New Delhi: Butterfly pea flower tea, commonly known as Blue Tea, is an herbal concoction, which has no caffeine. This infusion is not just a beverage, but a health drink with lots of health benefits.
Blue tea is made by steeping Clitoria ternatea plant leaves either fresh or dried ones available in the markets, in both hot or cold water. This tea is very popular in South East Asian nations, where it is enjoyed usually after supper.
The colour of butterfly pea flowers ranges from white to intense blue, which is due to their high content of anthocyanins, a kind of antioxidant pigment that forms most of the benefits of the beverage.
Once brewed, the tea also changes colours to red, violet, or green, depending on its pH or acidity level, which you can modify by adding tonic water, lemon, or lime.
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Health benefits of blue tea
Apart from its pretty blue colour, the tea, loaded with antioxidants, has been very popular among Ayurvedic medicine practitioners who have used it as a medicine to treat multiple ailments. A few amazing benefits of blue tea are:
Strengthens immunity levels
Since blue tea is loaded with antioxidants, it helps keep the free radicals that can lead to oxidative stress away. These free radicals promote the growth of disease-spreading cells and cause the onset of various ailments.
Due to the various anthocyanins found in the tea, namely, delphinidin, which is largely responsible for the deep blue to purple color, it is highly beneficial against diseases like heart problems, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
Works as a natural pain-killer
Having a body part pain and low on medicines? No issues, just guzzle a cup of blue tea, also known as natural paracetamol.
Blue tea has antipyretic properties and has effects on the human body similar to that of any pain-killer tablets.
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Has anti-diabetes properties
Anthocyanins in blue tea help manage and control your blood sugar levels. The antioxidant inhibits carb-digesting enzymes like intestinal alpha-glucosidase and delays the digestion and absorption of sugars, resulting in reduced insulin levels.
Reduced blood insulin levels have been associated with a lower risk of insulin resistance, blood vessel dysfunction, obesity, and metabolic syndrome.
Effective against stress and anxiety
Suffering from stress, anxiety, and depression, blue tea is there to the rescue. According to health experts, tea helps lift your mood and relax your mind. A cup of blue tea before going to bed also ensures that you have a good night’s sleep.
Regulates heart health
Regular consumption of blue tea boosts your heart health by improving blood pressure and cholesterol levels. According to a study, tea also helps widen your blood vessels to enhance blood flow.
Experts say that it prevents the formation of blood clots, a high-risk factor for stroke.
Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.
