus tea may interact with several medications, including acetaminophen (Tylenol) and hydrochlorothiazide, which is a diuretic. Because hibiscus contains phytoestrogens, it is also possible that it may interfere with hormonal medications, such as the birth control pill.

What tea can I drink to lose belly fat? ›

Green tea

It's also one of the most effective teas for weight loss. There is substantial evidence linking green tea to decreases in both weight and body fat. According to one review of 11 studies, green tea could help reduce body weight, body mass index (BMI), and belly fat in people with type 2 diabetes ( 4 ).

What happens if you drink hibiscus tea every day? ›

Hibiscus sabdariffa tea has been used safely in amounts of up to 720 mL daily for up to 6 weeks. Side effects are uncommon but might include stomach upset, gas, and constipation.

Can you drink hibiscus on an empty stomach? ›

By making hibiscus tea a regular drink, you're enhancing your body's own defenses against these diseases. But can you drink this tea on an empty stomach? As per experts, yes, you can! This herbal tea is packed with essential nutrients and antioxidants that can be activated when consumed first thing in the morning.

What happens when you drink hibiscus tea before bed? ›

Hibiscus tea is caffeine-free and contains compounds that may have a mild sedative effect, potentially promoting relaxation and aiding in sleep.

Is hibiscus tea a laxative? ›

Hibiscus is used for treating loss of appetite, colds, heart and nerve diseases, upper respiratory tract pain and swelling (inflammation), fluid retention, stomach irritation, and disorders of circulation; for dissolving phlegm; as a gentle laxative; and as a diuretic to increase urine output.

Does it matter if you drink hibiscus tea hot or cold? ›

Simply add dried hibiscus flowers to a teapot and pour boiling water over them. Let it steep for 5 minutes, and then strain, sweeten if desired, and enjoy. Hibiscus tea can be consumed hot or cold and has a tart taste similar to that of cranberries.

How many cups of hibiscus tea per day? ›

Hibiscus is considered safe when consumed in moderate amounts in tea (2 to 4 cups per day) and foods.

Does hibiscus reduce belly fat? ›

Promote fat burning with hibiscus tea

As our metabolisms slow down when we get older, our body stores more belly fat. Luckily, hibiscus extract can support our ability to burn fat.

What does hibiscus do for the skin? ›

One of the primary benefits of hibiscus for skin is that it is rich in Vitamin A. Vitamin A is anti-inflammatory when applied to the skin and can help reduce any redness or soreness. At the same time, hibiscus acids promote production of a protein that boosts cell regeneration, speeding healing along.

Does hibiscus promote hair growth? ›

Hibiscus, a renowned Keshya (hair-promoting herb), has been revered in Ayurveda for its hair benefits and ability to boost hair growth. Both petals and leaves are known to improve hair growth owing to their Pitta-balancing properties.

How much hibiscus tea is safe to drink daily? ›

It is possibly safe when used in medicinal amounts. Hibiscus sabdariffa tea has been used safely in amounts of up to 720 mL daily for up to 6 weeks. Side effects are uncommon but might include stomach upset, gas, and constipation.

Should hibiscus tea be taken on empty stomach? ›

By making hibiscus tea a regular drink, you're enhancing your body's own defenses against these diseases. But can you drink this tea on an empty stomach? As per experts, yes, you can! This herbal tea is packed with essential nutrients and antioxidants that can be activated when consumed first thing in the morning.

What happens if I drink hibiscus water everyday? ›

Studies have shown that antioxidants in the hibiscus plant have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Additionally, hibiscus tea certainly has some promising potential health benefits, like lowering your blood pressure, stabilizing your blood sugar and reducing your blood lipid levels.

Does hibiscus tea clean your stomach? ›

Improves Digestive Health - Hibiscus is a rich source of calcium which is not only good for healthy teeth and bones but contributes to the normal function of digestive enzymes in the gut. Hibiscus is also an effective but gentle natural laxative and diuretic, helping to support regular bowel movements.

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