You must have seen videos and posts from people featuring blue tea made from the butterfly pea flower. The butterfly pea flower is used in cosmetics, herbal teas, and cocktails. Different studies suggest that it promotes weight loss, rejuvenates skin and hair, and reduces blood sugar levels.
Butterfly Pea Flower Benefits
The butterfly pea flower has multiple health benefits since it contains nutrients and antioxidants.
Healthy Skin and Hair
The butterfly pea flower has become a favorite ingredient in shampoos, skin serums, and mists due to its benefits. A study shows that applying butterfly pea extract topically on the skin increases hydration by 70%. Another study also revealed that the butterfly pea extract is more effective in treating hair fall than minoxidil. [1]
The butterfly pea flower aids skin and hair health with various antioxidants. However, there is sparse research on its benefits for the hair and skin.
Supports Weight Loss
Studies have been conducted to ensure claims that it promotes weight loss. A test-tube study showed that butterfly pea extract could slow down fat cell formation by regulating cell progression pathways. Ternatin, found in butterfly pea flowers, also blocks the synthesis of fat cells in the body. Further studies are needed to see its impact when included in one’s diet. [2]
Regulates Blood Sugar Levels
A study of 15 men showed that drinking a beverage containing the butterfly pea extract reduced blood sugar levels and increased antioxidants and insulin production. Another animal study on rats revealed reduced sugar levels in rats with diabetes compared to a control group.
A further study suggests that the antioxidant properties of the butterfly pea flower protect against cell damage and other complications caused by diabetes. However, studies are needed to understand the long-term implications of using butterfly pea extract for diabetes.
Butterfly Pea Flower Tea
The butterfly pea flower is used to make an exotic tea that is blue. This tea is easily available in powdered or herbal forms. It has an earthy natural flavor that most people enjoy. Native Asians have been drinking it for years to improve their health.
Butterfly Pea Flower Side Effects
When used in moderation, it is considered safe for consumption. However, there have been some cases of nausea, diarrhea, and stomach aches, but there is little evidence to prove it. Since little scientific research has been done in this area, there is uncertainty about who can and cannot consume it. [3]
If you have severe health conditions, you must ask your doctor before including it in your diet.
Butterfly Pea Flower Benefits For Skin
It is rich in antioxidants which promote skin health. It also contains polyphenols and flavonoids, which stimulate the natural production of collagen and elastin in the skin. The anti-glycation properties of the flower reduce skin aging. All these properties make it anti-inflammatory, which helps treat skin redness, irritation, allergies, and itching. [4]
Butterfly Pea Flower Recipe
Most people tend to use butterfly pea flowers to brew herbal teas, but there are other ways in which you can add it to your diet as well. Once you brew the tea, you can add sugar or honey to it to add some flavor. You can use this tea to make jelly by adding gelatin or agar. You can use this jelly to top off some desserts or eat it as it is.
To make your drink more exotic and fun, add some boba and coconut milk to it for a Thai touch. Similarly, it can be used in smoothies or even in making ice cream from scratch. Many people add it to their rice cakes for an interesting look. There are many ways to use it in various recipes, and you can even come up with a concoction.
Is Butterfly Pea Flower Poisonous?
While the flower is considered safe for consumption when used in moderation, there are some cases where people have felt nauseous and sick after consuming the seeds and roots of the plant. Consuming anything in excess can lead to health issues; the same is true with butterfly pea flowers. Having the herbal tea twice a week on an empty stomach is beneficial for flushing out toxins from the body.
How to Make Butterfly Pea Flower Tea
Even though there are many ways to incorporate butterfly pea flowers into your diet, making herbal tea is the most common and easiest. All you need is a couple of flowers, hot water, and a teapot. Boil water and add some flowers to the teapot. Once boiling, add the water to the teapot and let the flowers steep. After 5 minutes, strain the flowers and pour the tea into your cup.
You can squeeze a lemon into your tea to get a flavor kick. The acidity from the lemon gives the blue tea a hue of purple, making your drink more exotic. You can have the tea hot or add some ice to enjoy as a refreshing cool drink. [5]
The Bottomline
The butterfly pea flower is a beneficial ingredient in many cosmetics, herbal teas, and drinks. With a high amount of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, it stabilizes blood sugar, promotes weight loss, and improves skin and hair health. Moreover, no harsh side effects are attached to it, making it convenient for regular use.
However, you should consume in moderation. You should approach your doctor before consuming it if you have serious health issues.
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your own healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional.
Editorial References And Fact-Checking
- Zagórska-Dziok, M., Ziemlewska, A., Bujak, T., Nizioł-Łukaszewska, Z., & Hordyjewicz-Baran, Z. (2021). Cosmetic and Dermatological Properties of Selected Ayurvedic Plant Extracts. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 26(3), 614. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26030614
- Chayaratanasin, P., Caobi, A., Suparpprom, C., Saenset, S., Pasukamonset, P., Suanpairintr, N., Barbieri, M. A., & Adisakwattana, S. (2019). Clitoria ternatea Flower Petal Extract Inhibits Adipogenesis and Lipid Accumulation in 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes by Downregulating Adipogenic Gene Expression. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 24(10), 1894. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24101894
- Zagórska-Dziok, M., Ziemlewska, A., Bujak, T., Nizioł-Łukaszewska, Z., & Hordyjewicz-Baran, Z. (2021). Cosmetic and Dermatological Properties of Selected Ayurvedic Plant Extracts. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 26(3), 614. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26030614
- Zagórska-Dziok, M., Ziemlewska, A., Bujak, T., Nizioł-Łukaszewska, Z., & Hordyjewicz-Baran, Z. (2021). Cosmetic and Dermatological Properties of Selected Ayurvedic Plant Extracts. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 26(3), 614. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26030614
- Link, M. R. S. (2021, July 8). What Is Butterfly Pea Flower, and Does It Aid Weight Loss? Healthline. Retrieved September 26, 2022, from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/butterfly-pea-flower-benefits#how-to-use-it
