Does Hibiscus Tea Break a Fast?

If you’ve committed to a fasting routine, one question that may have bubbled up is, “Can I still enjoy my favorite teas?” Specifically, you’re eyeing that vibrant, ruby-red hibiscus tea and wondering, “Will it break my fast?”

A soothing cup of hibiscus tea isn’t just a flavorful treat; it’s also quite beneficial for anyone who is fasting. Hibiscus tea won’t break a fast because it contains zero calories. It also offers an array of health benefits such as suppressing appetite, improving metabolism and fighting inflammation.

But what if you mix hibiscus tea? Or what if you add sugar or milk, will that break you fast?

In this blog, we’ll walk through the what’s and why’s of drinking hibiscus tea while fasting. We’ll review how sugar and milk impacts fasting and how hibiscus tea fits into this habit of mindful eating.

How Does Fasting Work?

Fasting is a practice that has been followed for centuries by various cultures for religious, health, or spiritual reasons. There are different types of fasting, and understanding the rules for each can help you decide whether drinking hibiscus tea during a fast is appropriate or not.

Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent fasting is a popular type of fasting where you alternate between periods of eating and fasting.

It can be practiced in many ways. The most common way is the 16/8 method, where you fast for 16 hours and eat during an 8-hour window. Then there’s the 5:2 method, where you consume a restricted number of calories for two days a week and eat normally for the other five days.

When practicing intermittent fasting, the main concern is restricting your calorie intake during fasting periods. During this time, you should typically avoid consuming anything that contains calories because it’ll break your fast.

Water Fasting

There are also more strict forms of fasting like water fasting or dry fasting. In these cases, you consume only water or nothing at all, respectively. These fasts are more restrictive, and drinking any beverage, including hibiscus tea, would be considered breaking the fast.

It’s essential to remember that the rules of fasting can vary based on individual preferences and goals.

Some people might choose to consume only water during their fasting periods. While others still drink beverages like black coffee, bone broth or tea since it contains an insignificant amount of calories. The main objective is to achieve your personal goals, be it for weight loss, improved health, or spiritual reasons.

Does Hibiscus Tea Break a Fast?

You may wonder if hibiscus tea can be enjoyed without breaking your fast. Hibiscus tea is made from the dried calyces of the hibiscus flower, creating a vibrant and flavorful beverage with virtually zero calories. So, does hibiscus tea break a fast?

No, a typical cup of hibiscus tea won’t break a fast. According to the FDA, an 8-ounce serving of brewed hibiscus tea contains 0 calories.

Hibiscus tea won’t break your fast but adding enhancers like sugar, milk, honey, or artificial sweeteners will. Adding these enhancers will likely increase the calorie and carbohydrate content. 

To keep your hibiscus tea fasting-friendly, avoid adding any of these sweeteners or other high-calorie ingredients.

When Does Hibiscus Tea Break A Fast?

As mentioned, brewed hibiscus tea alone won’t break a fast since it doesn’t contain any significant amount of calories. However, some people like to enhance their brewed tea with some flavor enhancers such as sugar or milk.

Will adding extra ingredients break a fast? Let’s find out.

Adding Sugar Will Break A Fast

Adding sugar to your hibiscus tea will break your fast. Sugar is a carbohydrate that provides calories, and consuming calories during fasting negates its benefits. 

This means sugar in all forms such as brown, plain and even powdered sugar in tea will break a fast. If you crave a hint of sweetness, consider using calorie-free artificial sweeteners to stay fasting.

A Splash of Milk Will Break A Fast

Including milk in your hibiscus tea can also break the fast. Milk contains carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, which all contribute to calories, thus breaking your fast. If you want a creamy texture, opt for a calorie-free milk alternative, such as almond milk.

Adding Creamer Will Break A Fast

Creamers, like milk, typically contain calories from fats, carbohydrates, and sometimes proteins. Adding creamer to your tea will likely break your fast. Look for calorie-free creamer alternatives if you desire a richer flavor.

A Drizzle of Honey Will Break A Fast

While honey is a natural sweetener, it still contains carbohydrates and calories. Adding honey to your hibiscus tea will break your fast. To maintain your fasting state, choose a calorie-free sweetener instead.

The key to not breaking your fast is to avoid consuming calories. By sticking to plain hibiscus tea or selecting calorie-free alternatives for your additions, you can still enjoy a flavorful cup without breaking your fast.

Does Adding Artificial Sweeteners To Hibiscus Tea Break A Fast?

