Hibiscus vs green tea: Which is better for beauty?

Or can we have both?

Do you love tea but don’t have time for them all? Compare the skincare, weight management and overall health benefits of hibiscus vs green tea so you know which one truly deserves a spot in your beauty routine.

As usual, this post is based on the best nutritional evidence I could find with a focus on the simplest, most delicious foods

…because who has time to waste on actions that don’t work?

What is Hibiscus Tea and Green Tea?

Hibiscus tea, a popular herbal tea, is made from the dried hibiscus flowers and hibiscus calyces. Known for its vibrant red colour and tart flavour, it’s often enjoyed as aqua de Jamaica in Mexico. Sometimes referred to as sour tea, hibiscus tea is loved for its refreshing taste and high antioxidant content. Due to it sour taste, and therefore acidic nature, it’s good to rinse your mouth with water after drinking hibiscus tea to protect your tooth enamel.

Green tea, derived from the camellia sinensis plant, offers an earthy, sometimes slightly bitter taste. Both teas are celebrated for their unique flavours and numerous health benefits.

Which Is Better for My Skin?

Curious about which tea can give you radiant skin? Let’s delve into the skincare benefits of hibiscus vs green tea.

Hibiscus Tea

• Antioxidant Properties: Hibiscus tea boasts an impressive antioxidant count of 699, which helps combat free radicals and reduce oxidative stress (1).

Green Tea

• UV Protection: Green tea protects the skin from harmful UV rays, reducing the risk of sun damage and skin cancer (2).
• Hydration and Smoothness: Green tea helps keep skin more hydrated and makes it smoother, improving overall skin texture (2).
• Enhanced Skin Elasticity: Regular consumption of green tea enhances skin elasticity within 8 weeks, although the changes might not be noticeable to the naked eye (3).
• Reduction of Pigmented Spots: Although studies have shown mixed results, green tea is associated with fewer pigmented facial spots (4).
• Rich in EGCG: Green tea is rich in EGCG, a powerful antioxidant that offers strong anti-inflammatory action (5).
• Green Tea Lotion: Topical application of green tea lotion can significantly reduce pimples (6).

Both hibiscus tea and green tea offer unique and potent benefits for skin health. Hibiscus tea excels in antioxidant content, while green tea provides UV protection, hydration, and improved skin texture.

Which Is Better for My Waistline?

Trying to figure out which tea will help trim your waistline? Let’s explore the weight loss benefits of hibiscus tea and green tea in detail.

Hibiscus Tea

• Boosts AMPK: It boosts AMPK, an enzyme that plays a crucial role in cellular energy production and metabolism (7).
• Prevents Fat Accumulation: Hibiscus tea is known to prevent the accumulation of fat, making it a strong ally in weight loss and weight management (7).
• Weight Loss: Studies show that hibiscus tea can lead to slimmer waistlines and reduced body fat, although these results were observed with the consumption of the equivalent of 9 cups a day, which is not advisable (8). A safer amount is around 350mL (1.5 cups) per day. When combined with lemon verbena tea, this amount has been shown to effectively aid in weight loss, with participants losing about half a kilo (a pound) per month (9).

Green Tea

• Blunts Glycemic Response: Green tea supports weight loss by blunting the glycemic response to white bread, which helps manage blood sugar levels (10).
• Improves Blood Sugar Control: It improves blood sugar control by blocking the transport of sugar through the intestinal wall (11).
• Weight loss: Regular consumption of green tea promotes overall weight management and helps maintain a healthy weight. One research study got two groups of people to eat the same amount of calories for eight weeks. The group without green tea lost an average of four pounds while the group consuming the equivalent of half a cup of green tea with each meal lost on average 10 pounds (12). However other larger research studies (meta-analyses) have concluded that the loss of weight is small and won’t be clinically important (if that’s what you need) (13,14).

When it comes to hibiscus vs green tea, both teas have been shown to assist in maintaining a healthy weight. However hibiscus tea may have a slight edge with its ability to directly interfere with fat accumulation. Combining the benefits of both teas can provide an effective strategy for weight management.

Which Is Better for My Health?

Let’s break down the benefits of hibiscus tea vs green tea for multiple health conditions.

Hibiscus Tea

• Lowers Blood Pressure: Hibiscus tea is known for its ability to lower high blood pressure effectively. High antioxidant levels in hibiscus tea contribute to a significant reduction in diastolic blood pressure and overall blood pressure levels (15).
• Supports Liver Health: It is beneficial for liver health and can prevent liver damage, making it a great choice for overall good health (16).
• Rich in Antioxidants: The high antioxidant content in hibiscus tea helps combat oxidative stress and supports overall health (17).

Green Tea

• DNA Repair: Green tea is renowned for its role in DNA repair. It can reduce chromosomal damage from smoking by about a third (18). A single cup of green tea significantly boosts DNA repair activity, with two cups a day being even more effective (19).
• Telomere Lengthening: Regular consumption of green tea can increase telomere length, promoting cellular longevity (20).
• Reduces inflammation: Its anti-inflammatory properties make it great for pain relief, even after tooth surgery (21).
• Reduce cholesterol: Green tea can support small to moderate reductions in cholesterol levels, essential for heart disease prevention and overall cardiovascular health (22).
• Flu Prevention: Green tea offers additional benefits like reducing flu risk by three times with regular consumption (23).
• Cancer Prevention: EGCG in green tea has been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and reduce the risk of various cancers (24).

