5 Top Health Benefits of Butterfly Pea | What is Butterfly Pea? (2024)

Move over matcha and kombucha, there's a new drink in town that health aficionados are raving about- Butterfly Pea Flower!!

Chances are, you've seen butterfly pea popping up at hip coffee shops, bars, and in the health food stores.

But, what exactly is butterfly pea? Why are people using it?

Check out this guide to learn about the top health benefits of butterfly pea.

What is Butterfly Pea?

Before we dive into the benefits, let's talk about what exactly butterfly pea is.

Although butterfly pea is just starting to get popular in the United States, it's actuallya natural herb that has been around for centuries, and it originates in Southeast Asia.

When the herb is added to hot water, it turns the water a striking shade of blue or violet, and when acidity (like a squeeze of lemon) is added it turns a vibrant shade of pink!

In Asian culture, the herb is most commonly used to make tea, but it's also used as a natural food coloring and some even add it to rice, baked goods, or use that color-changing ability to make beautiful pink to blue ombre co*cktails.

So, what are the major benefits of butterfly pea? Let's dive into that right now.

1. Effective for Weight Loss

When most of us think of teas that help us lose weight, we think of green tea. However, butterfly pea is quickly emerging as the new weight loss tea elixir.

In fact, a recent study published in the International Journal of Obesity and Related Metabolic Disorders found that butterfly pea aids in weight loss by protecting our bodies against fatty liver disease.

Another study found that butterfly pea contains a compound called epigallocatechin gallocate, which helps speed up the metabolism and the calorie-burning process.

2. It's Rich in Antioxidants

Another major benefit of butterfly pea is that it's rich in antioxidants.

Antioxidants help your body fight back against inflammation, aging, and other damage caused by free radicals.

One antioxidant that butterfly pea is rich in is calledanthocyanin. This antioxidant is also found in blueberries and red wine and it's particularly well-known for helping the body fight inflammation and boosting heart health.

3. Could Improve Cognitive Function

If you're looking to boost your brainpower, butterfly pea is a great option.

This is because butterfly pea flower is a natural nootropic, which means it can improve your cognitive functioning.

In fact, a recent scientific review found that butterfly pea flower could potentially boost learning and memory.

4. Works toFight Stress, Anxiety, and Depression

Instead of reaching for a beer after a long day of work, reach for a cup of butterfly pea tea.

According to a recent study, butterfly pea has a positive impact on the central nervous system.

The study found that butterfly pea can relax nerves and lift moods, and is effective for fighting anxiety, stress, and depression.

5. Improve Your Skin

If you're looking to improve the appearance of your skin, look no further than butterfly pea.

Because of the powerful antioxidants it contains, butterfly pea may be able to reduce redness and irritation on your skin. It has even proved to be an effective eye wrinkle treatment.

Benefits of Butterfly Pea: Are You Ready to Try It?

Now that you've read about the benefits of butterfly pea, it's time to try some for yourself.

Also, be sure to check out this delicious milk thistle French toast recipe to pair with your butterfly pea tea!

5 Top Health Benefits of Butterfly Pea | What is Butterfly Pea? (2024)

FAQs

Is Butterfly pea tea good for brain? ›

Improves brain health: Butterfly pea flower contains proanthocyanidin active ingredient, which is very good for the central nervous system because it helps blood easily circulation to the brain. In addition, acetylcholine helps to enhance memory and improve brain-related problems.

What vitamins are in butterfly pea flower? ›

Blue butterfly pea flower is caffeine-free. Also, it is loaded with antioxidants, vitamin A, C and E.

What happens if I drink butterfly pea tea everyday? ›

Drinking butterfly pea flower tea might help improve brain function and mental health by preventing such problems. Similarly, this tea is also said to boost mental health because it enhances your mood, calms, and soothes you, possibly just due to the calming ritual of drinking tea or another warm beverage.

Is butterfly pea good for hair? ›

Butterfly Pea extract boosts hair growth as it contains a potent bioflavonoid, anthocyanin, which increases blood flow in the scalp, strengthening hair follicles. It is considered one of nature's most effective ingredient for promoting hair growth and darkening hair naturally.

Does butterfly pea have collagen? ›

The butterfly pea flower is more than a beautiful and fun addition to food, beverages and skincare products. The powerful antioxidants and chemical compounds found in the flower can brighten skin, boost collagen production, and help keep your overall health in great condition.