Although artificial sweeteners are either low or zero-calorie, they can be a bit of a gray area when it comes to breaking a fast.

Yes, although certain artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, sucralose or stevia certain zero-calories, they can affect blood sugar or insulin levels, which breaks a fast.

Instead, add a zero-calorie sweetener like stevia or erythritol, which won’t cause a significant insulin response. Remember, the goal is to keep your insulin levels stable while enjoying your tea during the fasting period.

What Types of Zero-Calorie Sweeteners Can I Add?

If you like your tea with a little sweetness but without the extra calories then you’re in luck. There are zero-calorie sweeteners available such as Stevia and Xylitol which will sweeten your tea but won’t add any calories, nor break your fast.

Here are some zero-calorie sweeteners that you can add to your hibiscus tea without breaking a fast.

Stevia

Stevia is a natural sweetener made from the Stevia rebaudiana plant. It’s calorie-free and a great option for sweetening your hibiscus tea during a fast. Simply add a few drops or a small spoonful to your tea depending on your taste preference.

Erythritol

Erythritol is a sugar alcohol that’s absorbed into the bloodstream once consumed. It has a very minimal effect on blood sugar and contains zero calories. Both of which are good qualities to have when maintaining a fast.

Monk Fruit Sweetener

Monk fruit sweetener is commonly known as Luo Han Guo. It’s derived from a fruit native to Southeast Asia and is often used in Asian cuisines. Although it’s calorie-free, the taste is a lot sweetener than typical sugar so start by adding a small amount.

Xylitol

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol with a taste similar to sugar but with fewer calories. It’s suitable for fasting if used in moderation. Be cautious though, as excessive consumption may cause digestive discomfort.

Yacon Syrup

Yacon Syrup, derived from the Yacon plant, is a natural low-calorie sweetener. It contains prebiotic fiber, which helps with digestion. Adding a small amount to your hibiscus tea can enhance the flavor while keeping fasting rules intact.

Benefits Of Drinking Hibiscus Tea While Fasting

You’re likely fasting for the numerous health benefits such as improved weight loss and metabolism. Hibiscus tea can aid your fasting efforts by adding several additional advantages.

Keep Your Body Hydrated

First and foremost, staying hydrated is key during a fast. Hibiscus tea can contribute to your daily fluid intake, helping to maintain hydration levels without adding calories.

Protect Your Body From Inflammation

Hibiscus tea is loaded with antioxidants, which help fight free radicals in your body. Free radicals can cause inflammation and cell damage, so antioxidants are beneficial for overall health. It’s particularly important for supporting the body’s natural repair processes during fasting.

Suppress The Appetite And Hunger Pangs

Hibiscus tea can also suppress your appetite, which is beneficial when fasting. It can help manage hunger pangs and make it easier for you to stick to your fasting schedule. The tart and fruity flavor of hibiscus tea can also be a pleasant distraction from hunger pangs.

Support The Digestive System

While it’s not a strong laxative, hibiscus tea can aid in mild digestion and regularity, which may be helpful for some people who experience digestive sluggishness during fasting.

Increase Metabolism

Hibiscus tea has been shown to increase metabolism, which is essential for promoting weight loss. In the context of fasting, an increased metabolism helps to burn more calories and break down stored fat more efficiently.

Support Weight Loss

Drinking tea while fasting can contribute to weight loss by increasing metabolism, suppressing appetite, and promoting a sense of calm, which may prevent emotional eating. This combination makes it a powerful tool in supporting your weight loss goals during fasting.

Rich In Nutrients

Even though it’s calorie-free, hibiscus tea contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C and iron, which can contribute to your overall nutrient intake without affecting your fast.

Caffeine Content in Hibiscus Tea and Its Effects on Fasting

Hibiscus tea is a caffeine-free herbal tea made from the dried flowers of the hibiscus plant. This makes it an excellent choice for fasting. 

Although hibiscus tea doesn’t contain any caffeine, you might be curious about how caffeine interacts with fasting. It’s a great question since many people like to drink caffeinated teas or coffee during a fast.

Consuming caffeine while fasting has several positive health benefits and won’t break your fast. In fact, caffeine can help with fasting because it has an appetite-suppressing effect for some people. This means it could make it easier to maintain the fast as it might reduce feelings of hunger.

Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system. This can increase metabolism slightly and promote fat burning. In a way, it aligns with one of the goals many people have with fasting, which is to improve metabolic health.

The Best Teas To Drink While Fasting

Hibiscus tea isn’t the only tea that’s beneficial during a fast. There are several popular teas that can be consumed, without breaking a fast.

