Blue tea, as the name suggests, is a beverage bearing a prominent blue colour, made from the flowers of the Clitoria ternatea plant. Common names of this medicinal shrub, indigenous to South East Asia, include butterfly pea, cordofan pea, blue pea, aparajitha and Asian pigeonwings.

Blue tea is a popular food trend in recent times, owing to the wonderful benefits it confers, for human health, such as promoting weight loss, detoxifying the body, pacifying the mind, enriching skin texture and improving hair growth.

Antioxidant Properties:

Blue tea is rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins. Antioxidants help protect the body from oxidative stress and free radicals, which can contribute to chronic diseases and ageing.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects:

Some studies suggest that the compounds in butterfly pea flower tea may have anti-inflammatory properties. This can be beneficial for reducing inflammation in the body, which is associated with various health issues.

Anti-Ageing:

The antioxidants in blue tea are believed to help combat free radicals, which can contribute to premature ageing. It is sometimes used for its potential anti-ageing effects on the skin and overall vitality.

Uplifts Mood

The earthy flavour of butterfly-pea flower tea is said to be a mood enhancer. The tea is said to have stress-busting effects that may also help reduce symptoms of anxiety. It is also known to refresh the brain, bolster energy levels and stamina, influence positive emotions and thereby increase productivity at work. Blue tea is also a great stress-buster, alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Enhances Skin Health

The flavonoids present in blue tea help stimulate collagen production, helping develop and maintain skin elasticity. Drinking a cup of warm blue tea regularly eliminates undigested food particles from the system, clearing the stomach, liver and kidneys. This, in turn, cleanses the body internally and immensely brightens dull skin, removing dark spots and uneven skin tone.

Ameliorates Diabetic Conditions

Sipping on a cup of piping hot blue daily works wonders in avoiding sudden spikes in blood sugar levels, besides facilitating smooth digestion processes, in those with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The abundant reserves of phenolic acid, phenolic amide antioxidants in blue tea portray significant antihyperglycemic effects, improving insulin secretion, regulating glucose metabolism and preventing excess absorption of sugars by body cells, both while fasting and post consuming meals. Butterfly pea flower tea is certainly an ideal wholesome addition to the diabetic diet.

Boosts Brain Health

Known in Ayurvedic science as a brain herb, blue tea has been used to enhance memory, aid brain health, treat anxiety, and combat depression. Owing to its acetylcholine compound, the herb can also help fight Alzheimer's. Drinking butterfly pea flower tea offers many brain boosting benefits.

How To Make Blue Tea:

The recipe to whip up a cup of blue tea is quite simple. Just boil some blue pea flower petals, along with dried lemongrass, in water for 5 - 10 minutes. Add some honey to this herbal concoction and serve warm before meals. Blue tea can also be consumed cold, post meals, to aid in digestion and promote healthy sleep.