Butterfly Pea Tea For Weight Management: Is It Worth The Hype?

by Somya Agrawal

Blue tea or butterfly pea tea has gained a lot of importance, especially among Weight Watchers. But is it worth it? Does blue tea really help to reduce weight? If Yes, How to use it and what are the other benefits of butterfly tea? 

This article will answer all your queries and clear all your doubts. To dig deep, Read till the last.

What is butterfly pea tea?

Blue pea tea or blue butterfly tea, is a herbal tea made from the flowers of the Clitoria ternatea plant, native to Southeast Asia. The tea has gained popularity for its striking blue color, its potential health benefits, and its versatility in culinary applications.

When brewed, butterfly pea tea has a vivid blue hue, which can be altered to purple or pink by adding acidic ingredients like lemon juice or lime. Besides its visual appeal, butterfly pea tea is often touted for its antioxidant properties and purported health benefits. 

Butterfly pea tea is enjoyed both hot and cold and can be consumed on its own or mixed with other ingredients to create colorful and refreshing beverages, cocktails, desserts, and even savory dishes. It’s not just a delightful drink but also adds an artistic touch to culinary creations.

Health Benefits of Butterfly Pea Tea:

Blue tea, such as butterfly pea tea, is associated with several potential health benefits, although more research is needed to fully understand its effects. Some of the purported benefits of blue tea include:

1) Detox Body: Blue tea contains antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and reduce the damage caused by free radicals in the body. This helps to detox the liver and cleanse the organs.

2) Reduces Inflammation: Some research suggests that compounds found in blue tea may have anti-inflammatory properties, which could help reduce inflammation in the body and support various aspects of health.

3) Supports Brain Health: Certain compounds in blue tea may have neuroprotective effects and could potentially support cognitive function. Some studies suggest that blue tea may help improve memory and cognition, although more research is needed to confirm these effects.

4) Relieves Stress: Blue tea has been traditionally used in some cultures as a natural remedy for reducing stress and anxiety. Some people find the act of drinking tea to be calming, and compounds in blue tea may have mild sedative effects that contribute to relaxation.

5) Promotes Healthy Skin: Blue tea contains antioxidants that may help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals and environmental stressors. Some people use blue tea topically or consume it regularly to promote healthy skin.

6) Aids Digestion: Blue tea contains antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract. Chronic inflammation in the gut can contribute to digestive issues such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). By reducing inflammation, blue tea may support overall digestive health

7) Relieves Cough & Cold: Butterfly tea is exceptionally rich in strong antioxidants that help ease lung inflammation, reduce excess fluid build-up, and relieve congestion.

8) Strengthen Hair Roots: Regularly drinking blue pea tea can promote scalp health, strengthen hair, reduce premature greying, and promote hair growth. This is because blue tea contains anthocyanin (a potent flavonoid) that naturally increases blood flow to the scalp.

9) Promotes Female Reproductive Health: Clitoria Ternatea got its name since the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates believed it to be beneficial to women’s health as it resembles a female clitoris. Further research studies prove that regular intake of blue tea can ease menstrual pain and reduce infections like vaginal discharge.

10) Improves Vision: Experts believe that antioxidants (anthocyanin) present in blue pea tea can relax tired eyes, and enhance night vision by improving blood flow to the eyes. 

Does blue tea support weight management?

There’s limited scientific evidence directly linking blue tea, such as butterfly pea tea, to weight management. However, some proponents suggest that the antioxidants present in blue tea can aid in weight management indirectly.

Damaged free radicals can cause inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, but antioxidants can help counteract them. By reducing oxidative stress, antioxidants can support overall health, including metabolic function. Additionally, some studies suggest that certain antioxidants, like catechins found in blue tea, can have a modest impact on boosting metabolism and promoting fat oxidation.

Furthermore, blue tea is often consumed without added sugar or calories, making it a low-calorie beverage option compared to sugary drinks. Drinking calorie-free beverages like blue tea instead of sugary sodas or juices can be a part of a balanced diet conducive to weight management.

    How to make blue tea?

    Using blue tea, such as butterfly pea tea, is quite simple and can be done in various ways. Here’s how to make blue tea:

    1) Brewing Hot Tea:

    • Bring water to a boil.
    • Add dried butterfly pea flowers or tea bags to a teapot or mug.
    • Pour the hot water over the flowers or tea bags.
    • Allow the tea to steep for 3 to 5 minutes, or longer if you prefer a stronger flavor.
    • Remove the flowers or tea bags, and your blue tea is ready to drink.
    • You can enjoy it hot as is or add sweeteners like honey or sugar to taste. You can also enhance the flavor with a squeeze of lemon or lime, which will change the color from blue to purple or pink.

      2) Making Cold Brew:

      • Place dried butterfly pea flowers or tea bags in a pitcher or jar.
      • Add cold water to the pitcher.
      • Cover the pitcher and place it in the refrigerator to steep overnight or for at least 4 to 6 hours.
      • Once steeped, strain out the flowers or remove the tea bags.
      • Serve the cold blue tea over ice cubes, and garnish with lemon or lime slices if desired.

      3) Creating Colorful Beverages:

      • Brew a concentrated batch of blue tea by using a higher ratio of flowers or tea bags to water.
      • Allow the concentrated tea to cool.
      • Mix the blue tea with other ingredients to create colorful beverages. For example:
      • Mix with lemonade or citrus juices to create a vibrant purple or pink lemonade.
      • Combine with coconut water or fruit juices for a refreshing tropical drink.
      • Blend with yogurt or coconut milk for a blue smoothie.
      • Experiment with adding herbs, spices, or other flavorings to create unique concoctions.

      4) Incorporating Into Recipes:

      • Use brewed blue tea as a liquid ingredient in recipes such as cakes, muffins, pancakes, or cocktails to impart a blue hue and subtle floral flavor.
      • Use blue tea as a natural food coloring agent for rice, noodles, frosting, icing, or other dishes where you want to add a splash of color.

        Remember to store any unused brewed blue tea in the refrigerator and consume it within a few days for the best flavor. Enjoy experimenting with different ways to use blue tea in your culinary creations!

          SUMMING UP

          Beyond its potential health benefits, blue tea is prized for its vibrant color and can be used to create visually stunning dishes and beverages. Its natural blue hue adds a unique touch to recipes and culinary creations. However, more research is needed to understand its efficacy in weight management. 

          Also,  it’s essential to remember that no single food or beverage can guarantee weight loss or management on its own. A healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular physical activity, is key to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. If you’re considering incorporating blue tea or any other herbal tea into your weight management routine, it’s best to do so as part of an overall healthy lifestyle plan.