Acute effects of hibiscus tea versus coffee consumption before prolonged sitting on blood pressure and heart rate variability in adults: a randomized crossover trial.
Hadeel Almalki, Muhanad Aljberee, Sarah Marzouq Alotaibi et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized crossover trial compared acute cardiovascular responses to hibiscus tea versus coffee before 3 hours of uninterrupted sitting in 24 young, healthy adults. Compared with coffee, hibiscus tea was associated with lower systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure (β = - 4.2, - 3.3, - 3.6 mmHg, respectively) and higher lnHF (β = 0.3); all differences had p < 0.05. No other heart rate variability indices differed significantly. The findings suggest a possible short-term advantage for hibiscus tea during prolonged sitting, but do not establish long-term effects.
Key findings
- Compared with coffee, hibiscus tea was associated with lower systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure (β = - 4.2, - 3.3, - 3.6 mmHg, respectively; p < 0.05 for all).
- lnHF was higher after hibiscus tea than coffee (β = 0.3; p < 0.05), while no other HRV indices differed significantly.
- Subgroup analyses suggested possible variation by sex and BMI, but formal interaction tests were not performed.
Why it matters
Blood pressure and autonomic responses during prolonged sitting are relevant to cardiovascular health. This small acute comparison suggests beverage choice may influence these measures during a sitting period, while the absence of differences in other HRV indices and the lack of long-term outcomes limit conclusions about broader health effects.
What to keep in mind
The trial included 24 young, healthy adults and assessed acute responses during a 3-hour sitting session; long-term implications are unknown. Subgroup findings are uncertain because formal interaction tests were not performed.