ZOBO DRINK: HEALTH BENEFITS, SIDE EFFECTS AND HOW TO MAKE IT

The sight of the ruby-like coloured juice is gradually taking hold of people’s eyes in parties, social gatherings and homes in Nigeria. Its natural sweet-sour taste is taking over the tongues of people, instead of many artificial sweet soft drinks. The feel of nature is one reason why quite a number of people love zobo drink, otherwise known as hibiscus tea, karkade or even sour tea.

Zobo is gotten from roselles or sorrel leaves with its highest production in China and Thailand. This leaf has numerous uses across the world; which range from herb, food (usually a substitute of spinach) and juice (zobo) amongst others. The juice especially, is one of the most common of the things people do with this plant. In Nigeria, zobo can be found in different places including streets. Italy is not left out in the patronage of this wonderful drink.

Quite a number of people drink zobo because of its unique and natural taste, while others drink it to quench thirst. The flavour of this drink is another reason why many prefer zobo to many drinks across the world. No matter your reason for drinking zobo, it may interest you to know that; as you consume the beverage, you also reduce your visits to a doctor because of the health benefits attached to the plant.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF ZOBO DRINK

Adding health to one’s body is always the dream of many. The hunt for good health lives many with the thoughts of what to eat or drink. If you’ve ever considered zobo, then you’re on the right track to adding good health to yourself. You might want to consider zobo if you haven’t considered the drink just yet. Below are some of the health benefits of zobo.

1. REGULATION OF BLOOD PRESSURE: zobo drink is widely known to be consumed by people who are hypertensive as it is said to contain anthocyanins which strengthen the walls of blood vessels, thereby regulating the pressure of blood.
2. WEIGHT LOSS: the diuretic properties in zobo drink helps to reduce weight. If you really want to reduce the pounce of your body, then constant consumption of zobo is advised especially after meals, as it is said to increase metabolism which helps in burning fats in the body.
3. DIABETES: people who suffer from diabetes need not to fear to drink zobo since it does not contain any sugar in it. However, artificial sugar should not be added to the zobo that a diabetic patient will consume or will become harmful.
4. FERTILITY: quite a number of men are curious about what will stimulate their libido. It is then in your interest to know that zobo is one drink that awakens sexual desire and helps maintain men’s sexual power.
5. STRENGTHENS THE BODY: zobo contains a good amount of calcium, phosphorus and potassium. They help to strengthen the bones, hair, teeth and help in preventing iron deficiency anemia and normalizes metabolism. Also, the presence of vitamins A, C, and B in zobo helps in strengthening the vessel walls and prevents beriberi, colds, flu and boosts the immune system.
6. STABILIZATION OF MOOD: When next you’re in need of something to stabilize your nervous system as well as protect you against stress, zobo should be your line of thought as it enhances the brain, reduces fatigue and stress; and can be used to treat depression at an early stage.
7. HANGOVER: The drink does not only have a great taste and quenches thirst, but cleanses the toxins and other contents associated with alcohol breakdown. For hangover, it is adviced that the drink should be taken while cold.
8. KIDNEY DISEASE: Consuming zobo drink is another way of staying away from the doctor; especially with kidney related diseases, since the drink does not contain oxalic and urine acid through which kidney stones are formed.
9. STABILIZES MENSTRUATION: For women whose menstrual circle is not stable, zobo is known to prompt menstruation and also reduce the pain associated with the flow.

SIDE EFFECTS OF ZOBO DRINK

It is worthy for you to note that in as much as this drink has remarkable health benefits, it also has its negative effects. Some of which include:

1. MISCARRIAGE: The flavour and taste that comes with zobo drink makes it irresistible for many, but it is advised that pregnant women in their first trimester should stay away from this drink as it reduces the oestrogen level in the body, thereby prompting menstruation which may lead to miscarriage. The drink however can be taken by pregnant women after the first trimester as it can be beneficial to both mother and child.
2. REDUCES BLOOD PRESSURE: Since one of the benefits of zobo is to minimize the pressure of blood in the body, people who suffer low blood pressure should stay as far as possible from this drink.
3. HALLUCINATION: Despite its wonderful health benefits, zobo shouldn’t be taken in excess as it may lead to intoxication since it has all the properties of intoxicating agents. Several reports have shown that zobo might cause hallucinogenic signs. When this is noticed, you should minimize or stop the intake of the drink.

HOW TO PREPARE ZOBO

Do not forget that it is important to wash what you will cook. Therefore, the zobo leaves (usually dried) should be washed with cold water. Its preparation can be done with ginger and fruits – preferably watermelon or pineapple, or use both.

1. Put the zobo leaves in a pot and add water to cover it completely.
2. Allow it the boil for at least 25-30 minutes before adding peeled and ground ginger and garlic (optional).
3. When the leaf is completely softened, set it aside, sieve it and allow the light red water to cool.
4. Blend the pineapple and watermelon.
5. Sieve and add to the zobo
6. Add sugar(optional)
7. Add any flavor of your choice (many people prefer the flavor that comes with the fruits rather than using an artificial one).
8. Serve chilled, warm or hot.

There have been a number of debates as to whether zobo has a better effect when cold or hot. Many believe the drink to have a better effect when consumed in a particular temperature. Remember that the content of the zobo does not reduce or add to in accordance with temperature. Advice is given to people to take the drink as desired instead of following the belief on the temperature of the drink and its effect.

See Also: Health Benefits Of Bitter Kola and Everything You Need To Know

In the pursuit of finding good taste and health, many forget the importance of measuring whatever they consume. It is important to know that whatever is done in excess can yield a very negative result. Hence, drink zobo measurably and quit making it an everyday routine.