Bloating is a common occurrence that many of us experience. Whether it’s eating a certain type of food, drinking a particularly carbonated drink, or having an underlying health condition, it can be uncomfortable and frustrating.

With that in mind, an expert has shared a simple remedy she herself has used to banish a bloated belly.

According to the nutritionist Laura ParadaHibiscus tea has a myriad of health benefits, including “reducing” abdominal swelling.

In his book “What makes us eat like this? » which is referenced in a HuffPost In this article she explains that the hibiscus flower has many different medicinal properties.

This includes reducing bloating, with hibiscus flower infusion already used in many parts of the world as an anti-inflammatory remedy.

She said: “This red flower with medicinal properties is known as hibiscus rose or rosella. It is native to Africa, but is now grown in many parts of the world and is used to prepare infusions”. These infusions are taken both cold and hot and “are used in many cultures to combat insomnia, heart problems and inflammation”.

“They also help speed up metabolism and reduce blood pressure,” Parada continued.

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“The fruit acids present in this flower can act as laxatives. In addition to having a digestive effect, it helps against heartburn, gastric spasms, gastroenteritis and gas.”

Parada added that hibiscus flower tea is also often recommended for lowering blood pressure, reducing blood sugar and body fat, and improving kidney function. According to Parada, these medicinal and diuretic properties are attributed to “its high content of iron and vitamin C, minerals and antioxidants like polyphenols.”

She added that it also has anti-inflammatory properties thanks precisely to its content of polyphenols, plant compounds that nutritionists recommend for the prevention of many diseases with anti-aging and antioxidant properties. Its advice is supported by experts from Holland and Barrett who say that hibiscus tea has multiple benefits.

These include:

• Reduce cholesterol
• Lower blood pressure
• Be packed with vitamins and antioxidants
• Helps with weight loss efforts.

As for bloating, Holland & Barrett added that hibiscus tea can help your digestive system “function properly,” which can help reduce bloating. It said: “Hibiscus tea may also work as a natural diuretic, which helps remove water and sodium from the body, which can contribute to normal urination and bowel movements. »

To create the drink, you can add dried hibiscus flowers to boiled water, where they will soak for 10 minutes before being removed. Bulk hibiscus flowers can be purchased online or at health food stores.

Hibiscus tea bags are also available at places like Holland & Barrett and Amazon. However, some health organizations warn that the drink may not be safe for children or pregnant women.