What’s better than an ice cold popsicle on a hot day? A nutrient-dense popsicle made with whole foods and healthy herbs! A few months ago I made mango golden milk popsicles, and recently I tried these hibiscus lemonade popsicles.
They’re high in vitamin C and antioxidants, perfect for keeping the immune system strong.
Immune System Support
Not so fun fact… according to Cleveland Clinic enteroviruses sicken more than 15 million Americans every year. And these types of viruses are much more common in the summer months. Public swimming pools, running around with the neighborhood kids, everyone touching the same baseball. There are plenty of reasons why kids still need immune system support all year long. And adults too!
During cold and flu season I’ll sometimes make these elderberry popsicles. Really, they’re delicious all year round. But there’s something special and classic about an icy pitcher of lemonade in the summertime. These hibiscus lemonade popsicles have the same flavor, but with a fruity twist and in popsicle form.
Lemon Benefits
Obviously, we need lemons to make lemonade popsicles. They’re naturally rich in vitamin C and flavonoids that are linked with various health benefits. The citric acid can increase urine pH and discourage kidney stones from forming. One study found those who ate more flavonoids had less risk of heart failure, ischemic heart disease, and stroke.
“Flavonoids metabolize and protect the heart when they interact with the gut microbiome (microorganisms in the digestive system). Their activities are associated with decreased blood pressure with 15% of the association between flavonoid-rich foods and systolic blood pressure.”
Nutrient Rich Hibiscus
Hibiscus flowers are gorgeous with their huge, vibrant blooms. They’re also really good for you. They’ve been used traditionally for thousands of years to help cool the body and support the cardiovascular system. In some areas they’ve been used for coughs, sore throats, and upper respiratory congestion.
Hibiscus also helps with digestion and insomnia. Thanks to its high vitamin C and antioxidant levels it helps the immune system and overall cell health. Plus, hibiscus can help prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) and may inhibit candida and fungal overgrowth.
Cooling Rosehips
Rosehips are another herb I reach for when I need something high in vitamin C. They’re rich in flavonoid antioxidants and help nourish the body. Rosehips have a cooling and toning action on the body’s tissues, which is perfect for warm summer days.
These herbal lemonade popsicles are a great way to cool off and stay healthy during the warmer months. But they taste delicious all year long. Here’s how to make them!
Hibiscus Lemonade Popsicles Recipe
Servings
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4-5 TBSP lemon juice
- ¼ cup raw honey
- 1 and ¾ cups water
- 2 TBSP hibiscus petals
- 1 TBSP rosehips (optional)
Instructions
- Boil 3/4 cup of the water and steep the hibiscus and rosehips for 10 minutes. Strain and let cool to room temperature.
- Add in the rest of the water, honey, and lemon juice and stir well to combine.
- Pour the lemonade popsicle mixture into your popsicle molds and freeze for several hours or overnight until firm.
Nutrition
Notes
- Run some hot water over the outside of the mold for a few seconds to easily remove the popsicle.
- The exact amount of popsicles you’ll get depends on the size of your popsicle molds.
- If you like your popsicles more tart, then go for 5 Tablespoons of lemon juice.
What are some of your favorite ways to get more nutrition into your diet in fun ways? Leave a comment and let us know!
Leave a Reply