The benefit associated with zobo(purple hibiscus or roselle flowers) drink

I remembered my undergraduate days where Zobo and doughnut is breakfast, I just didn't know what health benefit is embedded in this drink but my recent search for knowledge on what I take in to my system led me to this mind blowing health benefits of ZOBO DRINK. BUT before I go into details, let me take us through a brief history of the leaf.
Zobo Drink is one of the many nutritional drinks found in West Africa, it derives its name from the Hausa name of its parent plant “Zoborodo” Habiscus Sabdariffa (Roselle).so it started from Nigeria in West Africa even Wikipedia confirms this. Now let's go into how it's been prepared.
So many online recipes for making this beneficial drink but the major Ingredients is the roselle leaf with any of this three Pineapples, ginger and additional flavouring. It is advisable not to use sugar, honey will be better. After all this is available, then you go into your kitchen to boil the roselle leaf,
allow this to boil for 10 minutes or less then
add your flavour and fruits for about 3 to 5 minutes then
take it off fire and allow it to cool off, sieve and
add honey or sugar

Then get some ice into the cup and pour your sieved Zobo drink and drink.
Listed below are the major health benefits of this drink

Zobo Drink and Hypertension (Anti-Hypertensive Property)

Zobo drink helps has an antihypertensive effect because of it's reduced blood CHOLESTEROL level and we all know blood cholesterol is a major factor in hypertension

Zobo Drink and Cancer (Anti-cancer Properties)

Because of its vitamin C richness which is a powerful antioxidant and its important role in growth and repair of body tissue is of high significance. Its critical role in absorption of iron, wound healing and immune system.
According to a study published in the international journals of Biomedical science, zobo has a rich content of anthocyannins which has several therapeutic properties such as, hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and chemoprotective properties

Zobo Drink and Diabetes

Zobo has been claimed to be helpful in combating diabetes especially in this part of the world where the leaves is in abundance. According to a research made at the AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY here in Nigeria, it is reported that zobo extract significantly reduce the level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) and effected a considerable increase in the level of packed cell volume (PCV) when compared with diabetic control group.

Zobo Drink and Kidney (Kidney Protecting Properties)

The accumulation of the uric acid and oxalic acid in the kidney can lead to the formation of kidneys stones and its attendant health implications. A phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological analysis of the plant showed that the consumption of zobo drink results in a significant decrease in the concentrations of creatinine, uric acid, citrate, tartrate, calcium, sodium, potassium and phosphate in the urine and improved kidney function.

Zobo drink and Weight loss

There is no conclusive evidence to show the usefulness of zobo drink in any program geared towards losing weight as evidenced by the results from various research conducted to evaluate the impact of the drink on weight loss. One specific research published in the International Journal of Biomedical Science actually reported that the drink can be useful in regaining loss weight. It is important to note that the quantity of sugar or other sweetening agents added to the drink can promote weight gain.

Source :
www.publichealth.com.ng