Butterfly pea tea is a famous herbal tea or beverage loved for its outstanding colors and innumerable health benefits. It is made up of flower petals or whole flower of butterfly pea flower (Clitoria ternatea ). The butterfly pea plant is also known as blue pea, Aprajita or Asian pigeonwings. It is found almost in all Southeast Asian countries.
The distinct feature of butterfly pea tea is the color variation on changing the pH balance. It turns from deep blue to purple on the addition of lemon juice and when the leaves of fuchsia Roselle Hibiscus are mixed it turns deep red. This colorful phenomenon makes the beverage a center of attraction in cocktail parties.
Blue tea can be taken as a hot or cold beverage depending upon the personal choices. As it does not have any sweetening agent in itself, honey or lemon juice must be added to tea or beverage to enhance the taste. It can be made as simple as in warm or cold water or with added on delicacies of sprite, brown sugar, and soda. Blue tea is common across Thailand and it’s popular as Nahm Dok Anchan. It is served in most Thai hotels and massage centers.
Blue tea contains antioxidants that help to manage and remove free radicals reducing aging effects on the skin. It is also helpful in promoting hair growth. It comprises anthocyanins which support cardiovascular health and enhance metabolism.
It contains catechins, antioxidants found in green tea which work on extra fat accumulated in the lower body thus helps to reduce weight. Drinking it as steamed tea helps to maintain balanced body weight as it upgrades metabolic mechanisms.
Blue tea comprises Polyphenols that help to treat Type I diabetes by controlling glucose metabolism. It is also found to be effective in the treatment of fatty liver issues as it improves hepatic functioning.
Blue tea contains potent tannins that enhance the absorption of iron from food, hence it should be taken one hour prior to or after meals. It must be prepared in earthen pots to retain its healing properties.
Russian scientist N.V. Lazarez discovered adaptogens in 1947 and Dr. Israel Brekhman, another Russian scientist claimed Butterfly Pea Flower is an adaptogen ie. a nontoxic and stress-relieving herb that helps to maintain a healthy well being.
Blue tea is not suggested to be taken by pregnant women and should be checked before usage with any strong medications.
