20p hot drink linked to lower cholesterol and blood pressure

A particular hot beverage could aid in reducing blood pressure and cholesterol, as suggested by medical research. Hibiscus tea, brewed from the vibrant flowers of the hibiscus plant, is known for its health benefits.

The tea is rich in potassium, calcium, magnesium and other trace minerals. A Harvard Medical School article states that the tea also "offers antiviral and cardiovascular benefits, mainly due to the antioxidant 'anthocyanins'."

The article further mentions a study which found that hibiscus tea may help lower blood pressure and reduce hyperlipidaemia, or high cholesterol levels. The research discovered that daily intake of hibiscus tea or extract "significantly lowered systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in adults with pre to moderate essential hypertension and type 2 diabetes".

The study noted that the tea "was as effective at lowering blood pressure as the commonly used blood pressure medication Captropril, but less effective than Lisinopril". In over half of the randomised controlled trials, daily consumption of the tea or its extracts "had favourable influence on lipid profiles including reduced total cholesterol".

Holland and Barrett sell Organic Hibiscus Tea packs for £4, working out at 20p per teabag.