Last Updated 09/08/2022

You probably have a question or two about zobo drink.

If you do, then you're in for a treat. 

Why?

You see, I not only answer your most nagging zobo drink questions,

I also provide you with a secret "mouth-watering" zobo recipe. You can thank me later.

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Now:

To make your life easier, below is a quick navigation table of content.

Just click on the questions you need answers to and you'll be "automagically" taken to the answer.

Popular Question About Zobo Drink

Here are the frequently asked question about zobo drinks. Starting with the not-so-popular question...

What Is Zobo Drink?

Zobo Drink And Flower

Zobo drink is a ruby red coloured drink made from steaming dried sepal of zobo leaf in hot water, which can be flavoured in a variety of ways.

Zobo is not only popular in Nigeria but throughout the world, where is often used as a medicinal tea and as food colouring agent.

Nutritional Facts Of Zobo Drink

100g serving size of Zobo drink contains:

  • Energy: 37 calories (kcal)
  • Carbohydrates: 7.41 g
  • Protein: 0.43 g
  • Fat: 0.65g
  • Dietary Fibre: 0.3 g
  • Vitamin A: 296IU
  • Calcium: 1.7  milligrams (mg)
  • Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): 1.279 mg
  • Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin):0.099 mg
  • Iron: 8.64mg
  • copper: 0.073mg
  • Zinc: 0.012 mg
  • Vitamin C: 18.4mg

Bonus Download: Download Free PDF Document of over 100 Nigerian Foods and their Calorie content. Click Button Below:

What Is The Name Of  Zobo In English?

Zobo in English is called Hibiscus Tea”.  Zobo is also refered to as “sour tea" because of it's sour taste.

It is interesting to know that “Zobo” is a word gotten from “Zoborodo”, which is the Hausa name for zobo plant. It is also known as bissap, wonjo and Agua de Jamaica in other languages.

What Is The English Name For ZOBO Leaf?

The English name for zobo leaf is Hibiscus sabdariffa”  and sometimes called “Roselle”

Zobo leaf is also referred to ad sorrel, flor de Jamaica and rosemallow in other cultures

Zobo Drink And Weight Loss: Is Zobo Drink Fattening?

No, Zobo drink does not cause weight gain because Zobo drink itself is low in calories except when you add sugar to it.

Well, as a matter of fact, Zobo extract is found in many weight loss product.

This is because some studies suggest that Zobo may increase your metabolism. And also may lower absorption of starch and glucose from your meals.

So, drink zobo and flat tummy might just be around the corner. Just ensure you drink zobo with no added sugar.

Bonus Download: 5 ridiculously easy tricks to 'cheat' your way to Fat-loss (Hint: NO Diet Change or Exercise & each takes Less than 5 Mins to Implement). Click button below to get it for FREE.

Zobo Drink And Pregnancy: Does Zobo Drink Cause Miscarriage?

Zobo drink may lead to miscarriage because Zobo can cause fluctuations in hormonal levels which isn’t safe, especially in the first trimester. Also, according to baby center, Zobo can induce contraction of the uterus, which can lead to a miscarriage. 

Although it’s unknown how much Zobo a pregnant woman would have to take for an abortion to occur. 

Also, beware of drinking herbal tea during pregnancy because many of them contain hibiscus (i.e zobo leaf) extract.

Just because it says “herbal” or “natural” on the packaging, doesn’t make it safe, especially for a pregnant woman! 

So, make sure you always read the ingredient list on product labels and consult with your doctor when in doubt.

Does Zobo Drink Give Blood?

Yes, Zobo can give blood.  According to a study in African Journal of Biochemistry, zobo extract lead to a significant increase in Red blood cell count, white blood cell count, pack cell volume, haemoglobin and blood glutathione.

In addition, Zobo can also help combat against blood-related diseases like anaemia.

Zobo Drink And Fibroid: Can Zobo Help With Fibroid?

Unfortunately, I couldn’t find any research that linked zobo with the treatment of fibroid. I suggest you look into other herbs for that.