Both teas offer significant health benefits, but green tea stands out with its additional advantages in DNA repair, anti-inflammatory properties, and flu prevention. Incorporating both teas into your diet can provide a comprehensive approach to enhancing your overall health and well-being.

Which Tastes Better?

Is taste a make or break for you? Then the deciding between hibiscus vs green tea is going to be pretty easy:

Hibiscus Tea

Hibiscus tea offers a tart flavour, reminiscent of cranberries, making it a deliciously tangy option.

Green Tea

Has a more earthy taste, sometimes slightly bitter, but pairs wonderfully with jasmine for a sweeter experience. 

If you’re looking for variety, there are many types of tea like black tea, oolong tea, and white tea to explore, but when it comes to beauty benefits, hibiscus and green tea are the stars. 

You can also enjoy these teas as iced tea for a refreshing twist!

Which Is Easier to Buy?

Struggling to find the best tea for beauty in stores? Hibiscus tea can be found in specialty stores, online, and some grocery stores. Look for organic hibiscus or hibiscus sabdariffa for the best quality. Hibiscus tea is often made from hibiscus flowers and hibiscus calyces, which contribute to its unique properties. It’s also known as Agua de Jamaica. 

On the other hand, green tea is widely available, from grocery stores to online shops, in various forms like loose leaf tea and tea bags. Whether you prefer the convenience of tea bags or the richer flavour of loose leaf tea, both teas are easily accessible.

How Do I Get the Best of Both Teas?

• Buy tea blends that feature both hibiscus and green tea for a unique flavour and combined health boost.
• Enjoy green tea in the morning for its UV protection.
• Drink hibiscus tea in the afternoon or evening for skincare recovery, thanks to its higher antioxidant level.
• Blend hibiscus tea into a berry smoothie for an ultra-pink skincare treat.
• Use green tea in your next green smoothie instead of water for even more nutrients.

This way, you can maximise the beauty benefits of both teas throughout your day.

Hibiscus vs Green Tea

In the debate of hibiscus vs. green tea, which is better for beauty, both teas offer remarkable benefits for your skin, waistline, and overall health. Hibiscus tea, with its high antioxidant content and anti-inflammatory properties, is a fantastic choice for promoting radiant skin and aiding in reducing body weight. On the other hand, green tea shines with its EGCG content, UV protection, and DNA repair capabilities, making it a powerful ally for skin health and weight management.

For tea lovers, whether you prefer the tart flavour of hibiscus or the earthy taste of green tea, incorporating these teas into your daily routine can help you achieve a more beautiful and healthier you. Both teas provide significant potential health benefits, and enjoying them regularly can contribute to overall wellness. Choose the one that best fits your lifestyle, or enjoy the benefits of both for a balanced approach to beauty and wellness. With further research, we may discover even more advantages to these beloved teas, making them an even more integral part of our daily health regimen.

References

Most references below will link to the original peer-reviewed study itself. However, sometimes I will link to a video over at NutritionFacts.org instead, which is by far the single best resource of brutally transparent nutritional evidence you will ever see. Dr Greger tells a great story about the realities of the science and if I think you will benefit more from one of his videos, the link will take you there instead.

Happy nerding!

