Herbal teas have a lot of takers nowadays, as more and more people come to know about the potential side effects of caffeinated drinks like regular tea and coffee. A number of herbal teas have made their mark on tea lovers across the world, including those made from flowers like chamomile and blue pea. While chamomile is very well-known for its mild and soothing flavour that acts as a stress buster, tea made from blue pea flowers is not that well known. Dried blue pea flowers yield a brew that is stunning in colour and that can be enjoyed cold or hot. Blue tea, made from blue pea flowers, also has a number of health benefits. Some people even use blue tea for weight loss, other than its antioxidant properties and its ability to fight stress.
What Is Blue Tea?
Blue tea, or butterfly pea flower tea, is a caffeine-free herbal concoction, made by seeping dried or fresh leaves of the Clitoria ternatea plant. The best thing about the blue tea is that it is absolutely caffeine-free, and it is packed with antioxidants.
Is Blue Tea A New Concept?
No, blue tea has been around in the market for ages. Thanks to popularisation through travel blogs and shows, the blue tea leaves are now becoming more easily and widely available for consumption in stores and supermarkets.They are regularly being purchased for purchase by tea connoisseurs around the world for their various health benefits and uses. Blue tea was available in the market earlier too as Oolong or Black dragon tea, but it has only gained popularity very recently.
Uses Of Blue Tea And Where It Is Found
The butterfly-pea is also known as blue pea or pigeonwings and it is a plant common to most South East Asian countries. The deep blue colour of the flower's petals has traditionally been used to make dye. The tea is popular in Thailand and Vietnam, where it is served post dinner, usually with lemon and honey added to it. Adding lemon juice to the tea changes the pH of the drink, making it change colour from deep blue to purple. The tea leaves are also used to change colour in cocktails as well.
Thanks to popularisation through travel blogs and shows, the blue tea leaves are now available in stores and supermarkets for purchase by tea connoisseurs around the world. The tea leaves are also used to change colour in cocktails as well.
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Blue tea is known for multiple uses other than just being a beverage. How To Make Blue Tea: Things To Keep In Mind
Blue tea can be made as any other regular tea, by simply adding hot water to the blue tea bag. Ideally, the tea should be had without any additional sugar or honey. But in case the preference is to have it sweet, then about one spoon honey can be added to the concoction. Some people also choose to have blue tea with lemon juice as it adds an additional boost to the already wonderful beverage.
It is preferred to brew this magic beverage in a teapot rather than in metal. Further, dieticians and experts recommend that the hot cup of blue tea should be had at least an hour prior to meals. It can also be had one hour post the consumption of a full meal.
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Blue Tea: The caffeine-free herbal tea is said to aide weight lossWeight Loss And Other Benefits Of Blue Tea
Blue tea contains catechins, which are said to be instrumental in burning belly fat and aiding weight loss. Drinking butterfly-pea flowers seeped in warm water is said to be an effective way to rev up the metabolism, which in turn, makes the body burn more calories. Here are some other benefits of blue tea that you may want to know, before trying it out:
1. The tea is rich in antioxidants, which makes it a great beverage to include in your detox diet. Antioxidants protect the body against free radical action.
2. 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 and helps keep you energised and happy throughout the day.
3. Blue tea is said to help in losing water weight as it is a natural diuretic drink.
4. Blue tea is also said to have a role in regulating blood sugar levels, although there is not much scientific evidence to suggest that it is helpful in managing diabetes.
Some people have also claimed that blue tea is helpful in managing fatty liver diseases and reducing levels of cholesterol in blood, but there is not enough research that suggests the same.
Blue Tea For Hair, Skin & Beauty
The benefits of having blue tea are not limited to internal benefits alone, although those are definitely advantageous. Blue tea has a number of merits for the skin, hair and overall beauty too. Here are some of them:
1. The tea is well-known for its anti-ageing benefits, due to its high antioxidant content. This makes the skin look younger and healthier from within.
2. Blue tea is said to be great for the skin, due to its claimed anti-glycation effects, which fight skin ageing. The flavonoids present in blue tea may also stimulate collagen production.
3. Stress-relieving properties of blue tea are also helpful in overall maintainenace of skin and beauty.
4. The flavonoids present in blue tea may also stimulate collagen production, helping develop and maintain skin elasticity.
5. Blue pea flower is excellent for the hair too, as it contains anthocyanin - a compound known to increase blood circulation in the head and therefore maintain a healthy scalp. It also helps in strengthening the hair follicles from within.
(Also Read: How To Use Tea Bags And Tea Leaves For Beauty And Hair)
The blue tea is extracted from the blue pea flower. Is Blue Tea Better Than Green Tea?
The debate and discussion around the benefits of blue tea versus green tea are many. Research has been ongoing on the same topic, and it has been clinically proven that blue tea has more antioxidants than green tea.
Are There Any Side Effects Of Having Blue Tea?
Blue tea can be a great alternative for caffeinated beverages like tea or coffee and you may consume it as such, in order to reduce your caffeine intake. The tea is now available for purchase in a number of supermarkets, grocery stores and on websites online.
There aren't any known side effects of blue tea, as it is supposed to be extremely safe and super healthy to consume. However, over consumption of the tea may cause nausea and diarrhea. Pregnant and lactating women are also advised against consumption of the beverage, unless consulted with their doctor. But it is always advisable to consult a doctor before consuming blue tea.
So, begin your weight loss journey by consuming this healthy and beautiful beverage!
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.