[Zobo Drink] Roselle Hibiscus Tea For Fertility: Emerging Benefits & Effect on Pregnancy

Today, we shall explore the potential health benefits of (Zobo drink) Roselle Hibiscus tea for fertility (from the Hibiscus Sabdariffa plant), how to prepare it and the risks of drinking Zobo drink during pregnancy.

Roselle Hibiscus tea is already known by different people around the world, where in Africa, and Nigeria for example, it is widely called Zobo drink. It is made from the dried flower of a plant known as Hibiscus Sabdariffa.

Hibiscus tea also called Zobo drink have several health benefits including fertility. There are claims that intake of hibiscus tea may help soothe a sore throat and manage weight. An old publication Journal of Nutrition indicates that intake of Hibiscus tea may help lower blood pressure [1, 2].

Another similar study in 2011 on 90 patients with high blood pressure reveal that after 30 days treatment of by drinking Hibiscus tea 2 times a day, there was a significant decrease in body cholesterol level [3].

Also in 2013, another related study confirmed that drinking Zobo drink may help reduce body cholesterol, likewise 2014 study [4, 5, 6].

Speaking of weight management, In 2014 a study revealed that the intake of Zobo drink (hibiscus tea) may help prevent the accumulation of fat that could cause obesity and also improve liver steatosis [7].

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Before, we continue I would love to address confusing terminology in this particular and its species. It came to my knowledge that many people get confused when hibiscus tea is mentioned. The question is which are we talking about? Since both are called hibiscus tea?

Hibiscus vs Roselle difference

Roselle Hibiscus (Zobo)

Roselle Hibiscus (Zobo) belongs to a Hibiscus species called Hibiscus sabdariffa. It is planted annually both indoors and outdoors with thick and strong petals. Roselle Hibiscus’s other names are Zobo, Jamaica sorrel, Florida cranberry, and red sorrel.

Additionally, Roselle Hibiscus possesses several health benefits such as reducing high blood pressure, body cholesterol, and weight management, and may also help fight bacteria, curb cold and constipation, eradicates muscle weakness, numbness, fatigue, and help treat some degenerative diseases [18].

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Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

The hibiscus plant on the other hand belongs to the Hibiscus species called Rosa-Sinensis, which grows perennially outdoors with thin and fragile petals. Intake of this tea may boost liver health, help weight loss, and reduce blood pressure, rich in antioxidants,

Hibiscus vs Roselle similarities

The plant is from hibiscus species and is an incredible source of herbal teas with several health benefits. Their leaves, flowers, and stems both are used for numerous medicinal purposes and have a similar tea color ruby-like.

Now back to the main business! let us know how to make Roselle hibiscus tea for fertility, and its benefits. but first here are important nutrients in Roselle Hibiscus

Roselle Hibiscus tea nutrition

While roselle hibiscus does contain some nutrients that are beneficial to health, such as vitamin C and antioxidants.

Here are the nutrient values of roselle hibiscus per 100g, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database:

– Energy: 49 kcal
– Carbohydrates: 12.41g
– Protein: 0.96 g
– Fat: 0.15 g
– Fiber: 0.5 g
– Vitamin C: 18.4 mg
– Calcium: 8 mg
– Iron: 1.48 mg
– Magnesium: 18 mg
– Phosphorus: 36 mg
– Potassium: 208 mg
– Sodium: 6 mg
– Zinc: 0.07 mg

Additionally, another analytical study on the Nutritional composition of Roselle Hibiscus reveals the presence of carbohydrates (68.7%), crude fiber (14.6%), protein (7.51%), fat (0.46%) including other essential bioactive components such as polysaccharides, organic acid and flavonoids mainly anthocyanins ascorbic acid, polyphenols, other water-soluble antioxidants [8].