Zobo Drink And Fertility: Is It Good Or Bad For Fertility?

Since Zobo can affect estrogen levels, it may negatively affect fertility in women.
It is even said that zobo has been used since ancient times as a natural birth control herb.

However, it’s unclear how much zobo you have to drink before noticing a significant effect.

Zobo Drink And Menstruation: Is It Good Or Bad For Menstruation?

Zobo drink and menstruation are two things that should go together.

You see, zobo helps ease menstrual cramp and pain because it can balance your hormones.

That’s not all. No Ma!

Zobo also relief other health issues like mood swings and overeating that comes with menstruation [1].

Also, when it comes to zobo drink and ovulation, it ensures a smooth and easy menstrual cycle. And helps release delayed menstruation.

Zobo Drink And Diabetes: Is Zobo Good For Diabetes?

Several research studies have suggested that due to the hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic properties of Zobo drink, it can be beneficial for those who suffer from type II diabetes and other blood sugar related disorders.

So, it’s a definite yes for people with type II diabetes.

Zobo Drink And Breastfeeding: Is Zobo Drink Good For Nursing Mothers?

Since Zobo drink influences hormonal changes, it may have unknown risks to nursing mothers.

So, to be on the safe side, it’s best you avoid it while breastfeeding.

Zobo Drink Recipe

There are a million and one ways to make zobo. It usually depends on the flavour and taste you’re going for. You can add virtually any fruit, herbs and spices to taste (such as ginger and garlic).

That said, I'm going to share with you a recipe, in my opinion, has one of the best tastes with no added sugar and artificial flavours.

Here it is:

ZOBO DRINK INGREDIENTS

  • 3-4 cup (about half mudu) of dried Zobo Leaves
  • Fresh Ginger
  • Debino (Dates)
  • Cucumber
  • 2 large Lemon

INSTRUCTIONS

  • First, a night before, remove seeds from your debinos (dates) and leave it to soak in warm water overnight.
  • The following day, shake and rinse your zobo Leaves thoroughly, so as to remove all the sand particles in it.
  • Put the washed zobo Leaves in a pot and add about 3 litres of water (or just about enough water to totally cover the zobo leaves).
  • Begin cooking on medium heat and leave to boil for a couple of minutes.
  • Blend, pound or grate your ginger, and add it to the boiling zobo. Allow it to boil for a couple for minutes.
  • Turn off the heat and set the pot of zobo aside to completely cool down.
  • Blend your soaked debino (dates) and cucumber separately (one at a time)
  • Sieve the cooled down zobo using a chiffon cloth to remove tiny particles.
  • Pour blended debino (dates) and cucumber into sieved zobo and stir together.
  • Sieve (again) the zobo mixture.
  • Squeeze out the juice of two lemons into the Zobo.
  • Refrigerate and serve

How To Preserve Zobo Drink

There are several ways to preserve your zobo drink to make them last longer than usual without spoiling.

Here Are Preservative For Zobo Drink:

  • Adding natural preservative like Lime, garlic, ginger, clove, kola nut, cinnamon and nutmeg

  • Not adding sugar (adding sugar makes it ferment quicker)

  • Leaving it in the freezer

  • Heating it periodically ( this causes loss of most of its nutrients)

  • Adding chemical preservatives like sodium benzoate ( this is a NO NO in my opinion)

Health Benefit Of Zobo Drink

Zobo drink has several impressive benefits that need to be talked about. Here are some of them:

Lowers Blood Pressure

Several studies have found zobo to help lower blood pressure, especially in pre-hypertensive and mildly hypertensive people [2] Because of its anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties

Matter of fact, It can lower blood pressure by up to 10 points (according to a research done at Tufts University in Boston)

That means if you want to see a drastic improvement in your BP, you need to drink about 3 cups of zobo daily for a few weeks.

