Zobo drink is a popular non-alcoholic beverage in Nigeria, made from the dried calyces of the hibiscus flower. It is known for its refreshing taste and numerous health benefits, including its ability to lower blood pressure and improve digestion.
However, there are contradicting opinions when the question, is Zobo drink good for pregnant women? comes up.
Since many pregnant women are unsure whether or not it is safe to take Zobo drinks during pregnancy, It is recommended that pregnant women consult with a doctor before consuming Zobo drinks to determine if it is safe for them to do so.
In this article, we will explore the safety of Zobo drinks for pregnant women.
Before we delve into the safety of Zobo drinks for pregnant women, it is important to note that this beverage has many health benefits, especially when ginger is added.
Zobo drink, also known as hibiscus tea, is a popular beverage in many regions of the world especially Nigeria where it is consumed more often and usually used for medicinal purposes.
Zobo drinks are rich in several nutrients such as vitamin C, calcium, iron, phosphorous, niacin, riboflavin, fibre, fat, thiamine and carotene.
READ ALSO:
How to Deal with Depression in Pregnancy
Getting Back in Shape after Childbirth
How to Lose Weight While Breastfeeding
Zobo drinks during pregnancy are not recommended due to the potential risks it poses to the unborn baby. Studies have shown that drinking Zobo during pregnancy or lactation can lead to low birth weight babies (LBW).
In addition, drinking, Zobo can reduce the amount of breast milk a woman produces, making it unsuitable for breastfeeding mothers.
Despite its potential health benefits, such as treating nausea and fatigue, reducing high blood pressure, and providing antioxidants, pregnant women should avoid taking Zobo due to the potential risks it poses to their unborn babies as a result of its acidity.
For the safety of their unborn child, women should stay away from foods and drinks that can be harmful.
Pregnant women should however be encouraged to take folic acids. Increased folic acid consumption during pregnancy has been shown to reduce the incidence of neural tube defects, one of the diseases whose prevalence has been successfully minimized through dietary therapies during pregnancy.
If you’re asking yourself: What are the disadvantages of Zobo drink in pregnancy? Keep reading.
1. First off, zobo has been linked to uterine contractions. It might stimulate your womb and could increase the risk of early labour or even miscarriage, especially in the first trimester. It’s one reason many doctors recommend steering clear of Zobo drinks during pregnancy.
2. Another thing to watch out for is its effect on blood pressure. Zobo is known to lower blood pressure, which might sound like a good thing until it drops too low.
3. During pregnancy, your body is already going through major changes, and drinking something that messes with your blood circulation can make you feel lightheaded or dizzy.
4. There’s the sugar content. A lot of zobo recipes come sweetened, and all that extra sugar isn’t ideal when you’re trying to manage your weight, avoid gestational diabetes, or just keep your energy levels steady during pregnancy.
5. There’s the issue of nutrient absorption. Some studies suggest that hibiscus might interfere with how your body absorbs certain nutrients like iron. And since iron is important during pregnancy to support your baby’s development and keep you from feeling drained, you should take caution in taking zobo.
Therefore, while a cold glass of zobo might sound tempting, it’s worth thinking twice when you’ve got a baby on board. When in doubt, talk to real doctor before adding it to your pregnancy menu.
While Zobo drinks have many health benefits, pregnant women should exercise caution when consuming it. This is because some studies have suggested that consuming large amounts of hibiscus tea (the main ingredient in Zobo drink) during pregnancy may increase the risk of miscarriage or premature labour.
However, these studies were conducted on animals, and there is currently no evidence to suggest that consuming moderate amounts of Zobo drink is harmful to pregnant women.
Specialists in obstetrics, gynaecology, and nutrition in Nigeria have disputed research findings that said pregnant women who drink Zobo, or Hibiscus sabdariffa tea, run the risk of miscarriage or early labour.
The doctors disputed assertions that the drink, which has become everyone’s favourite, increased the risk of having babies with low birth weight.
