Blue tea, also known as butterfly pea flower tea, is a refreshing and visually stunning beverage that has gained popularity worldwide. Originating straight from Ayurvedic classics, this herbal infusion is packed with blue tea benefits that go beyond its vibrant blue hue. It supports skin and eye health, boosts mental well-being, and promotes cardiovascular fitness, making it a truly special and health-enhancing drink.
What is Blue Tea?
Blue tea is a caffeine-free herbal drink made from the flowers of the Clitoria ternatea plant, also known as butterfly pea. Native to Southeast Asia, it has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Its vibrant blue colour changes to purple or red when mixed with acidic ingredients like lemon or hibiscus, offering a calming, antioxidant-rich experience without caffeine.
Health Benefits of Blue Tea
Blue tea, a caffeine-free beverage rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, offers various health advantages.
1. Enhances Brain Function
Blue tea contains L-theanine, which helps calm the mind and increase focus by promoting GABA production. This amino acid helps reduce stress and anxiety while improving cognitive function. Antioxidants in the tea protect the brain from oxidative damage, contributing to mental clarity and overall brain health.
2. Supports Weight Loss
Blue tea boosts metabolism, aids detoxification, and acts as a diuretic. It helps convert fats into energy, reduces inflammation, and curbs appetite, supporting weight management.
3. Regulates Blood Sugar Levels
By stabilizing blood sugar and reducing insulin spikes, blue tea helps manage weight and supports metabolic health, making it beneficial for those with diabetes or pre-diabetic conditions.
4. Improves Skin Health
Rich in antioxidants, blue tea fights free radicals that cause oxidative stress and contribute to aging. It improves skin elasticity, reduces wrinkles, and enhances overall skin health. The anti-inflammatory properties of blue tea help soothe skin conditions, promoting a healthier and more youthful appearance over time.
5. Reduces Stress and Anxiety
The calming effects of L-theanine in blue tea help lower cortisol levels, reducing stress and anxiety. This beverage promotes relaxation, improves sleep quality, and calms the nervous system. Regular consumption of blue tea can help maintain a balanced mood and improve overall mental well-being.
6. Supports Heart Health
Blue tea’s antioxidants, like proanthocyanidins and flavonoids, protect against oxidative damage and inflammation, which are linked to heart disease. The tea’s anti-inflammatory properties help reduce the risk of chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, while supporting healthy blood pressure and circulation.
7. Rich in Antioxidants
Blue tea contains flavonoids, anthocyanins, and proanthocyanidins, which are powerful antioxidants that fight oxidative stress. These compounds protect cells from damage, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and support overall health. Blue tea offers antioxidant levels comparable to those found in green tea, providing numerous health benefits.
8. Anti-inflammatory Properties
Blue tea is rich in antioxidants like anthocyanins, which have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. It helps reduce oxidative stress, combat chronic inflammation, and support overall wellness. Regular consumption may aid in relieving joint pain, improving heart health, and promoting a balanced immune response.
| An interesting fact about Clitoria ternatea, the plant used to make blue tea, is that it is traditionally known as a “memory booster” in Ayurvedic medicine. Its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties enhance brain function, improve memory, and support mental clarity. |
Side Effects of Blue Tea
Blue tea is generally safe, but overconsumption or specific health conditions may lead to mild side effects. Here’s what to consider.
- Digestive Discomfort: Overconsumption may cause nausea, stomach ache, or diarrhea, particularly in sensitive individuals.
- Medication Interactions: Consult a doctor if taking medications to avoid potential interactions.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Pregnant and breastfeeding women should seek professional advice before consuming blue tea.
How to Make Blue Tea
Making blue tea is a simple process that requires only a few ingredients and steps. To prepare a cup of blue tea, you will need 1-5 dried butterfly pea flowers or 1 teaspoon of dried butterfly pea flowers per cup of boiling water. Follow these steps:
- Place the flowers in a tea strainer or directly into a cup.
- Pour boiling water over the flowers and allow them to steep for 5-10 minutes to extract the vibrant blue colour and delicate flavour.
- Strain the tea using a mesh strainer and discard the flowers.
- If desired, add sugar, honey, lemon, or lime juice to taste.
Conclusion
Blue tea, made from the butterfly pea flower (Clitoria ternatea), offers numerous health benefits. Rich in antioxidants, it helps combat oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and protect against chronic diseases. It also supports weight management, digestion, and stress relief. While generally safe, moderation is key, especially for those with sensitivities or allergies. Always consult a doctor if pregnant, breastfeeding, or on medication. Incorporating blue tea into a balanced lifestyle can enhance overall well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Blue tea has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, aiding digestion, managing diabetes, promoting weight loss, and supporting heart health.
Excessive blue tea can cause digestive discomfort, nausea, stomach pain, and may interact with diabetes medications.
Yes, blue tea is caffeine-free and can help promote sleep and reduce stress at night.
Both have unique benefits; blue tea is caffeine-free with antioxidants, while green tea contains caffeine.
It’s best to consume blue tea in moderation, especially if you have a sensitive stomach.
Blue tea, with its antioxidants, supports weight loss when paired with a balanced diet.
Blue tea can be enjoyed both hot and cold, as a brewed or iced tea.
1-2 cups per day is recommended to avoid digestive discomfort.
Side effects may include nausea, stomach pain, diarrhoea, allergic reactions, and medication interactions.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women, those with medical conditions, or people on diabetes medication should consult a doctor.
Yes, blue tea may help manage blood pressure by reducing cholesterol and supporting heart health.
References
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-19146-z
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0963996922010663
- https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/13/4/2134
- https://bmccomplementmedtherapies.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12906-017-2075-7
- https://indjst.org/articles/clitoria-ternatea-butterfly-pea-a-plant-with-antioxidant-and-antidiabetic-properties