Izuchukwu Okosi
Health is life so says the popular cliché.
There are many foods and drinks that could either aid in ensuring good health in the body or deteriorate it.
Today, we beam our searchlight on the health benefits of the drink Zobo made from Hibiscus Flowers.
The Zobo drink is a favourite for most Nigerians due to its sweet flavour especially when it is prepared with sugar and ginger.
In this article however, we focus on how the drink can help in so many ways to enhance the health and productivity of people when it is served without sugar.
Research has shown that there over over 10 health benefits of drinking Zobo without the addition of sugar in it.
The following are why you may move aside the sugar from your table when next you are preparing the life-saving drink which is nature’s blessing to the human race.
1. Immune System
The consumption of Zobo drink without sugar helps in no small measure in boosting the body’s immune system.
This has been espoused by the health care practitioners in Africa, and Nigeria in particular.
The hibiscus leaf is rich in antioxidants that helps in protecting the body against harmful free radicals and reduce inflammation.
So many people do not quite yet the importance of the drink.
The perspective of these set of Zobo lovers it is that it is a sweetener that goes down well when the body needs some light refreshments.
Unbeknownst to them, what is regarded as a mere refreshing experience could be life saving albeit not with the irresistible sugar.
2. Promotes Weight Loss
Obesity is a huge problem for many people in Africa and parts of USA and Europe.
Does Zobo help in checking the body weight? Yes it does and should be handy for those who want to go from plus size to a more fitted size.
Sugar-sweetened beverages like zobo are high in calories and can contribute to weight gain if consumed in excess.
3. Eliminates Diabetes
One of the worst causes of mortality is diabetes.
Diabetes according to the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary is ‘a medical condition which makes the patient produce a lot of urine and feel very thirsty (there are several types of diabetes).
It helps with increased insulin which is vital in fighting off the disease.
Therefore those who consume a lot of Zobo with sugar therein risks the possibility of suffering from diabetes.
An excerpt from the medical book, ‘Family Health & Medical Guide’ reviewed by The American Academy Of Family Physicians wrote on page 213: “Diet is a very important part of treating both type 1 and type II diabetes.
“The main thing to remember about your diet is to eat a variety of healthy foods and avoid junk foods and foods high in sugar.
Zobo (without sugar) is highly recommended as part of a diet routine for the treatment/management of diabetes.
4. Lowers Blood Pressure:
Blood is the life-sustaining liquid that provides the body with oxygen and nutrients.
Blood carries nutrients, obtained from food, to tissues.
Drinking zobo without sugar can help lower blood pressure levels. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common condition that can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health problems.
High intake of sugary food and drinks are counterproductive in ensuring that blood pressure is kept at bay.
The Hibiscus tea has been shown to have properties that can help lower blood pressure levels. By drinking zobo without sugar, you can reap the benefits of hibiscus tea without consuming excess sugar.
5..Protects Liver Health:
According to online medical journal, Takeyouthrough, drinking zobo without sugar can immensely help protect one’s liver health.
The piece adds that Hibiscus tea has been shown to have properties that can help reduce liver damage caused by toxins and free radicals.
“By drinking your zobo without sugar, you can help promote a healthy liver and reduce the risk of liver-related diseases.”
The Hibiscus team also fights against inflammation, improves digestion and prevents anaemia.
Izuchukwu Okosi is a Nigerian sports and entertainment journalist with two decades of experience in the media industry having begun his media journey in 2002 as an intern at Mundial Sports International (MSI) and Africa Independent Television (AIT), owners of Daar Communications Plc.
In October 2004, Okosi joined Complete Communications Limited, publishers of Complete Sports newspaper and Complete Football magazine as a reporter and later script writer for the Complete Sports studio.
He worked there for 13 years until October 2017.
Okosi also worked various times as Correspondent, Content creator and Editor at Sports Market International Magazine, Opera News, All Nigeria Soccer Media and Iconic Media Watch.
He also undertook freelance writing gigs for some local and international organizations.
Okosi is a member of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Association of Movie Producers (AMP), Association of Voiceover Artistes of Nigeria (AVOA), Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) and Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
He has been part of cast in some Nollywood movies and radio dramas including Blood Money 2, Scores To Settle, Dead End 2, Another Campus Tale and Battle Line.
Aside mainstream media and the entertainment industry, he has interests in scouting/unearthing of talents in the sports and creative sectors, exports business and property development.
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