Roselle Hibiscus tea For Fertility

Zobo drink has been found to have several fertility benefits. Here are some of them:

1. Regulates menstrual cycle

Zobo drink contains phytoestrogens, which are plant compounds that mimic the effects of estrogen in the body. These compounds can help regulate the menstrual cycle and promote ovulation.

2. Boosts fertility in men

Zobo drink has been found to improve sperm count and motility in men. This is due to its high antioxidant content, which helps protect sperm from the damage of oxidative stress.

3. Reduces stress

Stress can hurt fertility, and Zobo drink has been found to have a calming effect on the body. This can help reduce stress levels and improve fertility.

4. Improves blood circulation

Zobo drink contains vitamin C, which helps improve blood circulation. This can help improve the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the reproductive organs, which can improve fertility.

How to prepare zobo drink

To prepare a zobo drink, you will need the following ingredients:

– 2 cups of dried hibiscus flowers (zobo)
– 1-2 cups of sugar (depending on your preference)
– 1-2 pieces of ginger (peeled and sliced)
– 1-2 cinnamon sticks
– 1-2 cloves
– 1-2 liters of water
– Pineapple or orange slices (optional)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the dried hibiscus flowers thoroughly and put them in a pot.
2. Add the ginger, cinnamon sticks, and cloves to the pot.
3. Pour in water and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and let it cool.
6. Strain the mixture into a pitcher and add sugar to taste.
7. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
8. Add pineapple or orange slices (optional).
9. Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.

Is fermented zobo drink healthy?

Fermented zobo drink is healthy because it contains probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that help to improve gut health. Fermentation also increases the bioavailability of nutrients in the drink, making it easier for the body to absorb them. However, it is important to note that fermented zobo drink should be consumed in moderation as it contains alcohol.

Does Zobo drink increase blood

There is no scientific evidence to suggest that Zobo drink increases blood although it contains little amount of Iron which may help in blood formation. Some studies have shown that hibiscus, the main ingredient in zobo drink, may help to lower blood pressure due to its high content of antioxidants and polyphenols [9, 10].

Zobo drink and diabetes

Yes, Sugar-free or sour (Zobo drink) Roselle hibiscus tea can help diabetic people, studies have suggested that hibiscus may help to lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings and to determine the optimal dosage and duration of treatment [11].

It is important to note that zobo drink often contains added sugar, which can be harmful to people with diabetes. Therefore, it is recommended that people with diabetes consume Zobo drinks in moderation and choose a sugar-free or low-sugar version. It is also important to consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Zobo drink during pregnancy

Intake of hibiscus tea (Zobo drink) during pregnancy may offer a range of health benefits such as hydration (boost amniotic fluid levels), digestion, immune boost, etc However it’s not recommended for pregnant women since there is no scientific evidence that supports its safety.

There are claims that the intake of Zobo drink has some adverse effects during pregnancy such as [12]:

1. Uterine contractions: Zobo drink has been known to cause uterine contractions, which can lead to premature labor or miscarriage.

2. Low blood pressure: Zobo drinks can lower blood pressure, which can be dangerous for pregnant women who already have low blood pressure.

3. Interference with iron absorption: Zobo drink contains compounds that can interfere with the absorption of iron, which is important for the development of the fetus.

The above claims lack scientific backing and hence can not trust. However, for safety, pregnant women should avoid it and further study should be made to determine the safety of the drink during pregnancy [13, 14].

Can Zobo cure the infection

Zobo, which is a popular drink made from the calyces of the roselle hibiscus plant, has been traditionally used in some cultures to treat infections such as urinary tract infections and renal inflammation [15].

However, there is limited scientific evidence to support the claim that zobo can cure infections, but it contains essential nutrients such as vitamins C, including some antioxidants that can help boost the immune system in the fight against infectious diseases [16, 17].

Side effects of hibiscus tea (Zobo drink)

1. Excessive intake may increase the risk of liver damage [18].
2. May interact with certain drugs such as chloroquine, etc.
3. May cause lower blood pressure.