Blue Tea Benefits: The Vibrant Brew Transforming Health

Hey!

Have you ever heard about blue tea? 

Blue tea, also known as butterfly pea flower tea, is in the news for its beautiful hue and numerous health benefits. Blue tea is made from the butterfly pea flower (Clitoria ternatea), also known as Shankhpushpi or Gokarna. It is caffeine-free. 

The beautification of the butterfly pea flower is just the beginning; it is also packed with antioxidants, nutritional value, and bioactive compounds that support your overall health. 

 Ayurvedic Properties of Blue Tea (Butterfly Pea Flower):

• Rasa (Taste): Pungent, bitter, astringent
• Guna (Qualities): Light, dry
• Veerya (Potency): Cooling
• Vipaka (Post-digestive effect): Pungent
• Effect on Doshas: Balances Vata, Pitta, and Kapha

In Ayurveda, blue tea is highly valued for its medicinal and therapeutic properties. It has a cooling potency and is light and dry in quality. It is believed to balance three doshas- Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Some ayurveda texts also suggest that blue tea may help regulate blood sugar levels and support diabetes management. 

Let's take a closer look at the science-backed benefits of blue tea, also known as butterfly pea flower tea, and incorporate it into your everyday life.

What Is Blue Tea?

Blue tea is made from butterfly pea petals of the butterfly pea flower, a plant native to Southeast Asia. Blue tea is caffeine-free, unlike other teas, which come from the Camellia sinensis plant. Blue tea has a naturally deep blue color due to its high concentration of anthocyanins, which are antioxidants also found in blueberries and blackberries.

Top 8 Health Benefits of Blue Tea 

Below are some surprising blue tea health benefits you may like to know: 

1. Packed with Antioxidants

Blue tea contains anthocyanins, specifically delphinidin. It is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, and prevent cellular damage associated with aging, heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. 

Daily consumption of blue tea may slow the aging process and promote long-term health.

2. Benefits for Heart Health 

Blue tea is rich in antioxidants, which can support a healthier heart by reducing cholesterol, lowering blood pressure, and improving blood circulation. This could reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.

3. Anti-Diabetic Effects

Blue tea helps regulate the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, thereby managing blood sugar levels. Studies show it may help people with diabetes or those at risk, as it may reduce post-meal spikes of blood glucose levels.

4. Improves Brain Health and Memory

An animal study shows that butterfly pea flower extract may improve memory and cognitive function, and also prevent memory loss associated with aging. This could occur due to the butterfly pea flower's ability to increase acetylcholine levels in the brain, a crucial neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory. 

5. Promotes Weight Loss And Metabolism

Butterfly pea flower tea is a popular addition to weight management routines. Given the increase in metabolism and suppression of hunger, possibly by restricting the formation of new fat cells only (particularly in the abdomen), along with the prevention of fatty liver, and thus aiding metabolism.

6. Anti-Inflammatory and Pain-Relief

The bioactive components that comprise tea, including flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins, exhibit natural anti-inflammatory properties. Regularly drinking blue tea may reduce swelling, relieve body pain, and manage conditions such as arthritis.

7. Enhances Digestion and Detoxifies

Blue tea calms the digestive system, helps alleviate indigestion, bloating, and constipation, and aids in detoxifying the liver and kidneys. Its mild laxative properties and anthelmintic effects also help in preventing gut parasites.

8. Promotes Healthy Skin and Hair:

The antioxidants found in blue tea promote glowing skin and stronger hair. Blue tea can slow down skin aging, allowing for more even skin tone, and also assist with hair growth and density by repairing oxidative cell damage.

5 Additional Benefits of Blue Tea: You May Like to Know

It comes as no surprise that blue tea is highly sought after due to its remarkable ability to enhance both mental and physical health. Here are some additional blue tea benefits you may like to know: 

1. Blue tea strengthens your immune system. 
2. Its calming effects help relax the mind, reduce anxiety, and fight headaches and insomnia. 
3. Blue tea may have anti-cancer properties. It disrupts the integrity of cancer cells and inhibits their growth and proliferation. 
4. Blue tea is suitable for all ages because it is naturally caffeine-free. 
5. You can enjoy blue tea at any time of the day. 