1. Carlsen MH, Halvorsen BL, Holte K, et al. The total antioxidant content of more than 3100 foods, beverages, spices, herbs and supplements used worldwide. Nutr J. 2010;9:3. Published 2010 Jan 22. doi:10.1186/1475-2891-9-3
2. Heinrich U, Moore CE, De Spirt S, Tronnier H, Stahl W. Green tea polyphenols provide photoprotection, increase microcirculation, and modulate skin properties of women. J Nutr. 2011;141(6):1202-1208. doi:10.3945/jn.110.136465
3. Chiu AE, Chan JL, Kern DG, Kohler S, Rehmus WE, Kimball AB. Double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of green tea extracts in the clinical and histologic appearance of photoaging skin. Dermatol Surg. 2005;31(7 Pt 2):855-860. doi:10.1111/j.1524-4725.2005.31731
4. Fukushima Y, Takahashi Y, Kishimoto Y, et al. Consumption of Polyphenols in Coffee and Green Tea Alleviates Skin Photoaging in Healthy Japanese Women. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2020;13:165-172. Published 2020 Feb 10. doi:10.2147/CCID.S225043
5. Ohishi T, Goto S, Monira P, Isemura M, Nakamura Y. Anti-inflammatory Action of Green Tea. Antiinflamm Antiallergy Agents Med Chem. 2016;15(2):74-90. doi:10.2174/1871523015666160915154443
6. Elsaie ML, Abdelhamid MF, Elsaaiee LT, Emam HM. The efficacy of topical 2% green tea lotion in mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris. J Drugs Dermatol. 2009;8(4):358-364.
7. Lingesh A, Paul D, Naidu V, Satheeshkumar N. AMPK activating and anti adipogenic potential of Hibiscus rosa sinensis flower in 3T3-L1 cells. J Ethnopharmacol. 2019;233:123-130. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2018.12.039
8. Chang HC, Peng CH, Yeh DM, Kao ES, Wang CJ. Hibiscus sabdariffa extract inhibits obesity and fat accumulation, and improves liver steatosis in humans. Food Funct. 2014;5(4):734-739. doi:10.1039/c3fo60495k
9. Boix-Castejón M , Herranz-López M , Pérez Gago A , et al. Hibiscus and lemon verbena polyphenols modulate appetite-related biomarkers in overweight subjects: a randomized controlled trial [published correction appears in Food Funct. 2018 Jul 17;9(7):4037. doi: 10.1039/c8fo90028k]. Food Funct. 2018;9(6):3173-3184. doi:10.1039/c8fo00367j
10. Azzeh FS. Synergistic effect of green tea, cinnamon and ginger combination on enhancing postprandial blood glucose. Pak J Biol Sci. 2013;16(2):74-79. doi:10.3923/pjbs.2013.74.79
11. Villa-Rodriguez JA, Aydin E, Gauer JS, Pyner A, Williamson G, Kerimi A. Green and Chamomile Teas, but not Acarbose, Attenuate Glucose and Fructose Transport via Inhibition of GLUT2 and GLUT5. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2017;61(12):10.1002/mnfr.201700566. doi:10.1002/mnfr.201700566
12. Auvichayapat P, Prapochanung M, Tunkamnerdthai O, et al. Effectiveness of green tea on weight reduction in obese Thais: A randomized, controlled trial. Physiol Behav. 2008;93(3):486-491. doi:10.1016/j.physbeh.2007.10.009
13. Jurgens TM, Whelan AM, Killian L, Doucette S, Kirk S, Foy E. Green tea for weight loss and weight maintenance in overweight or obese adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012;12(12):CD008650. Published 2012 Dec 12. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD008650.pub2
14. Phung OJ, Baker WL, Matthews LJ, Lanosa M, Thorne A, Coleman CI. Effect of green tea catechins with or without caffeine on anthropometric measures: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Clin Nutr. 2010;91(1):73-81. doi:10.3945/ajcn.2009.2815715
15. Video: Hibiscus Tea for Hypertension at NutritionFacts.org
16. Chang HC, Peng CH, Yeh DM, Kao ES, Wang CJ. Hibiscus sabdariffa extract inhibits obesity and fat accumulation, and improves liver steatosis in humans. Food Funct. 2014;5(4):734-739. doi:10.1039/c3fo60495k
17. Riaz G, Chopra R. A review on phytochemistry and therapeutic uses of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. Biomed Pharmacother. 2018;102:575-586. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2018.03.023
18. Xue KX, Wang S, Ma GJ, et al. Micronucleus formation in peripheral-blood lymphocytes from smokers and the influence of alcohol- and tea-drinking habits. Int J Cancer. 1992;50(5):702-705. doi:10.1002/ijc.2910500506
19. Ho CK, Choi SW, Siu PM, Benzie IF. Effects of single dose and regular intake of green tea (Camellia sinensis) on DNA damage, DNA repair, and heme oxygenase-1 expression in a randomized controlled human supplementation study. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2014;58(6):1379-1383. doi:10.1002/mnfr.201300751Ho CK, Choi SW, Siu PM, Benzie IF. Effects of single dose and regular intake of green tea (Camellia sinensis) on DNA damage, DNA repair, and heme oxygenase-1 expression in a randomized controlled human supplementation study. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2014;58(6):1379-1383. doi:10.1002/mnfr.201300751
20. Hovanloo, F. & Fallah Huseini, Hasan & Hedayati, Mehdi & Teimourian, Mostafa. (2016). Effects of Aerobic Training Combined with Green Tea Extract on Leukocyte Telomere Length, Quality of Life and Body Composition in Elderly Women. Journal of Medicinal Plants. 15. 47-57. 
21. Eshghpour M, Mortazavi H, Mohammadzadeh Rezaei N, Nejat A. Effectiveness of green tea mouthwash in postoperative pain control following surgical removal of impacted third molars: double blind randomized clinical trial. Daru. 2013;21(1):59. Published 2013 Jul 18. doi:10.1186/2008-2231-21-59
22. Xu R, Yang K, Li S, Dai M, Chen G. Effect of green tea consumption on blood lipids: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Nutr J. 2020;19(1):48. Published 2020 May 20. doi:10.1186/s12937-020-00557-5
23. Matsumoto K, Yamada H, Takuma N, Niino H, Sagesaka YM. Effects of green tea catechins and theanine on preventing influenza infection among healthcare workers: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2011;11:15. Published 2011 Feb 21. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-11-15
24. Farhan M. Green Tea Catechins: Nature’s Way of Preventing and Treating Cancer. Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23(18):10713. Published 2022 Sep 14. doi:10.3390/ijms231810713