Hot days are here in Southern California... Welcome Summer!
This is our recommendation for a great healing refreshment drink which will superbly compliment your ketogenic meals and snacks during the "summer season." The HIBISCUS TEA.
The HIBISCUS TEA (aka agua de jamaica - pronounced hah-MY-kah) is a slightly tart and refreshing tea made from an infusion of ruby red hibiscus flowers. With a squeeze of fresh lime juice added, the hibiscus tea tastes like a cranberry juice punch. It can be consumed both hot or cold.
Aside from its multitude of health benefits, HIBISCUS TEA is delicious and easy to prepare at home. Simply add to an adequately sized pot ...
a hand full (half a cup) of dried hibiscus flowers (you can get them in the bulk foods section at any Mexican supermarket),
one to two cinnamon sticks (we recommend Ceylon cinnamon for strong flavor),
a few pinches (two tea bags) of milk thistle tea (great liver detoxifier -you can buy online or from any health food store), and
pour two quarts of boiling water over them.
Add freshly squeezed lime juice to the mix (great source of Vitamin C).
Let it steep for 10-15 minutes, then strain.
Add a few table spoons of ashwagandha powder (great relaxant, helps with sleep -you can buy online or from any health food store) to the mix.
Sweeten the mix with a quarter cup of monk fruit sweetener (you can buy online or from any health food store), and
4 teaspoons of stevia (to balance the tartness, helps with sleep -you can buy online or from any health food store).
Finish with addition of fresh mint leaves (for elevated taste -you can buy from any supermarket) to the cooled down hibiscus tea mix, and enjoy.
There are several hundred species of hibiscus varying by the location and climate they grow in, but Hibiscus Sabdariffa is most commonly used to make hibiscus tea. You will be able to buy the main ingredient, dried hibiscus flowers in bulk (very affordable) from any Mexican market ("flor de Jamaica"). Alternatively, you can buy overpriced packaged dried hibiscus flowers online. Hibiscus tea is also available in pre-made tea bags, which can simply be steeped in hot water, removed and enjoyed.
Benefits of HIBISCUS TEA
Research has uncovered a range of health benefits linked to drinking hibiscus tea, showing that it may lower blood pressure, fight bacteria and even aid weight loss.
In addition to having antioxidant and anticancer properties, some test-tube studies have found that hibiscus could help fight bacterial infections ranging from bronchitis to pneumonia to urinary tract infections.
1. Hibiscus Flowers are Packed With Antioxidants
Antioxidants are molecules that fight free radicals that cause damage to your cells.
Research study + research study show that hibiscus tea is rich in powerful antioxidants and may therefore help increase the number of antioxidant enzymes and prevent damage and disease caused by the buildup of free radicals.
2. Hibiscus Flowers May Help Lower Blood Pressure
Research study + research study show that he most well-known benefit of hibiscus tea is its properties which lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
While hibiscus tea may be a safe and natural way to help lower blood pressure, we have to share our concern for those taking hydrochlorothiazide (a diuretic used to treat high blood pressure), as it may interact with the drug.
3. Hibiscus Flowers May Boost Liver Health
Research studies have shown that hibiscus flowers
· have liver-protecting properties,
· may decrease markers of liver damage,
· promote liver health,
· increase the concentration of drug-detoxifying enzymes in the liver, and
· help keep the liver working efficiently.
One study in 19 overweight people found that taking hibiscus extract for 12 weeks improved liver steatosis (accumulation of fat in the liver).
4. Hibiscus Flowers Could Promote Weight Loss
Several studies suggest that hibiscus tea may be associated with weight loss and protect against obesity.
One study gave 36 overweight participants hibiscus extract. After 12 weeks, hibiscus extract reduced body weight, body fat, body mass index and hip-to-waist ratio.
5. Hibiscus Flowers Contain Compounds That May Help Prevent Cancer
Hibiscus is high in polyphenols, which are compounds possess powerful anti-cancer properties.
Polyphenols are a category of plant compounds that offers various health benefits. Regularly consuming polyphenols is thought to boost digestion and brain health, as well as protect against heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and even certain cancers. Besides hibiscus flowers, red wine, dark chocolate, tea, and berries are some of the best-known sources.
Research study + research study + research study + research study have found impressive results regarding the potential effect of hibiscus extract on cancer cells.
Let's Celebrate Summer in a Ketogenic Way!!!
During the peak of the pandemic, we served our repeat customers only! Now that Summer is here and the pandemic is under control, we decided to reboot! This summer season, we are accepting orders from "12" NEW CUSTOMERS from the Riverside County. The orders will be accepted on "first come, first served" basis.
Please place your order for our chef prepared ketogenic menu of the week on our website at https://www.myketopal.com/comfort-keto-meals by Saturday noon and receive your weekly prepared keto meal package on following Tuesday!
Delivery to Hemet and San Jacinto locations is $5
Delivery within 30 mi. radius from San Jacinto is $15.
Delivery to Idyllwild is $17.
Bon Appétit!
Chef Janine