This fact is backed with the results of a recent research which reveal an increase in birth weight of the rats at birth and exposes the fetus to congenital birth defects
The reactions from this team of gynaecologists came after a group of researchers conducted a study on the safety of Hibiscus sabdariffa tea on female wistar rats and showed that there are enough indications that Zobo drink could be harmful to pregnant women and nursing mothers.
When you’re pregnant, your body is working overtime. What you drink can support your baby’s growth, keep you energized, and even help with those not-so-fun symptoms like nausea or fatigue. So, what drinks are actually good for you during pregnancy? Let’s break it down.
It sounds basic, but water is your best friend. It helps carry nutrients to your baby, prevents constipation, and keeps things flowing smoothly. Aim for at least 8 to 10 glasses a day, and more if it’s hot or you’re extra active.
Fresh coconut water is a gentle way to stay hydrated. It’s packed with electrolytes, which can help with fatigue and prevent leg cramps. Just make sure it’s fresh and unsweetened.
Whether it’s cow’s milk or a fortified plant-based version like almond or soy milk, this is a great source of calcium, protein, and vitamin D. All essential for building your baby’s bones and teeth.
Blending up your favorite fruits with yogurt or milk gives you a nutrient-rich, tasty drink. You’ll get fiber, vitamins, and that natural sweetness—without the added sugars. Just go easy on high-sugar fruits and skip any raw eggs or unpasteurized dairy.
Some herbal teas like ginger or peppermint can help with morning sickness and digestion. But not all herbal teas are pregnancy-safe, so it’s best to double-check with your doctor before sipping.
Freshly squeezed or pasteurized juices like orange or pomegranate can give you a vitamin boost. Just stick to small servings and avoid sugary, store-bought versions.
The key is to choose drinks that nourish your body and your unborn baby. Always check with your healthcare provider before trying something new to avoid complications.
Zobo drink, also known as hibiscus sabdariffa tea, has been linked to hormonal imbalance that might delay puberty and cause miscarriage in female wistar rats.
Studies conducted on animal models show that administering Zobo drinks in rats caused maternal malnutrition, which delayed the onset of puberty in offspring.
More so, drinking Zobo during pregnancy puts the baby at a higher risk of congenital birth defects or deformities.
The experiments on animal models also suggest that Zobo drink can induce an abortion in pregnant women, miscarriage and uncontrolled bleeding. Therefore, it is not safe to drink Zobo during pregnancy, especially in the first and second trimesters (1−6 months).
A new research suggests that Zobo drinks can trigger early menstruation and assist women with irregular menstruation to find balance, but they can cause excessive bleeding/miscarriage in pregnant women.
The African Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine published a study which revealed that when pregnant women take Zobo, it increases the risk of them giving birth to babies with low birth weight. Therefore, it is best to Talk to a Certified OB/GYN before taking Zobo in pregnancy.
While some specialists have rejected findings from studies that claimed that pregnant women who consume hibiscus sabdariffa drink stand the risk of having a miscarriage or premature labour, others warn that Zobo drink should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation because there are warning signs about its safety for pregnant women and nursing mothers.
Nevertheless, it is advisable for pregnant women to avoid consumption of Zobo drinks or at least take it with caution during pregnancy.
If you are pregnant and asking yourself, is zobo drink good for pregnant women? Check with a licensed doctor first. Zobo drinks are known to be rich in vitamin C, which aids the immune system in a healthy person.
However, pregnant women have a specific amount of vitamin C that is safe to consume per day to avoid an overdose.
Sufficient dosage of this vitamin is already provided in the antenatal vitamins given to pregnant mothers during antenatal visits. So, it may not be necessary for pregnant women to take Zobo drinks alongside the prescribed vitamin dosage .
The American Pregnancy Association recommends that pregnant women limit their caffeine intake to no more than 200 milligrams per day.
Since Zobo drinks do not contain caffeine, it is generally considered safe to consume in moderation. However, it is important to speak with your doctor before adding any new foods or beverages to your diet during pregnancy.
