3 Agua de Jamaica Benefits

Written by Isabel Vasquez RD, LDN

Agua de jamaica (aka hibiscus tea) is a popular Mexican agua fresca. Agua de jamaica may sound like a random name for a drink from Mexico, but it’s called that because the hibiscus plant was originally brought to Mexico from Jamaica.

Agua de jamaica is incredibly refreshing and tasty, and rest assured it’s also full of nutrition. In fact, it's jam-packed with antioxidants that can help prevent chronic diseases. Some research also suggests that it may help lower blood pressure. 

Keep reading to learn about the nutrition, health benefits, and potential drawbacks of agua de jamaica.

Agua de Jamaica Nutrition Facts

Agua de jamaica doesn’t have any carbs, protein, fat, or fiber, but it does have a bunch of antioxidants. 

In fact, its bright red color is thanks to its anthocyanin content—a type of antioxidant that may help prevent cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and some metabolic diseases, per a 2017 study in Food & Nutrition Research. 

That’s not all. Agua de jamaica is full of other antioxidants, too, including phenolic acids and flavonoids. As a result, research shows it may help prevent chronic disease and reduce inflammation, per a 2022 study in Pharmaceuticals. 

Health Benefits of Agua de Jamaica

May Lower Blood Pressure

A few studies have evaluated hibiscus tea’s ability to lower blood pressure, and results are promising, per a 2022 study in Pharmaceuticals. The researchers believe hibiscus can help expand blood vessels and act as a mild diuretic, in turn lowering blood pressure.

In one small 2019 study in the Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology & Research, researchers evaluated the effects of hibiscus tea on blood pressure in patients with stage 1 hypertension—systolic blood pressure of 130–139 or diastolic blood pressure of 80–89. 

The researchers found that patients who drank two cups of hibiscus tea each day for a month had a significantly greater reduction in blood pressure than those who didn’t. 

That said, this was a small study with only 46 patients. Most other studies have also been quite small, so more research is necessary to confirm this potential benefit. 

May Help Reduce Inflammation

As you now know, agua de jamaica is a fun way to consume antioxidants. These antioxidants help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body that can cause oxidative stress and inflammation, per the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. 

In fact, hibiscus calyxes—the leaf-like part that sits at the base of the flower—have a number of bioactive compounds with demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity, per a 2022 study in Pharmaceuticals.

Agua de jamaica is especially rich in anthocyanins, antioxidants with proven anti-inflammatory benefits. 

According to a 2021 study in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, anthocyanins can help prevent the release of pro-inflammatory factors, alter inflammation signaling pathways, and reduce the production of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species that increase inflammation in the body. 

May Help Prevent Chronic Disease

Consuming a variety of antioxidant-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is important for preventing chronic disease. Agua de jamaica is another antioxidant-rich refreshment that can up your total antioxidant intake.

This is beneficial because antioxidants help neutralize harmful free radicals that cause oxidative stress in the body. Oxidative stress is linked with a number of chronic diseases including diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative diseases, and allergic diseases, per a 2023 study in the journal Antioxidants. 

So, eating foods that help prevent oxidative stress is beneficial for preventing and managing chronic diseases.

Potential Health Drawbacks of Agua de Jamaica

Agua de jamaica is generally safe and healthy. In fact, drinking up to 3 cups of hibiscus tea per day for 6 weeks is proven to generally be safe, per MedlinePlus. That said, for some people, it may cause stomach upset, gas, or constipation. 

Keep in mind that even though hibiscus is natural, it is not safe for everyone to consume. It can interact with the following medications, per MedlinePlus, so speak with a healthcare provider before adding agua de jamaica or any hibiscus supplement to your day if you’re taking one of these:

• Diclofenac

• Losartan

• Medications for diabetes

• Medications for high blood pressure

• Simvastatin

Also, agua de jamaica can be a source of added sugars in the diet. That’s not to say you should avoid it just because it has sugar, but just be aware that it can contribute added sugar to your day. 

Consuming too many added sugars is linked with certain chronic diseases, per the CDC, so if you’re looking to practice gentle nutrition, you may want to be mindful of what (if any) major sources of added sugar are in your diet. 

Final Thoughts

Not only is agua de jamaica delicious and refreshing, it’s also packed with antioxidants. In turn, it may help lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and prevent chronic disease. 

Just be mindful of drinking too much of it if you’re on certain medications and remember that it can be a source of added sugars. When in doubt, it’s best to speak with a healthcare provider for individualized advice. 

Here at Your Latina Nutrition, we have a team of registered dietitians in-network with various insurance providers that are available for virtual sessions. Learn more about working with us here.

For education on how to ADD nutrition to your favorite Latine cultural dishes, make peace with food, and focus on your health without dieting, join our nutrition library for just $27/month.

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