The hibiscus flower known as “zobo” in the Hausa language is very nutritious and the drink gotten from boiling the leaves of hibiscus is nutritious, sweet and loved by many Nigerians.
It is available all year round and can be found in many restaurants and many people also hawk zobo drink. It is also very easy to prepare. It has a fresh and delicious taste, it originated in West Africa and it has lots of tremendous health benefits.
Health Benefits of Zobo
It is nutritious
Zobo drink is a very nutritious drink and it is cheap. Regular intake of this drink can fight nutritional deficiencies and prevent malnutrition. Some important and vital nutrients provided by zobo drink are carotenes, vitamin C, thiamine, calcium, fat, iron, fiber, phosphorous, riboflavin, and niacin.
All these nutrients boost your health and improve the functions of various tissues, organs, and systems in the body. This drink strengthens the immune system and improves your overall health.
It boosts Healthy Eyes
Carotene is present in zobo leaves, the body converts this nutrient into vitamin A. vitamin A keeps the eyes healthy, it boosts clear and healthy visions and prevents eye problems like night blindness.
A combination of vitamin A and C strengthens immunity and guards against eye problems and also prevents eye problems caused by aging.
It Guards against Kidney Problems
Doctors recommend zobo drink for patients with kidney disease and other kidney problems. It contains vital organic acids like citric acid, acetic acid, tartaric acids and maleic acid; all these acids help the kidneys function properly.
They help the kidney eliminate uric acid and oxalic acid, these are the two main causes of kidney stones and this, in turn, can lead to kidney damage and failure if not treated properly. It also eliminates other wastes from the kidneys and body.
Don’t add sugar or artificial sweeteners when taking zobo for the health of your kidneys.
It Boosts the Levels of your Energy
Vitamin B2 or riboflavin present in zobo leaves increase the levels of energy and fight fatigue and mild cases of chronic fatigue syndrome.
This vitamin plays a role in energy metabolism and thereby increases the levels of energy in the body.
SEE ALSO: Natural Ways to Relieve Fatigue and Boost Energy
It Boosts Appetite
Fiber, carotene, iron and calcium and other important nutrients found in hibiscus flower increase appetite; it fights the loss of appetite and other eating disorders.
It boosts digestion and prevents digestive issues that can affect appetite. It fights worms and bacteria in the gut and digestive system because it has antibacterial properties.
It Boosts a Healthy Nervous System
Thiamine or vitamin B1 present in zobo drink helps build and maintain a healthy nervous system. It also supports the muscles of the heart and improves cardiovascular functions.
It protects the nervous system and promotes healthy hairs, mouth, liver, and eyes.
SEE ALSO: Natural Ways to Boost your Appetite
It Prevents Cancer
Regular consumption of zobo drink increases the levels of antioxidants in the body thereby preventing and treating cancer. These antioxidants fight free radicals which cause oxidative damage and stress which later lead to cancer.
These antioxidants also boost the immune system and prevent cancer and other chronic and life-threatening diseases. Don’t add sugar or artificial sweeteners because they feed cancer cells.
It Improves Brain Functions
Niacin or vitamin B3 present in zobo leaves supports healthy functions of the brain and fights brain problems and mood disorder like depression.
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It Fights High Blood Pressure
Zobo drink is very effective against pre-hypertension and mild hypertension. It contains enzyme inhibitors that block the production of amylase and this helps to lower blood pressure because this enzyme breaks down starches and complex sugars.
It Boosts the Immune System
Zobo drink is rich in vitamin C, this vitamin fortifies the immune system and fights all kinds of diseases and infections. Regular intake of zobo drink will increase the levels of vitamin C in your body and thus empower your immune system.
Due to the high content of vitamin C in zobo drink, it can fight colds and coughs. It fights inflammation and kills bacteria and this is helpful in treating colds and coughs.
It has a cooling effect that can help reduce high body temperature and relieve fever.
It Strengthens the Bones
Calcium is found in large amount in zobo leaves, this helps to strengthen the bones and teeth and guard against osteoporosis and other bone problems.
Calcium also benefits the heart and muscles; it helps them function properly. It prevents diseases of the teeth and bones.
It Fights Diabetes
Unsweetened zobo drink brings down high levels of sugar in the bloodstream and it guards against and treats diabetes. Diabetic patients are free to take this drink without any fear or reservations as long as there is no sugar or any type of artificial sweeteners.
SEE ALSO: Natural and Herbal Remedies for Indigestion
It Fights Digestive Problems
Zobo leaves contain a high amount of fiber and other important nutrients that support the digestive problems and fight indigestion, constipation, and other digestive problems.
It Fights Anemia
Zobo leaves have a rich content of iron, this mineral is needed to make new red blood cells and hemoglobin. This helps transport oxygen all through the body.
Those with low pack cell volume and anemia can start consuming zobo drink regularly to boost the levels of iron in their bodies. It also fights the symptoms of anemia like weaknesses and fatigue.
It Aids Weight Loss
Zobo drink aids weight loss and maintains a healthy weight. This drink is low in sugar and fats and it contains nutrients that maintain proper weight. Don’t take it with sugar if you want to lose WEIGHT.