Herbal teas have many takers nowadays, as more and more individuals come to know about the possible side effects of caffeinated drinks like regular coffee and tea. Several herbal teas have made their mark on tea lovers worldwide, including those made from flowers like blue pea and chamomile. While chamomile is very well-known for its soothing and mild flavor that acts as a stress reliever, tea prepared from blue pea flowers is not well known. Dried blue pea flowers yield a stunning brew in color and can be enjoyed hot or cold. Blue tea, prepared from blue pea flowers, also has many health benefits. Few people even use blue tea for shedding weight, other than its ability to fight stress and its antioxidant properties.
What Is Blue Tea?
Butterfly pea flower tea or Blue tea is a caffeine-free herbal concoction prepared by steeping fresh or dried leaves of the Clitoria ternatea plant. The best thing about blue tea is that it is packed with antioxidants and is absolutely caffeine-free [1].
Is Blue Tea A New Concept?
No, blue tea has been there in the market for a while. Thanks to popularisation through travel shows and blogs, the blue tea leaves are becoming more widely available for consumption in supermarkets and stores. Tea lovers around the globe are frequently purchasing them for their several health uses and benefits. Blue tea was around in the market earlier, too, as Black dragon tea or Oolong, but it has only recently gained fame [2].
Uses Of Butterfly Pea Flower Tea And Where It Is Found
The butterfly-pea is also called pigeonwings or blue pea, and it is a plant familiar to most Southeast Asian nations. The deep blue hue of the flower’s petals has historically been used to prepare the dye. The tea is popular in Vietnam and Thailand, where it is served post-dinner, usually with honey and lemon added to it. Incorporating lemon juice into the tea changes the drink’s pH, making it change color from deep blue to purple. It’s tea leaves are also used to change color in cocktails as well [3]
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How To Make Blue Tea: Things To Remember
Blue tea may be prepared for any other regular tea by adding hot water to the blue tea bag. Ideally, the tea should be had without honey or any additional sugar. If you love to have it sweet, then about one spoon of honey can be incorporated into the concoction. Some individuals also choose to have blue tea with lemon juice as it adds an additional boost to the already brilliant beverage.
It is preferred to brew this wonderful beverage in a teapot rather than in metal. Further, dieticians and experts recommend that a hot cup of blue tea be had at least 60 minutes before meals. It can also be had 60 minutes post the consumption of a full meal.
Blue Tea For Weight Loss
Blue tea has catechins, which are believed to be instrumental in aiding weight loss and burning belly fat. Consuming butterfly-pea flowers seeped in warm water is said to be an effective way to rev up the metabolism, making our body burn more calories [4]. Here are a few other advantages of blue tea that you may want to know before trying it out:
- This tea is high in antioxidants, making it an excellent beverage to incorporate into your detox diet. Antioxidants protect our body against free radical action.
- The earthy flavor of Blue tea is believed to be a mood stimulator. The tea is known to have stress-busting effects that may also help minimize symptoms of anxiety. It is also believed to refresh the brain and helps keep you happy and energized throughout the day.
- Blue tea is believed to help in losing water weight as it is a natural diuretic beverage.
- Blue tea is also known to play a role in regulating blood sugar levels, although there is not much scientific proof to suggest that it helps manage diabetes.
Few people have also claimed that blue tea reduces cholesterol levels in the blood and helps manage fatty liver diseases, but there is not enough research that suggests the same.
Is Blue Tea Better Than Green Tea?
The discussion and debate around the benefits of green tea versus blue tea are many. Studies have been ongoing on the same topic, and it has been scientifically established that blue tea has more antioxidants than green tea.
Are There Any Side Effects Of Drinking Blue Tea?
Blue tea can be an excellent alternative for caffeinated beverages like coffee or tea, and you may consume it as such to minimize your caffeine intake. The tea is now available for buying in many grocery stores, supermarkets, and websites online.
There aren’t any known side effects of blue tea, as it is believed to be super healthy and extremely safe to consume. However, overconsumption of the tea may cause diarrhea and nausea. Lactating and pregnant women are also advised against the consumption of the beverage unless consulted with their physician. But it is always suggestible to consult a physician before consuming blue tea.
Conclusion:
Blue tea is caffeine-free, as well as contains zero fats, carbs, and cholesterol. Hence it is an ideal drink for those on a weight loss diet, as it purifies the gut of any impurities and food wastes and regulates appetite. By curbing untimely cravings for junk food, blue tea is an amazing herbal drink for maintaining optimal body weight.
