A health expert says a single cup of a nutritious beverage each day could be the ticket to managing high . Dr Eric Berg DC, who boasts 12.7 million followers on YouTube, has shared the wonders of hibiscus tea for those looking to get their blood pressure back on track.

"Today, I want to share a simple remedy for high blood pressure," he kicked off his video by saying. He then stressed the need to consult with your GP to pinpoint the underlying cause of your high blood pressure and to address it directly.

"But, in the meantime, hibiscus tea is a fantastic natural remedy for high blood pressure that has virtually no side effects," he continued. This herbal brew, made from the dried parts of the Hibiscus sabdariffa plant, can be enjoyed hot or cold.

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There is a box of , working out at just 15p a bag. Or you can grab a . Hibiscus tea is free of caffeine, rich in vitamins, minerals, and various other helpful compounds.

Dr Berg says various studies have shown that hibiscus tea can significantly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. "Some studies suggest it may be almost as effective or just as effective as certain blood pressure medications," he added, reports .

revealed that participants who consumed three cups of hibiscus tea daily for six weeks saw a 7.2-point decrease in their systolic blood pressure. indicates that hibiscus tea can lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in individuals with stage 1 hypertension.

also discovered that hibiscus tea reduced systolic blood pressure more than a placebo. Dr Berg informed viewers that while hibiscus tea may have a slight diuretic effect, it doesn't deplete potassium levels.

"It can also help lower triglycerides and LDL cholesterol," he added. Triglycerides, a type of fat found in your blood, are crucial for health, but an excess can heighten your risk of heart disease.

LDL cholesterol, or low-density lipoprotein, is often called 'bad' cholesterol. Dr Berg explained: "The pigments in hibiscus flowers are composed of a certain phytonutrient that acts as a natural ACE inhibitor. Many different blood pressure medications are ACE inhibitors."

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are a class of medication used to treat and manage heart-related conditions such as high blood pressure, heart failure, and kidney issues. These drugs work by inhibiting the action of ACE, an enzyme responsible for producing hormones that regulate blood pressure.

ACE inhibitors help relax and widen blood vessels by reducing the levels of ACE in the body. This can result in decreased blood pressure and improved blood circulation.

"Try drinking hibiscus tea for about six weeks to see the full effect," Dr Berg advocated. "You may also want to focus on getting your vitamin D and potassium levels higher."

However, be sure to check with your doctor before drinking hibiscus tea to see if it is suitable for you, especially if you take a diuretic. Hibiscus also contains phytoestrogens (or plant estrogens) that may decrease the effectiveness of birth control medication.

Other benefits of hibiscus tea:

Alongside its potential health perks, researchers have found hibiscus tea and possess antimicrobial capabilities that could rival certain antibiotics, . It's also hinted at in studies as a possible aid in .

Besides drinking hibiscus as a tea, you can also used dried calyces to create jam, jelly, syrup or marmalade. You could chop calyces into a fruit salad.