How to Make Blue Tea?

It is easy to make a cup of blue tea. You can relish the tea both hot and cold. 

4 Ingredients:

• One cup (240 mL) of boiling water. 
• One teaspoon dried butterfly pea flowers, or one tea bag, and 3-5 butterfly pea flowers. 
• Use sugar or honey as a sweetener. 
• Half a cup of lemon juice. 

Method:

• Take a pan. Boil one cup (240 mL) of water.
• Add dried butterfly pea flowers or one tea bag and three to five fresh flowers to the hot water.
• Allow it to steep for 3-5 minutes, until the water has turned a vibrant blue.
• Strain out the flowers, add sugar or honey to taste. Then stir in half a cup of lemon juice, and watch the tea turn from blue to purple.
• To enjoy your tea hot, or pour it over ice for a refreshing cold drink.

How to Enjoy Blue Tea?

To enjoy blue tea: 

• Brew 2-4 cups per day for an easy morning detox, a pre-workout boost, or a bedtime tea. 
• Add lemon juice and see the color change from blue to purple. An appealing drink that is also good for you!
• Sweetening with honey or combining with herbs is a great alternative to increase wellness. 

Unlock Blue Tea Benefits With 5 Creative Drinking Ideas! 

Blue tea is incredibly versatile, and you can enjoy it in many exciting ways. Below are some fun and flavorful ideas to help you add blue tea into your daily routine. 

• Blue Tea Lemonade: Prepare a strong butterfly pea flower tea, chill it, and then add lemon or lime juice along with a sweetener. Watch the bright blue turn to purple, a beautiful and refreshing lemonade for a hot day!
• Blue Tea Smoothie: Mix cooled blue tea with frozen berries, banana, yogurt, and a drizzle of honey for a nutrient-dense, colorful smoothie that boasts antioxidants and a creamy texture.
• Blue tea popsicles: Mix blue tea with orange juice or pineapple juice. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds and freeze. The colorful, healthy popsicles are perfect for enjoying on a summer day. 
• Blue Tea Latte: Brew blue tea and add warm or cold milk for a delightful, comforting, and floral latte. You may add a sweetener for a comforting twist on regular tea lattes. 
• Blue Tea Ice Cubes: Make blue tea ice cubes and chill any of your favorite drinks with these beautiful cubes. 
• Blue Tea Benefits & Possible Side Effects

Known as butterfly pea flower tea, blue tea has gained popularity for its vibrant color and various health benefits. It does not contain caffeine, making it one of the best beverage options to support weight management and detoxification. 

The consumption of blue tea is generally safe in moderation. Otherwise, it can cause some side effects:

• Digestive discomfort
• Low blood pressure
• Interacts with diabetes medications
• Skin rashes or itching 

Note: Moderation is the key. Consult your doctor before drinking blue tea in pregnancy or while lactating for a safe experience. 

Take Away

Blue tea, also known as butterfly pea flower tea, is so much more than an Instagram-worthy drink. It offers an impressive range of health benefits. From antioxidant protection and heart health to stress relief and weight management, blue tea provides a range of benefits to support your overall wellness. 

With its complex history in Ayurveda medicine and growing research-based evidence, blue tea could be the go-to drink to elevate your wellness.

FAQs

1. What are the main blue tea benefits?

The primary benefits of blue tea include its rich antioxidant content and its anti-inflammatory, brain-boosting, and calming properties. 

2. Can I drink blue tea for improved skin and hair health?

Yes. Drinking blue tea can help rejuvenate the skin, reduce signs of aging, and promote hair growth due to its high antioxidant content. 

3. Can blue tea support weight loss?

Although research is limited, blue tea benefits are associated with weight management and fat reduction. 

4. Is blue tea good for brain function?

Yes. Blue tea is mentioned as a herb in Ayurveda. The presence of compounds like acetylcholine in the tea helps reduce stress, enhance memory, and support cognitive health. 

5. Are there side effects to blue tea benefits?

Blue tea is generally safe. However, excessive consumption may cause digestive discomfort or impact blood sugar and blood pressure levels.