What Is Blue Tea?
Blue tea, also known as butterfly pea flower tea, is a blue-hued beverage made from the dried flowers of the Clitoria ternatea plant. Native to Southeast Asia, this plant has been used in traditional medicine for centuries and has recently gained popularity as a health trend due to its potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
But blue tea isn’t just known for its potential health benefits – it’s also praised for its stunning blue color. In fact, the blue hue of this herbal tea can even change to purple when lemon juice is added. If you’re interested in adding this tea to your routine for its Instagram-worthy appearance, read on to learn more about it!
Potential Benefits of Blue Tea
While blue pea tea may have a following on social media, does it actually offer any real health benefits? Let’s take a closer look at the potential benefits and their supporting evidence.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants help protect our cells from damage caused by free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of diseases like cancer. Blue tea is rich in antioxidants, specifically anthocyanins – the pigments responsible for its blue color.
However, available studies focus on butterfly flower pea extracts rather than brewed tea, so it’s not sure how much of these antioxidants would be present in butterfly-pea flower tea. Still, blue tea is a potential source of flavonoids, and may offer similar benefits as other sources, such as blueberries or green tea.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Inflammation is a natural response by our body to protect itself from harm, but chronic inflammation can contribute to diseases like diabetes and heart disease. Some research suggests that Clitoria ternatea may have anti-inflammatory properties, potentially reducing the risk of these diseases.
However, similar to the research on antioxidants, available studies focus on plant extracts rather than blue tea itself. More research is needed to fully understand the potential anti-inflammatory effects of this South East Asian plant.
Anti-Diabetic Effects
The anthocyanins in blue tea may also potentially help manage diabetes. In a study of rats with induced diabetes, butterfly pea extract was found to lower their blood sugar levels and increase insulin sensitivity. Again, more research is needed to understand the potential effects of drinking a cup of blue tea every day in humans.
Potential Side Effects of Drinking Blue Tea
Butterfly pea flower tea is generally considered safe to consume, but there are a few potential side effects and precautions to keep in mind. Some anecdotal evidence suggests blue tea may cause stomach discomfort, nausea and diarrhea if consumed in large amounts.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised to avoid blue tea, as there is not enough research on its safety in these populations. It’s also important to note that the tea may interact with certain medications, including those for high blood pressure and diabetes. If you take any medications, it’s best to consult with your healthcare provider before adding blue tea to your diet.
How to Prepare Blue Tea at Home
You can easily make blue tea at home using dried butterfly pea flowers, which can be found in Asian supermarkets or online. To prepare, simply steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried flowers in hot water for 5 minutes. You can also add herbs and spices like lemongrass or ginger for added flavor.
For a fun twist, try adding a squeeze of lemon to watch the blue color turn purple! Another option is to mix blue tea with black or green tea for a colorful blend. Overall, blue tea offers a unique and visually stunning addition to your tea routine – just remember to enjoy it in moderation.
Is Blue Tea Approved by the FDA?
It’s important to note that blue tea is not approved by the FDA as a medicine or treatment for any medical condition. While it may offer potential health benefits, it should not be used as a substitute for proven medical therapies.
Butterfly pea flower extract is approved by the FDA as a food coloring. No blue tea products have been evaluated by the FDA for safety and effectiveness. As with any supplement or food, it’s best to purchase blue tea from a reputable source. Keep in mind that some products might contain artificial flavors, so be sure to check the ingredient list before buying.
Summary
In conclusion, butterfly pea flower tea – made from the Clitoria ternatea flower – is a trendy beverage with potential health benefits, including being a source of antioxidants and potentially having anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic effects. However, more research is needed to fully understand its effects in humans.
Blue tea is generally considered safe to consume, but pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid it and those on medications should consult with their healthcare provider before adding it to their diet. You can easily make blue tea at home by steeping dried butterfly pea flowers in hot water.
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