Каркаде – немного об этом удивительном и полезном напитке
In each country, hibiscus has its own name: in Sudan it is called Sudanese rose, in Malaysia – bunga raya, in Mexico – Jamaican flower, in Egypt – hibiscus.
Hibiscus drink or tea is considered a truly national Egyptian drink. Its benefits have been known since the times of Ancient Egypt. However, hibiscus was originally grown in India. Later, the tropical climate allowed it to be produced in Sudan, Mexico, Egypt, China, Thailand and Sri Lanka. Currently, its popularity has spread to Scandinavian and Mediterranean countries. What is interesting is that hibiscus has its own name in each country: in Sudan it is called Sudanese rose, in Malaysia - bunga raya, in Mexico - Jamaican flower, in Egypt - hibiscus.
Aromatic tea from this plant is consumed both hot and chilled. It is a refreshing and tonic drink. Dried hibiscus petals can normalize blood pressure, strengthen the immune system, and also serve as an excellent preventive measure against colds.
Karkade belongs to the mallow family, its closest relative is hibiscus or Chinese rose. All parts of the plant are edible, only the roots are inedible. Salads, soups, jam, jelly, sauces are prepared from it. The most delicious parts are considered to be dried petals, which when brewed are known as hibiscus tea.
Hibiscus tea is prepared by different nations according to their own traditional recipe. Residents of West Africa infuse it in cold water with mint and ginger and drink it chilled. In the Caribbean, hibiscus tea is considered a Christmas drink; fresh fruit is added when serving. Asians prefer hot sweet tea from hibiscus leaves. The population of Mediterranean and Scandinavian countries drink hibiscus tea chilled with citrus juices.
About the benefits of hibiscus
Due to the content of vitamins, antioxidants, citric and linoleic acid, hibiscus has found wide application in medicine and cosmetology. Hibiscus flowers are rich in anthocyanins, which strengthen blood vessels and regulate blood pressure. The content of citric acid allows you to resist flu and other colds, linoleic acid is able to block cholesterol plaques. Hibiscus is also used as a diuretic and antispasmodic.
Contraindications of hibiscus
For people suffering from gastritis or ulcers, hibiscus tea has contraindications, as it can increase the acidity of gastric juice. Drinking a hibiscus drink is not recommended for patients with urolithiasis. It is also worth remembering that such tea can cause an exacerbation of an allergic reaction.
If there are no contraindications, feel free to drink hibiscus tea in any form. After all, the aromatic drink will saturate the body with health, beauty and give vigor.