The easiest way to stay hydrated is to drink water. We can enrich its flavor with lemon or mint. It is also worth adding your favorite fruits to it. This time, however, we will focus on an unpopular drink that refreshes in summer and warms in winter. The air is karkade.
Karkade is an Egyptian hibiscus drink with a dark pink color. It looks similar to colorful drinks from the store, but unlike them, it has numerous health properties.
Karkade is a source of vitamin C (12 mg per 100 g). has a positive effect on the immune system. It is classified as an antioxidant, which is why it fights free radicals from the body, protecting against inflammation and infections. Apart from that stimulates the production of collagen in the skinmaintaining its flexibility.
Hibisus drink also has a high content of organic acids, such as citric, malic, tartaric and hibiscus. For example, malic acid has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, while citric acid has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties helps to even out the skin tone and smooth it, thus delaying the aging process.
In addition karkade contains antioxidants that will maintain appropriate pressure and proper blood sugar level. In addition, it cleanses the body thanks to its diuretic effect.
This drink It is not recommended for people who take medications for hypertension or diuretics. Pregnant women should also not drink it. In turn, regular use of karkade may weaken hormonal contraception due to the content of phytoestrogens, which lower the level of female hormones.
If we want karkade to be a warming drink, this will be enough infuse dried hibiscus flowerswhich we can buy in pharmacies, herbal stores and even in some supermarkets. After the infusion has cooled down slightly, we can add our favorite additions, such as lemon, orange or . This time, however, we will focus on its refreshing version.
What ingredients do we need to make refreshing karkade? Here is the list:
- 40 g of dried hibiscus flowers;
- 500 ml of boiling water;
- 1.5 liters of water;
- juice of half a lemon;
- 10 ice cubes;
- optional: 4 leaves of fresh mint.
For starters put the dried hibiscus flowers into a jug and pour boiling water over them. Set the infusion aside to cool for about 30 minutes.
After this time strain the dried fruit and add water and lemon juice. Finally, add ice cubes and possibly fresh mint leaves to the karkade.
