I remember the first time we served people Zobo (a drink made from Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) in our home. We waited for everyone to take a sip before introducing the drink to them.
What are you drinking? We asked.
They began to guess and none of them mentioned Zobo.
Yes!
When we make this drink in our home, it is quite different from what you get anywhere.
That is because we prepare a healthier version of the drink.
First, let us look at the drink, Zobo, and see how healthy it is to take this popular drink.
What Is Zobo Made From?
Zobo is a drink from Hibiscus sabdariffa, which some persons also call “red sorrel” or “roselle”.
It is a member of malvaceae family and a medicinal plant with a worldwide fame (1).
In Nigeria, it is a natural drink you can replace chapman with.
Basically, the plant is mainly cultivated for the flower part which you can also call calyx.
The red one is the most common and it has a concentration of anthocyanin.
Also, it is rich in organic acids, minerals, amino acids, carotene and vitamin C. Two compounds that are also in it are calcium and iron.
This plant is also rich in phytochemicals – flavonoids, anthocyanidins, triterpernoids, steroids and alkaloids.
Health Benefits of Zobo
With these compounds present, different studies show the health benefits of zobo.
1. Could Lower Blood Sugar Level
According to a study, Zobo contains anti-insulin resistance properties that are effective in lowering blood sugar level for diabetics at a dose-dependent level (2).
That said, it is not okay to give a Zobo drink made with the flavour you buy at the market to a diabetic person. That zobo should be sweetened with natural sweetener like date.
2. Reduce Bad Cholesterol Level
High cholesterol level is one of the reasons people come down with high blood pressure.
The fat that sneaks into the blood is often different to flush out. But Zobo contains compounds that could reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood.
According to a study, extract of Zobo given three times a day for a total of 3 grams per day lowered cholesterol level (3).
Also, another study highlights the role of this drink in lowering cholesterol level and then giving individuals with high cholesterol issues hope. (4).
A study says anthocyanin is able to reduce bad cholesterol level in those who take it (5).
3. Improves heart Health
Furthermore, Zobo is as effective as some medications that doctors recommed for the treatment mild to moderate hypertension.
According to studies, there is no adverse effect when taken by someone with high blood pressure (6), (7).
If you know someone that is hypertensive, kindly add zobo to the individual’s diet.
This positive heart boosting effect of this plant is as a result of the presence of some flavonoids. One prominent one is anthocyanin.
4. Zobo Increases Breast Milk Production
Women who are about to give birth or those that have given birth could add Zobo to their diet.
This will help boost the serum prolactin level for lactation (8).
5. Zobo Contains Anti-Bacterial Properties
Also, the plant contains anti-bacterial properties and it is effective against different forms of bacteria.
According to a study, Zobo has inhibitory effect on Bacillus anthracis, Staphylococcus albus and a few other bacteria (9).
6. Contains Anti-Cancer Properties
You see, the same anthocyanins that helps lower cholesterol level is also a great compound when it comes to fighting cancer.
According to a study, anthocyanins have been shown to exhibit anti-carcinogenic activity against multiple cancer cell types and tumour types (10).
6. Reduces Aging
One thing that happens when the cells of the body are damaged prematurely is ageing.
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But the antioxidants in the drink are able to lower oxidation and inflammation that could lead to this damage.
When you take this drink, the compounds protect you from ageing fast.
A study says Zobo protects lining organelles from premature cell damage and reduces ageing (11).
7. Zobo Boosts Fertility
Interestingly, for both male and female, this plant is amazing when it comes to boosting fertility.
Animal studies say anthocyanins are able to inhibit the effect of oxidative stress on reproductive organs of a male (12), (13).
Flavonoid are amazing in boosting of fertility.
Also, the presence of vitamin C and calcium in this amazing flower drink makes it a great one for women who are trying to conceive.
Would you love to learn how to prepare our health Zobo? Tell us in the comment.