Fondly known as Blue Pea Tea, or scientifically known as Clitoria ternatea, this plant is native to Asia. Its alluring and peaceful blue tinge that makes it stands out among others and is quite the hit among tea enthusiasts due to its health benefits.
This soul-comforting tea is stirring the interests of people, be it in the form of a stunning blue colour-changing cocktail or a herbal tea at the wee hours of twilight.
In the last decade, there has been a steady decline in the sale of caffeinated beverages as more and more people have steered clear of them due to their adverse effects on health. This vacuum has been filled diligently by herbal teas that have come out victorious as a more potent drink of choice that delivers the flavour; minus the caffeine, which is a win-win situation.
In most cases, they’re also taken without milk or sugar, making them a benefactor for controlling blood sugar; thus, focusing on good health. It is also excellent for people who are coping with diabetes. Although the more popular ones are indefinitely jasmine, chamomile and hibiscus, butterfly pea has made quite the impression among its peers due to the many benefits that one can reap from the beverage.
Health benefits of Butterfly Pea Tea/Blue Tea
Aids in weight loss
Butterfly pea tea contains catechins, a type of phenolic compound that is antioxidant in nature and is helpful in burning fat and promoting weight loss. One can also benefit from the tea as it helps increase metabolism which in turn aids digestion. As it is a naturally occurring diuretic drink, it helps in reducing water weight and maintains blood pressure which may help in cases of heart failure.
Acts as a mood enhancer
One of the benefits of drinking butterfly pea tea is that it acts as a mood enhancer and helps reduce anxiety and stress; much like chamomile.
Helps prevent diabetes
One of the biggest benefits of consuming blue pea tea is that it aids in preventing diabetes, one of the primary diseases in this current day and age. Studies have indicated that due to the high number of antioxidants present in tea, drinking the beverage greatly helped in reducing blood sugar and insulin levels. The antioxidants present in the butterfly pea flowers protect against cell damage and help in managing fatty liver issues and reduce cholesterol.
Helps in preventing cancer
Butterfly pea flowers are rich in anthocyanin (antioxidant) compounds called terminations, which alleviate inflammation, and they are known to prevent cancer cell growth. The butterfly tea plant contains several antioxidants, like kaempferol which is known for its cancer-fighting properties, and studies have suggested that it may kill cancer cells. Another antioxidant known as Delphinidin-3,5-glucoside is known to stimulate immune function and may cause death in colorectal cancer cells, reducing the potential chances of cancer overall.
But that is not all, other than major health benefits, butterfly pea tea has also proven beneficial for skin and hair care due to it its high antioxidant properties.
Helps as an anti-ageing agent
Butterfly pea tea or blue tea is beneficial for the skin as it is high in antioxidants that in turn help in anti-ageing. The skin looks more youthful and healthier as it has anti-glycation effects, which are known for combating ageing of the skin. There are flavonoids present in the tea that may stimulate collagen production which in turn keeps the skin radiant and also helps maintain the elasticity of the skin. The stress relieving factor in the tea massively helps in keeping the skin plump and hydrated.
Promotes healthy scalp
Butterfly pea tea is not only beneficial for the skin but it is also extremely helpful when it comes to hair care. The plant contains a compound known as anthocyanin that is known to increase blood circulation in the head; therefore, maintaining a healthy scalp and strengthening hair follicles from within; allowing the hair to grow stronger, and preventing brittle hair and split ends.
Butterfly pea tea clearly has plenty more benefits than not and helps with the overall health of an individual, however, it is important to consult the doctor if one has an underlying medical condition.
