5 Insanely Good Reasons Why You Should Be Having Sorrel Drink
Its binomial or scientific name is Hibiscus sabdariffa, but it is commonly referred to as sorrel in Jamaica and many other parts of the world.
Sorrel has been cultivated for centuries. In some places the leaves are puréed in soups and sauces or even added to salads.
In places like India, Africa and Mexico it is oftentimes used as a diuretic, to lower blood pressure and to stimulate the production of bile by the liver. In some parts of Africa the red calyx is used to relieve coughs, while the leaves are made into a poultice to relieve boils and abscesses.
During Christmas time in Jamaica, delicious fruit cakes often times laced with rum and sorrel are consumed in large quantities.
We’ve probably all heard that sorrel is ‘good for us’ at some point but not many are aware of how beneficial it can be to the body.
Here are 5 insanely good reasons why you should be having sorrel drink:
1. It Can Help Eyesight Vitamin A is one of the essential vitamins found in sorrel. It has been closely connected to the improvement in eyesight and a reduction of macular degeneration and cataracts.
2. It Can Help Improve Circulation and Boost Energy – Sorrel contains a great amount of iron. As a reult of this, it can help boost red blood cell production and prevent anemia (iron deficiency). Increased circulation boosts oxygen levels throughout the body in the vital organs, boosts hair growth, increases energy levels, and speeds up the healing process (in conjunction with the protein content of sorrel).
3. It Can Boost Your Immune System – Sorrel contains a tremendous amount of Vitamin C. A single cup of sorrel contains an incredible 106% of your daily recommended intake. Including sorrel in your diet can help to ensure that your immune system performs optimally. Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, stimulates the immune system and increases the white blood cell count in the body, which is the first line of defense against pathogens and other foreign invaders in the body. Vitamin C also helps to reduce swelling, prevent scurvy, and even has analgesic (pain relief) properties when consumed in high quantities.
4. It can help fight cancer – Research suggests that sorrel may be used as a deterrent against certain kinds of cancer due to the presence of a group of compounds called flavonoids, now thought to be powerful antioxidants which scavenge the body of disease-causing free radicals.Studies at the Northern Caribbean University have revealed that sorrel could kill certain types of cancer cells.
5. It can help reduce the risk of heart disease – Sorrel has been proven to reduce the risk of heart disease by significantly reducing elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels, as it helps to prevent the clogging of arteries. It also has benefits as a diuretic and a weight loss aid when taken daily.Ongoing research in Britain is investigating its use in the reduction of high blood pressure, with positive results thus far, suggesting that daily consumption of sorrel tea/drink may help to prevent or reduce high cholesterol, high blood pressure and some cancers.
Word of caution: Always consult a physician before making changes to your diet.
Check out a nice way to make sorrel drink below – Jamaican Style 🙂
Curated from: Organic Facts and The Gleaner
Download The Jamaican Blogs™ App for your Android device: HERE
Remember to share this article on Facebook and other Social Media Platforms. To submit your own articles or to advertise with us please send us an EMAIL at: [email protected]