Black Tea

Black tea supports your fasting efforts as it contains low-calorie levels and powerful antioxidants. Drinking black tea while fasting can help you burn fat and boost your metabolism.

Green Tea

Fortunately, green tea won’t break a fast which is good news for some since it’s one of the most popular teas. Green tea offers numerous health benefits during fasting like improved mental alertness and fat oxidation. The catechins and caffeine present in green tea help stimulate your metabolism and increase fat loss.

Peppermint Tea

Peppermint tea helps suppress your appetite, which is beneficial during a fast. Drinking peppermint tea can also help you reduce stress and bloating.

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea aids sleep and digestion, making it a popular fasting tea choice. It can also reduce inflammation and support the immune system.

Matcha

Matcha is a powdered version of green tea which is packed with antioxidants. Just like green tea, matcha won’t break a fast. Drinking matcha while fasting could help boost your metabolism and increase your focus and energy levels.

Rooibos Tea

Rooibos tea is caffeine-free and aids digestion during fasting periods. Rich in antioxidants, this tea can help reduce inflammation and boost the immune system.

Ginger Tea

Ginger tea has potent anti-inflammatory properties and supports digestion. While fasting, sipping on ginger tea can help reduce bloating and improve gut health. It’s often used as a key ingredient for teas used to detoxify your body.

How To Make A Fasting-Friendly Cup Of Hibiscus Tea

To make a cup of hibiscus tea, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1-2 teaspoons of dried hibiscus flowers (or 1 hibiscus tea bag if you’re using pre-packaged tea)
• 8 ounces (about 240 milliliters) of boiling water

Instructions:

1. Boil the Water: Heat your water to a rolling boil. If you have an electric kettle with temperature settings, set it to around 200°F (93°C), which is just below boiling and optimal for steeping hibiscus tea.
2. Steep the Hibiscus: Place the dried hibiscus flowers or tea bag in a teapot or mug. Pour the hot water over the hibiscus.
3. Let It Infuse: Allow the tea to steep for 5 minutes. Hibiscus has a tart flavor, and the longer you steep it, the more intense the flavor and color will be. If you prefer a lighter tea, steep for less time; for a stronger tea, a bit longer.
4. Strain the Tea: If you use loose hibiscus flowers, strain them from the water using a fine mesh strainer. If you use a tea bag, simply remove it.
5. Serve: Enjoy your hibiscus tea hot, or allow it to cool down and serve it over ice for a refreshing cold beverage.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it—your foray into the world of fasting with hibiscus tea in tow. We’ve navigated the ins and outs, and it turns out that this vibrant tea can indeed be part of your fasting routine without derailing your efforts.

Remember, the key to sipping without slipping during a fast is to keep it plain and simple. Keep your hibiscus tea plain without sugar, cream or milk. Because hibiscus alone won’t break a fast, instead it’ll keep you hydrated and defeat any hunger pangs.

So, the next time you’re in the throes of a fast and you reach for that teacup, you can trust that hibiscus tea is safe to consume. Happy fasting, and even happier sipping!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take hibiscus tea while fasting?

Yes, you can take hibiscus tea while fasting. It has zero calories and doesn’t contain sugars, or carbohydrates which makes fasting-friendly. Avoid adding any milk, dairy alternatives or sweeteners that contain calories because these will break a fast.

Can I drink flower tea during intermittent fasting?

Drinking flower tea like hibiscus, chamomile, or jasmine tea during intermittent fasting is generally safe. These teas have low-calorie content and can help you stay hydrated. Always ensure that they’re free from added sugars or sweeteners to reap their full benefits during a fast.

Can you drink hibiscus tea while intermittent fasting?

Yes, you can drink hibiscus tea while practicing intermittent fasting. It’s a calorie-free option that won’t break your fast, as long as you don’t add sweeteners or additives. Hibiscus tea might help curb your appetite and make it easier during your fast.

What teas won’t break a fast?

Teas that won’t break your fast typically include those without added sugars, sweeteners, or artificial flavors. For example, green tea, black tea, oolong tea, white tea, herbal teas like hibiscus, chamomile, and peppermint tea. Drinking these teas in moderation helps maintain your fast while enjoying its benefits.

Does hibiscus tea spike insulin?

No, hibiscus tea is not known to spike insulin levels. The tea contains zero calories so it contains an insufficient amount of carbohydrates. Nor does it have sugar content, which means it won’t increase insulin release or blood sugar levels.