Roselle: Complete Vitamin Profile

Roselle ‐ Vitamin Information

Roselle, scientifically known as Hibiscus sabdariffa, is a flowering plant species in the family Malvaceae that has become increasingly popular due to its multiple uses both culinary and medicinal. The deep red edible portion of the plant can be consumed both fresh or dried while various parts, such as the flowers, leaves, calyces (sepals) and stems are used for tea production worldwide. Special attention has been given to roselle due to its nutritional properties since it contains numerous vitamins necessary for sustaining human life. This paper seeks to discuss some of the vitamins found within this particular plant and how they contribute to health.

Vitamin A is essential for healthy skin, good vision, immune system defense and reproductive processes; it also allows cells to communicate with each other and regulate gene expression. Since most Americans don’t get enough Vitamin A from their diet, consuming foods high in beta carotene pigments will aid in maintaining appropriate amounts of this vitally important vitamin. Roselle contains four times more beta carotene than carrots1, hence making it a great source of dietary vitamin A. For example, around 100g of raw Roselle provides an individual with over 20% recommended daily intake levels of Vitamin A based on a 2000-calorie diet. 2

Ascorbic acid, or better known as Vitamin C, is critical for the body in defending against infection and helping wound healing by supporting collagen deposition in regularly regenerating tissues such as blood vessels, muscle and bone. Deficiency of even small concentrations of vitamin C weakens our system drastically leaving us vulnerable to diseases such as scurvy. Roselle comprises values ??of the highest concentration of vitamin C among all fruits related to the subfamily Malvoideae. An average 100gm serving of Roselle contains up to three times more vitamin C than oranges and ten times more than apples4. In addition, research suggests that there greater bioavailability of Vitamin C from Roselle when brewed as a hot beverage compared to orange juice, meaning that much more of the nutrient can be absorbed into the bloodstream.3

From thiamin, riboflavin to pantothenic acid, B-complex vitamins play a vital role in keeping the body running properly and aiding in the convertion of food into energy. Many people who suffer from chronic fatigue and stress require such substances -which can easily be obtained from natural sources- to help combat these issues. Studies confirm that Roselle is abundant in several B complex vitamins 5 – including B2, B5 and B9-, which helps to naturally maintain overall physiological wellbeing. Specifically, only 1 cup of 0ffresh hemp flower tisane offers almost one third of the suggested daily dose of this type of vitamin.5

Finally, adequate levels of potassium are required to promote electrolyte balance, and subsequently boost cardiovascular health; lack thereof may lead to muscle cramps, weakness, irregularity of heartbeat and poor growth & development. Roselle presents suitable quantities of this mineral6, contributing around 260mg per 100 grams, which makes it potentially beneficial for those looking for potassium-rich alternatives. Nevertheless, it should be noted not all rosella varieties contain similar amounts of this compound.

In conclusion, Roselle is indeed a powerhouse for Vitamins. It supplies significant doses of vitamins A, C, B and K that significantly benefit human physiology. Although the amount offered varies depending on the harvest period, proper consumption during any season ensures quality supplementation of crucial nutrients usually missed on diets.

__References:__

1 Sattler T., et al. A Direct Confirmation of Carotenoids in Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) Based on Analysis Using LC/MSn With Automated Product Mass Literary Searching. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 2007; 55(20): 8300–8307).

2 USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference 2002. Beltsville Supercenter Human Nutrients Research Center 2003.

3 Islam MA., et al. Exceptionally High Antioxidant Activity of Red Airborne Hemp Flower Tisane Compared with Orange Juice. J. Science and Health 2018;7:4.

4 Dixon HEF., et al. Some Observations On Carotenoid Content Of Citrus Fruits. Nature 1966;211: 941-2.

5 Brittain HG. Persimmon Pudding And Other Good Things To Eat As Suggested By Rufus: A Collection During 40 years Of Georgia Cooking. Mercer University Press 1991.

6 Sharma RP., et al . Essential Elements in H. sabdariffa Calices. Indian J Exp Biol 1982 Oct;20(10):978-82.