Blue tea, commonly referred to as butterfly pea or blue pea tea, is an herbal infusion that originates from South Asia.
The process of steeping the dried petals of the Clitoria ternatea L. plant, celebrated for its brilliant blue coloration, creates this beverage.
In addition to serving as a natural food coloring agent, blue tea is popular for its purported health benefits. People say it enhances cardiovascular and cognitive functions, and it also exhibits anti-diabetic and anti-cancer properties.
This article provides an overview of blue tea, discussing its advantages, potential drawbacks, and methods of preparation.
What is blue tea?
The dried petals of Clitoria ternatea L., commonly known as butterfly pea, create the herbal beverage blue tea. Flavors such as mint, ginger, lemongrass, or cinnamon often complement this infusion to enhance its taste.
Butterfly pea flowers display a range of colors from white to vibrant blue. The striking blue coloration is due to the presence of anthocyanins, which are antioxidant pigments found in various blue and purple fruits and vegetables.
When brewed, the tea may exhibit a color change to red, violet, or green, depending on its pH level. The addition of tonic water, lemon, or lime can influence this transformation.
Anthocyanins not only provide the tea with its characteristic blue hue but also contribute to its reputed health benefits. One reason Ayurvedic medicine has traditionally used it to address a variety of ailments is that it works effectively.
Additionally, many parts of the world cultivate butterfly pea flowers as ornamental flowers, and people use them as a natural food dye.
Benefits of blue tea
Below are some of the most recognized and research-backed benefits associated with the consumption of blue tea.
Abundant in antioxidants
Antioxidants are essential compounds that neutralize free radicals, unstable molecules that can lead to oxidative stress when present in excess. This condition may contribute to the development of various diseases.
As previously noted, butterfly pea flowers are particularly high in anthocyanins, specifically delphinidin, which imparts the vibrant blue to purple hue.
Anthocyanins belong to a category of antioxidants found in various edible fruits, vegetables, and flowers, offering protective effects against ailments such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.
Researchers suggest that delphinidin may also guard against lipid peroxidation, a damaging process that disrupts cell membranes, accelerates aging, and produces the harmful compound malondialdehyde (MDA).
Furthermore, a small study involving 16 overweight or obese men revealed that consuming butterfly pea flower extract after a high-fat meal helped maintain elevated levels of glutathione peroxidase (Gpx), an antioxidant enzyme crucial for mitigating lipid peroxidation.
Promotes heart health
Consuming blue tea may enhance cardiovascular health by positively influencing blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Research involving animal models indicates that butterfly pea flower extract can reduce blood pressure due to its vasorelaxation properties, which facilitate the dilation of blood vessels and improve circulation.
Furthermore, this extract exhibits antithrombotic effects, potentially reducing the risk of blood clot formation, a significant contributor to stroke.
A small study involving 16 men with overweight or obesity revealed that the administration of butterfly pea extract following a high-fat meal led to a decrease in fat cell formation and a reduction in triglyceride accumulation.
This suggests that the extract may mitigate elevated blood lipid levels post-meal, which is a known risk factor for heart disease.
Researchers propose that the antioxidants present in the flower may inhibit pancreatic lipase, the enzyme responsible for the breakdown of dietary fats, thereby explaining this beneficial effect.
Anti-diabetes properties
Anthocyanins present in blue tea may assist in regulating blood sugar levels.
Research indicates that the antioxidants in butterfly pea extract could inhibit carbohydrate-digesting enzymes such as intestinal alpha-glucosidase, pancreatic alpha-amylase, and intestinal sucrase.
By obstructing these enzymes, the extract slows down the digestion and absorption of sugars, leading to lower blood sugar and insulin levels.
Research shows that decreased insulin levels link to a reduced risk of insulin resistance, vascular dysfunction, obesity, and metabolic syndrome.
Nevertheless, studies involving humans have produced mixed results regarding the anti-diabetic effects of blue tea.
One study involving 15 healthy adults revealed that the intake of sucrose, or table sugar, alongside 1 or 2 grams of butterfly pea extract resulted in lower insulin and blood sugar levels 30 minutes post-consumption, indicating enhanced blood sugar control after meals.
Conversely, a small study with 16 men who were overweight or obese showed no significant changes in blood sugar levels following a high-fat meal that included the same dosage of butterfly pea extract.
It is also important to note that human studies typically utilize the extract of the flower rather than the tea itself. Given that tea is considerably more diluted, researchers find it improbable that it would yield the same significant effects.
Other benefits
Consuming blue tea offers several potential advantages, including:
- Antifungal and antimicrobial effects. The butterfly pea flower may exhibit antifungal activity against the conidia of Penicillium expansum and antibacterial effects against Streptococcus mutans and Staphylococcus aureus due to its antioxidants.
- Enhanced cognitive function. Research involving animals indicates that butterfly pea extract may enhance memory and help prevent cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s disease, although conclusive human studies are lacking.
- Caffeine-free option. Blue tea, derived from butterfly pea flowers rather than the Camellia sinensis plant—which is the source of caffeine in black tea—offers a caffeine-free alternative.
- Natural food coloring agent. The vibrant blue hue of butterfly pea flowers serves as a favored substitute for artificial blue food colorants, which have faced growing scrutiny due to health concerns.
While the research surrounding the benefits of blue tea is encouraging, it primarily centers on extracts and antioxidants rather than the brewed tea itself. Furthermore, there is a notable absence of human studies, with most findings stemming from test-tube and animal research.
Consequently, additional human studies are essential to gain a clearer understanding of the health benefits associated with consuming this tea.
Potential side effects
As of now, there are no reported negative effects from the consumption of blue tea.
That being said, some anecdotal accounts suggest that high consumption may lead to symptoms such as nausea, stomach ache, and diarrhea.
How to make blue tea
Preparing a cup of blue tea is a straight-forward process that you can savor either hot or cold.
To make blue tea at home, you will require the following ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 mL) of boiling water
- 3 to 5 butterfly pea flowers, 1 teaspoon of dried butterfly pea flowers, or 1 tea bag
- Sweetener of your choice, such as sugar or honey (optional)
- Juice from half a lime or lemon (optional)
Begin by placing the butterfly pea flowers or tea bag into a cup and pouring in the boiling water. Allow it to steep for 5 minutes or until the water exhibits a vibrant blue hue. If desired, sweeten the tea with sugar or honey to your liking.
Additionally, you may incorporate lime or lemon juice. This not only imparts a zesty flavor but also reduces the tea’s pH level, resulting in a color transformation from blue to violet.
For a refreshing tea on a warm summer day, allow the tea to cool, pour it into a glass, and add crushed ice.
The bottom line
Steeping butterfly pea flowers in hot water creates blue tea, an herbal infusion. Its vibrant blue color is due to a high level of anthocyanins, which also contribute to its various health benefits.
These benefits may include enhancements in heart and brain health, along with potential anti-diabetic and anti-cancer properties.
While blue tea is usually safe for consumption, excessive amounts may cause digestive discomfort. Consequently, when you are in the mood for a warm or cold tea, consider opting for blue tea.
