HEALTH BENEFITS OF ZOBO DRINK AND HOW TO PREPARE IT
The English name of Zobo is Hibiscus sabdariffa tea or drink.
In fact, Zobo is an Hausa word.
The Zobo drink, also known as Hibiscus tea is one of the world most popular beverages and it originated from Nigeria. The drink is made from Hibiscus Sabdariffa leaves [dried Roselle leaves], and it is often used as a medicinal tea.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF ZOBO DRINK AND HOW TO PREPARE IT
HEALTH BENEFITS OF HIBISCUS LEAF/ ZOBO LEAF
Zobo is refreshing it also has lots of health benefits
Hisbiscus leaf is popularly used for the preparation of the
local drink known as “Zobo”. But it also has some health benefits which includes:
1. Helps in reduction of blood cholesterol level.
2. Helps to lower blood pressure.
The leaves of the hibiscus contain polyphenol which is believed to have properties that help to inhibit the growth of skin cancer cells.
Several studies reveal that regular intake of Zobo can help lower high blood pressure particularly in a group of prehypertension and mild hypertension of adults.
This is made possible by the enzyme inhibitor found in the Hibiscus leaves; what this inhibitor does is to confine the production of Amylase, an enzyme associated with the decomposition of complex sugar and starches. Once this has been successfully blocked, the blood stream will then become lower.
Additionally, the Roselle leaves used in making Zobo contains some other anti-hypertensive properties which are also responsible for regulating sugar level in your bloodstream, which it might, in turn, lower the lower bloodstream as well.
3. Research has also linked hibiscus with prevention of prostate cancer. Discovery
showed that leaf extract can inhibit human prostate cancer cell growth.
4. Tackles menstrual pain
The contribution of zobo to the female reproductive system is one health benefit. Zobo is quite effective in lowering the discomfort of menstrual pain.
Zobo helps by reestablishing hormonal balance in females to reduce menstrual symptoms like overeating, mood swings, and so on.
5. Zobo extract helps in boosting liver health by increasing drug-detoxifying enzymes and reducing liver damage and fatty liver.
The liver is of great importance in the body. This includes the breakdown of fat, the regular creation of proteins, the release of bile, and a lot more.
Research has shown that zobo enhances liver function and supports liver health promotion. It does that by lowering liver damage and fatty liver and enhancing drug detoxifying enzymes to promote liver health.
6. It contains organic acids that helps to fight kidney disease
Regular consumption of organic acids, which include tartaric acid, maleic acid, citric acid, and so on, is useful for dealing with kidney disease.
Zobo drink’s acid flushes away uric and oxalic acid, which are two waste products that can cause kidney stone disease. Consuming zobo drink will assist in enhancing kidney function.
7. Zobo is packed with fibre and it helps in combating constipation.
Zobo is loaded with powerful elements, in which fibre is one of them as earlier stated.
Fibre is a digestive system enhancer. Zobo’s high fiber content makes it healthy for preventing constipation.
8. Zobo is packed with lots of vitamins and nutrients that helps to restore lost appetite.
Zobo has anti-bacterial features that work in harmony to repair your digestive system and revive your appetite because zobo is filled with nutrients such as calcium, riboflavin, iron, niacin, thiamine, and fiber, amongst others.
9. Weight loss
Zobo reduces the absorption of the two main food ingredients, which are glucose and starch, that are associated with excessive weight gain. Once glucose and starch are reduced, the weight loss process will speed up.
Zobo also prevents the body from producing amylase, which absorbs starch and carbohydrates.
10. It has anti-inflammatory effects
Zobo contains compounds that may have anti-inflammatory effects, which could help to reduce inflammation in the body.
11. High in antioxidants:
Zobo is a good source of antioxidants, which can help to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
WHAT IS ZOBO (HIBISCUS) DRINK?
It is produced from dried roselle or sorrel leaves (Hibiscus).
This bright red drink is loved both for every day drink and refreshment drink in parties.
It is always available, affordable, tasty, refreshing and have a lot of health benefits.
Zobo is not only refreshing, it can also be used to regulate blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, strengthen blood vessels, calm the nerves, reduce stress and for weight loss.
INGREDIENTS FOR ZOBO
1 cup of dry zobo leaves(smallest custard rubber)
1 tablespoon of clove (konafuru)
1 stump fresh ginger
Water
1 small ripe pineapple(optional) for flavour
Foster Clark or Jolly juice
PROCEDURES.
STEP 1:
Wash the skin of your pineapple thoroughly and rinse with clean water before pealing.
You can use both the inner part and the outer skin to get the added flavour.
Peel and Dice the pineapple then set aside.
STEP 2
Rinse the dry leaves of the hibiscus with cold water.
This is because the leaves are often times dirty due to the way they are stored.
Once you’re done rinsing, place the washed leaves in a large pot and add water then turn on your burner/stove.
STEP 3
Add the chunks of pineapple, ginger and Cloves (Konafuru).
The taste of the zobo really intensifies when it’s boiled with the ingredients.
Leave to boil for about 25-30mins.
STEP 4
Sieve out the extract into a bowl with your (chiffon clothe) to avoid the particles falling into it then leave to cool.
The boiled leaves in the pot can still be reused until the red colour of the zobo totally reduces.
STEP 5
Add your sweetener(Foster Clark’s or jolly juice) and stir very well and pour in your bottles.
STEP 6
Refrigerate and serve cold.
Why Zobo Is Not Safe For Pregnant Women And Breast Feeding Mothers
A study published in the African journal of alternative and complementary medicine revealed that consuming zobo drink during pregnancy increases the possibility of giving birth to babies with low birth weight (LBW) possibly through the gluconeogenic activities of the elevated serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT).
Results from a similar study which evaluated the effect of zobo drink during breast feeding also revealed that consuming zobo drink during lactation decreased maternal food and fluid intake, delays the onset of puberty in the female offspring and increased postnatal weight gain all of which are detrimental to health.
Zobo may be a healthy drink for most people but it is a drink that pregnant women and nursing mothers must avoid due to its implication on maternal and child health. But one amazingly healthy drink that Improves milk production that can be consumed by pregnant Women and Nursing Mothers is Kunu Drink.
Conclusion
Now that you are aware of these powerful health benefits of zobo, also known as hibiscus tea, it is advisable to take it on a regular basis without sugar to reap its full benefits.
SEE ALSO : THE 16 HEALTH BENEFITS OF PAWPAW SEEDS
Hope this post on HEALTH BENEFITS OF ZOBO DRINK AND HOW TO PREPARE IT helps?
