How Does Blue Tea Or Butterfly-Pea Tea Benefit You?

Blue tea is a caffeine-free herbal beverage made using the flower or petals of Clitoria ternatea. It is a better alternative to caffeinated drinks such as coffee. Blue tea is native to Southeast Asia, although it is now becoming a popular beverage outside the region. Butterfly-pea tea has a distinct deep blue color. However, this color might change depending on the pH of the tea. For instance, adding lemon juice to improve flavor causes blue tea to gain a dark purple tinge.

Historically, butterfly-pea flowers have been used to brew tea for centuries across Southeast Asian countries. Their medicinal value is evident in their use in Ayurveda. Although Clitoria ternatea was originally grown in tropical Asia, it is now an exotic plant species in Australia, Africa, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. Today, it is relatively easy to obtain butterfly-pea flowers, which get packaged and sold in dried form worldwide.

Health Benefits of Blue Tea

Blue tea facilitates weight loss

Blue tea is a rich source of catechins. These phenolic compounds play a critical role in reducing belly fat and promoting weight loss. Blue tea also acts as a natural diuretic, eliminating excess body water and supporting weight management. Besides, this herbal beverage regulates appetite and cravings, which often contribute to weight gain. Thus, blue tea aids in maintaining optimal weight among consumers.

Blue tea boosts mood

Blue tea is a mood booster due to its anxiolytic, antidepressant, and antistress properties. It also improves energy levels and cognitive performance. In particular, its natural nootropic characteristics imply that blue tea can boost cognitive function, motivation, and attention.

Blue tea improve digestive health

Blue tea has a detoxifying effect and helps eliminate toxins that may have accumulated in the gastrointestinal system. Consuming blue tea regularly on an empty stomach also helps eradicate toxins that compromise digestive health, causing gastrointestinal diseases.

Like green tea, blue tea provides a comparable dose of antioxidants. These antioxidants have potent anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. They particularly relieve oxidative stress in the gastrointestinal system, help repair cell damage, and protect the stomach lining, promoting digestive health.

Blue tea prevents and treats chronic diseases

Blue tea can help prevent and manage various conditions, including chronic ones. For instance, it has antidiabetic and antihyperglycaemic effects, which assist in regulating blood glucose. On this note, blue tea can help prevent or treat diabetes mellitus. This means that diabetic patients can integrate blue tea into their diet to improve glycemic control.

Besides, blue tea contains a lot of antioxidants, which include anthocyanins, flavonols, and triterpenoids. These chemical compounds play a critical role in alleviating oxidative stress, a common cause of chronic diseases. Thus, getting rid of the free radicals produced due to oxidative stress helps prevent diabetes mellitus and other chronic conditions.

Blue tea promotes skin and hair health

Blue tea is a good source of anthocyanins. These compounds have anti-aging benefits. They also help protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation and prevent damage. In addition, flavonoids promote collagen production, leading to better skin elasticity.

At the same time, blue tea improves hair health by strengthening hair follicles and keeping the scalp healthy. As a result, consuming blue tea boosts hair growth and keeps it healthy.

How Do You Make Blue Tea?

Tea lovers can make blue tea by adding hot water to dried butterfly-pea flowers. Adding honey or lemon juice to blue tea can improve flavor, although this depends on personal preferences. Usually, blue tea has a taste comparable to fine green tea. It is best described as woody and earthy.

When Should You Drink Blue Tea

One should drink a cup of hot blue tea about one hour before or after taking a meal. However, consuming this herbal beverage in the morning on an empty stomach can help detoxify the body. Further, taking blue tea every day can relieve fatigue and bring a calming effect.

Is Blue Tea Safe

Blue tea is totally safe and does not cause any side effects. One can drink this beverage every day without concerns. However, overconsuming blue tea can cause diarrhea and nausea in certain people. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should also avoid this herbal drink unless a doctor approves it.