Lowers “Bad” Cholesterol Levels

Zobo can lower the levels of (bad) LDL cholesterol from the body, which helps prevent heart diseases and damages to your blood vessels

The beauty about zobo is that it not only decreases LDL (“bad”) cholesterol...but… also increases HDL (“good”) cholesterol in the body [3].

Supports Liver Health

Because zobo is loaded with antioxidant, it helps the liver in scavenging free radicals that cause damages to your body, tissues, and cells.

Also, studies show that Zobo drink may help to treat liver disease [4]

Cancer Fighting Effect

Some researchers have suggested that zobo may have some anti-cancer power and tumour-fighting properties.

Like this study done in Chung Shan Medical and Dental College in Taiwan speculated that zobo slows down the growth of cancerous cells by inducing apoptosis (A.k.A programmed cell death

Protects From Some Infections

Zobo is a rich source of vitamin C (ascorbic acid), which is an essential nutrient for stimulating and boosting your body’s immune system.

That is not all. No sir. Zobo also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial power, which help fight off many infections like cold and flu. 

Acts As Natural Antidepressant

Sipping zobo can help fight against depression. This is largely due to bioflavonoids compound found in zobo. It calms the nervous system and relaxes the mind and body [5].

Aids Digestion

Due to Zobo’s diuretic property, it can help improve bowel movement and bladder function. It not only helps in improving digestion but also helps to relief constipation, improve indigestion and enhance overall gastrointestinal health

Anti-Ageing Effect And Helps Improve Skin Condition

Zobo’s powerful antioxidants property can help keep your youthful appearance by removing the visible ageing signs like wrinkles, moisture loss and elasticity from your face [6].

Also, it’s anti-inflammatory helps improve skin conditions like acne, eczema, sunburns and skin allergies.

Possible Zobo Drink Side Effect And Disadvantages Of Zobo Drink

Even though zobo drink has many health benefits, it still has some possible side effects and disadvantages you should be aware of.

Here they are:

  • Zobo can cause dangerously low blood pressure in people suffering from low blood pressure...or...people with hypertension that are taking  blood pressure-lowering medications
  • Zobo can have hallucinogenic effects on some people. If drinking zobo makes you feel light-headed or intoxicated, then avoid it.
  • Zobo should be avoided when taking chloroquine for malaria because it greatly reduces how much of the medicine your body can absorb [7].
  • Zobo can cause some people to have allergic reactions such as itchy red eyes, sinus or hay fever. 
  • And, again, pregnant and nursing mothers should stay away from zobo drink and other  supplements containing hibiscus

Conclusion

Zobo drink is a delicious drink that has a lot of really power-packed benefit and some negative side effect too.

Except you’re pregnant, a nursing mother, need pregnancy or allergic to zobo, then zobo (without sugar) should be a regular in your diet.

If you want to make tasty zobo without adding sugar, then check out the Zobo recipe above.

Lastly, if you’re taking any medication, consult with your doctor first before taking zobo cause it may interact with your medication.

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  1. I actually love this recipe and I did it,but I actually vomited after few hours of drinking it and saw everything in my stomach is colour pink,plz what could be the reason for it to change like that in my stomach,I would like if I can get reply soon.Thanks

  2. Thank you so much for this article. However, I noticed the itchy redness on my chest and neck region. Please does anyone have an idea of what I should do?

  3. This is so beautiful. It addresses so much of what I need. Thanks a lot for this beautiful piece.

    I wish I could connect with you though.

    However, I will like to ask to know what quantity needed that will be enough and not too much for persevative purpose. Eg… Like for lime. It will makes it feel slappy if it's too much so I just use about 1 for about 15lt of water. But I boil all my fruits well especially pineapple.

    So if I'm not going to boil my fruit anymore and go back to adding it to the zobo fresh, how much lime will I need add and do I boil the lime or add it to the mix of fuit and zoo?

  4. This information is great. I can prepare my zobo drink with the recipe suggestion. Keep doing great.

  5. I love zobo but whenever I take it, I have a severe case of diarrhoea but I still take it nevertheless..you forgot to add it’s a detoxifying drink

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