Roselle Consumption During Pregnancy: Is It Safe?

Roselle, also known as Hibiscus sabdariffa, is a species of hibiscus native to West Africa. Its leaves, flowers, and fruits are used for various purposes. While roselle is a good source of iron and folate, which are essential for prenatal development, there are concerns about its safety during pregnancy. Studies on animals have suggested potential risks, including delayed puberty and miscarriage. As a result, it is generally recommended that pregnant women avoid consuming roselle or hibiscus products, including hibiscus tea, unless advised otherwise by their doctor.

Roselle is a species of hibiscus, native to West Africa

Roselle, scientifically known as Hibiscus sabdariffa, is a species of hibiscus native to West Africa. It is a flowering plant that grows to about 2-2.5m tall and has lobed leaves arranged alternately on its stems. The flowers are white to pale yellow with a dark red spot at the base of each petal and they develop into a bright red fruit over about six months.

Roselle has a wide variety of uses around the world. The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked and are used in a variety of dishes, especially in India and Southeast Asia. In India, the leaves are used to make pickles and flavour curries, while in Thailand, they are fried with garlic and prawns or cooked with fish. The leaves are also used in Burmese, Vietnamese, Filipino, and West African cuisine.

The calyces (flower bud covers) and flowers of the roselle plant are commonly used to make tea and are included in some commercial herbal teas, giving them a red colour. They are also used for flavouring, colouring, jam, jelly, juice, wine, syrup, and other food products. In West Africa, the calyces are often used to make a sugary herbal tea or a refreshing drink, known as zobo in Nigeria. In Egypt, a similar drink made from hibiscus is called karkade.

Roselle is also cultivated for its fibre, which can be used as a substitute for jute in making burlap. Additionally, the plant has various medicinal uses and is considered a gentle laxative, diuretic, and expectorant in folk medicine. It is said to be a general health tonic for treating loss of appetite, colds, coughs, and circulatory ailments.

While roselle has many benefits, there are some concerns about its safety during pregnancy. Although most studies have been conducted on animals, the findings suggest that consuming hibiscus during pregnancy may carry risks such as delayed puberty and miscarriage. As a result, it is generally recommended that pregnant women avoid hibiscus tea and supplements. However, it is always advisable to consult with a doctor for personalised advice regarding diet during pregnancy.

It is rich in iron and folate, essential for prenatal development

Roselle is a species of hibiscus native to West Africa. It is a good addition to a pregnant woman's diet as it is rich in iron and folate, which are essential for prenatal development.

Pregnant women should consume more iron-rich foods than anyone else. Roselle is a good source of iron, with 1.4 milligrams of iron per 100 grams. Consuming 57 grams of roselle offers 0.84 milligrams of iron. Pregnant women require around 27 mg of iron daily, which is often covered by a prenatal multivitamin.

Roselle is also a good source of folate. Folate is a B vitamin that is essential for prenatal development, as it can help prevent major birth defects of the baby's brain and spine. Folate can also reduce the risk of preterm labour and low birth weight.

However, since roselle is mainly grown and eaten in South-Asian and African countries, it is possible that some women may not adapt to it as well. It is recommended that you consult with your doctor before including roselle in your pregnancy diet.

However, it is not recommended during pregnancy or when breastfeeding

Roselle, also known as Hibiscus, is a flowering plant commonly found in tropical regions. While it offers several health benefits, it is not recommended during pregnancy or when breastfeeding. Here's why:

Potential Risks During Pregnancy

Studies on animals have shown that consuming hibiscus during pregnancy may lead to negative outcomes. These studies suggest that hibiscus can cause delayed puberty and increase the risk of obesity and elevated Body Mass Index (BMI) in the offspring. Additionally, hibiscus is known to regulate hormones and periods, but during pregnancy, this can lead to early labour, bleeding, cramping, or even miscarriage. This is known as the emmenagogue effect, where hibiscus stimulates blood flow to the uterus, which can cause uterine contractions and potentially lead to miscarriage.

Lack of Clinical Evidence

While hibiscus tea is believed to have benefits for pregnant women, such as regulating blood pressure and boosting immunity, there is no clinical evidence to support these claims. Therefore, it is always advisable to consult a doctor before consuming hibiscus tea during pregnancy.

Recommendations for Breastfeeding

Hibiscus tea is strongly discouraged during pregnancy, but it is important to note that it is considered a galactagogue, which means it can aid in improving milk supply for breastfeeding mothers. However, scientific research on the efficacy of hibiscus as a galactagogue is limited, and experts advise that prioritising galactagogues is unnecessary if mothers follow a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, protein, and high-quality fats.

In conclusion, while roselle or hibiscus may offer potential health benefits, it is not recommended for pregnant women due to potential risks of miscarriage and negative effects on the offspring. For breastfeeding mothers, while hibiscus may help improve milk supply, it is not essential if a healthy diet is already being followed. As always, consulting a healthcare professional is crucial before consuming any substance during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

It can cause delayed puberty, miscarriage, and maternal malnutrition

Roselle, also known as Hibiscus, is not recommended for consumption by pregnant women. While it has many health benefits, studies have shown that it may cause delayed puberty in the child, increase the risk of obesity, and cause maternal malnutrition.

A 2016 study on the impact of consuming hibiscus extract in pregnant rats found that the extract had the potential to delay puberty in offspring and increase the risk of obesity and an elevated body mass index (BMI). Similar findings were observed in a 2008 Nigerian study, which also suggested that hibiscus may cause maternal malnutrition. These results were echoed in another study published in the Pakistan Journal of Nutrition in 2011.

The studies indicate that the consumption of hibiscus during pregnancy can have potential negative effects on the child's development and the mother's health. As such, it is generally recommended that pregnant women avoid consuming hibiscus and consult their doctors before including it in their diets.

It is important to note that the studies on the effects of hibiscus during pregnancy are primarily conducted on animals, and more human research is needed to determine its safety conclusively. However, due to the potential risks, caution should be exercised when consuming hibiscus during pregnancy.

Always consult a doctor before including roselle in your pregnancy diet

Roselle, also known as Hibiscus sabdariffa, is a species of hibiscus native to West Africa. Its leaves, flowers, and fruits are used for various purposes. While roselle is a good source of iron and folate—nutrients that are essential for prenatal development—it is recommended that you consult with your doctor before including it in your pregnancy diet.

Roselle has traditionally been used in folk medicine as a laxative and diuretic. It is also believed to have several health benefits, including reducing blood pressure and improving liver health. However, there is limited research on the safety of consuming roselle during pregnancy and lactation. Animal studies have suggested potential risks, including delayed puberty, increased body weight, and elevated BMI in the offspring of mothers who consumed roselle. While these studies may not directly translate to humans, it is important to exercise caution.

Additionally, roselle is known to regulate hormones and periods, which could potentially lead to early labor, bleeding, cramping, or even miscarriage during pregnancy. Therefore, it is generally recommended to avoid consuming roselle during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester.

It is always best to consult with your doctor before adding any new foods or supplements to your diet during pregnancy. They can provide personalized advice and recommendations based on your individual health and pregnancy status.

Frequently asked questions