When pregnant, it is important to consume healthy drinks that provide essential nutrients for both the mother and the baby.
Better alternative drinks recommended for pregnant women include fresh fruit juices and smoothies made from beetroot, apple, cucumber, carrots, and dark green leafy veggies.
Other drinks that should be avoided during pregnancy include:
These drinks can harm the baby unknowingly or cause miscarriage/abortion. It is important to prioritize what will be good for the health of both the mother and the baby than what one enjoys eating or drinking during pregnancy
In conclusion, even though Zobo drinks have many health advantages, it is not worth endangering the health of your unborn child.
Instead, try other alternatives like Kunu, a healthy beverage made from guinea corn, millet, tiger nuts, and a small amount of sweet potatoes. For nursing moms in particular, Kunu is said to increase milk production.
While there is some evidence to suggest that consuming large amounts of Zobo drink may be harmful during pregnancy, there is currently no evidence to suggest that moderate consumption of Zobo drink is unsafe.
As with any food or beverage during pregnancy, it is important to speak with a doctor before adding it to your diet.
Telemedicine gives pregnant women access to medical professionals services and facilities without stepping out of their space.
As most expecting mothers are considered to be in a state that can be referred to as immunosuppressed and thus more susceptible to infections, telemedicine is a way to get medical advice that you will need throughout your pregnancy journey.
Just from the comfort of your home, through information and communication technology, your conditions are diagnosed, treated, and followed on without having to inconvenience yourself that much.
Drinking too much Zobo can cause some harm to the baby. If you are pregnant and you notice any side effects from consuming Zobo, do not hesitate to consult a doctor.
Telemedicine offers mutual trust between medical professionals and you.
Is Zobo drink good for pregnant women? Get all the advice you need concerning your health and that of your unborn baby.
Hibiscus has various health benefits; however, its consumption during pregnancy should be reduced. Hibiscus could be harmful when consumed in large quantities while pregnant; it can reduce your blood pressure and also cause contractions in your uterus.
It will be best to avoid hibiscus or Zobo drinks while pregnant and breast feeding. Zobo drinks can induce your menstruation flow, which could cause the miscarriage of your baby. The effect of Zobo drink on breastfeeding is not well established, and you should limit or avoid it.
There are healthy and nourishing drinks that can give you refreshing effects and provide you with vitamins and minerals. Here are some drinks you can drink as a pregnant woman:
The micronutrients contained in Zobo drink are iron and zinc. However, folic acid, vitamin C, and anthocyanins are also found in boiled turmeric Zobo.
Zobo has a lot of health benefits for your body.
Zobo has anti-hypertensive, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory properties as a result of having abundant flavonoids. These properties can protect your organs from certain diseases, such as cardiovascular and liver disease.
Zobo leaf is called Roselle in English. The scientific name is Hibiscus sabdariffa.
Zobo drink is made from dried hibiscus flower, which is enriched with lots of health benefits like weight loss, better bowel movement, burning belly fat, and heal your gut.
Zobo drink is good for you; continuous consumption of this nutritious drink can help fight against anemia through its ability to help the body make new red blood cells.
You can drink a healthy amount of Zobo every day because it is enriched with flavonoids that are anti-hypertensive. The ability of Zobo lower your blood pressure does not mean it has not replaced your hypertensive drugs, nor should you drink more than a recommended portion in a day.
Zobo drinks can be prepared with the following steps:
Adebayo, F. I., Toohey, M. J., Fogliano, V., & Linnemann, A. R. (2021). Enriching street-vended Zobo (Hibiscus Sabdariffa) drink with turmeric (Cucuma Longa) to increase its health-supporting properties.
Adeyanju, B. (n.d). Zobo drink.
Emokpare, D. (2020). Zobo drink for heart health.
Koru. (2023). Hibiscus tea: Benefits and preparation.
Smith-Garcia, D. (2021). Is Hibiscus safe while you’re pregnant?
Zobo Crush. (2023). Zobo drink and weight loss: Does Zobo drink burn belly fat.
