Unsweetened hibiscus tea is the drink experts recommend after dinner for people managing high blood pressure, according to EatingWell. The tea is naturally caffeine-free and rich in beneficial plant compounds.
Registered dietitian Patricia Kolesa said increased fluid intake over the long term has been linked to lower blood pressure, likely because fluid increases blood volume, which reduces strain on blood vessels.
Poliphenols and blood vessel health
Registered dietitian Michelle Routhenstein said hibiscus tea is rich in polyphenols such as flavonoids, believed to help lower blood pressure. She said these compounds help preserve nitric oxide, a molecule that signals blood vessels to relax and widen, which can improve blood flow and lower blood pressure.
Research suggests higher polyphenol intake may be linked to a lower risk of developing hypertension. According to the report, hibiscus polyphenols may also affect the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, a group of hormones that helps regulate blood pressure, potentially helping vessels relax and supporting healthy blood pressure levels.
How much to drink
Some studies indicate that drinking three cups a day can lower systolic blood pressure after six weeks. Having one cup after dinner is one simple way to work hibiscus tea into a daily routine, though research has not confirmed that evening consumption is more effective than drinking it earlier in the day.