Can I drink butterfly pea tea on empty stomach? ›

Add this drink to your detox diet plan because it is rich in antioxidants. Drinking a cup of blue tea once or twice a week on an empty stomach may improve digestive health.

What is butterfly pea good for? ›

Butterfly pea flower is a common ingredient in many herbal teas, mixed drinks, and cosmetic products. It is rich in antioxidants and may be linked to several health benefits, including increased weight loss, better blood sugar control, and improvements in hair and skin health.

Does butterfly pea give you energy? ›

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, bolster energy levels and stamina, influence positive emotions and thereby increase productivity at work.

Is butterfly pea flower a Superfood? ›

Butterfly Pea Flower is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and is considered a superfood.

Can I drink butterfly pea tea at night? ›

Butterfly pea has been used for reducing stress and anxiety from ancient times. Drinking blue tea will help you feel relaxed and get a good night's rest. It also helps improve brain function and memory.

Is butterfly pea flower good for sleep? ›

Butterfly pea is also high in fiber, so it can help keep your digestive system healthy. Plus, it has anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve pain and inflammation in the body and is a natural sleep aid.

Is butterfly pea tea better hot or cold? ›

"This Blue Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Recipe can be enjoyed either hot or cold and tastes delicious with lemon or lime which changes the color from an indigo blue to a purple-pink!..." "... You can also add wildflower honey to sweeten this delicious and refreshing tea drink."

Is butterfly pea good for heart? ›

Promotes heart health

Animal studies suggest that butterfly pea flower extract may lower blood pressure through its vasorelaxation properties — meaning that it helps widen your blood vessels to enhance blood flow ( 7 , 9 ). In addition, it boasts antithrombotic effects.

How do you use butterfly pea on your face? ›

They give a beautiful blue color to skincare diys/formulations. DIY Recipe: Mix 1 teaspoon of blue pea powder and 1 tablespoon Kaolin Clay with a hydrosol to form a paste. Apply it to your face and rinse off after 10 minutes. This works as a great soothing and deep cleansing face mask for all skin types.

Is butterfly pea good for arthritis? ›

Rich in Antioxidants

Historically, butterfly pea tea was considered a natural remedy for symptoms of numerous ailments, including fever, inflammation, arthritic pain due to collagen degradation and diabetes, just to name a few.

Is pea protein good for brain? ›

Pea protein contains mega-magnesium

Studies have shown that it also helps with DNA repair and may also benefit heart and brain health. Pea protein is a huge magnesium source that makes it easy to consume the recommended daily intake using a little help from our friend – the pea.

Does butterfly pea have caffeine? ›

Butterfly pea flower tea, commonly known as blue tea, is a caffeine-free herbal tea, or tisane, beverage made from a decoction or infusion of the flower petals or even whole flower of the cl*toria ternatea plant.

What are the side effects of butterfly pea flower? ›

Side Effects of Butterfly Pea Flower Tea

The main side effects include upset stomach and nausea as well as allergic reactions. As with most herbal teas, butterfly pea flower tea may interact with certain medications.

How long does butterfly pea tea last in the fridge? ›

Storing. If you're making a large amount of the simple blue tea or the sweetened version, it will keep in the fridge for 2-3 days. If you want to have or serve it with lemon or lime juice, just add that when ready to drink.

How long does butterfly pea tea last? ›

Butterfly pea tea will last about a year if it is stored in a cool, dry place. Once opened, it is best to consume within six months. The butterfly pea flowers can also be frozen for up to two years.

Is Butterfly pea tea good for skin? ›

Beautify Skin

It also has anti-glycation properties, which are known to slow down aging of the skin. Because of these properties, Butterfly Pea flower is anti-inflammatory and is helpful in treating skin irritation, redness, itching, and allergies (5).

Is butterfly pea flower good for face? ›

Because butterfly pea flower contains plant-based antioxidants and antioxidant vitamins such as Vitamins A, C and E, it helps improve the skin's natural barrier. This is the top layer of your skin called the stratum corneum, and its purpose is to protect your body from irritants, including allergens and bacteria.

Can kids drink butterfly pea flower tea? ›

If you steep the pea flower in a little water for a couple of minutes, remove the flowers and then top with cold water, you have created the perfect drink to cool your kids down and keep them hydrated.

How does PEA work in the body? ›

WHAT DOES PEA DO IN OUR BODY? PEA is a fatty acid amide molecule involved in a variety of cellular functions in chronic pain and inflammation. It has been shown to have neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive (anti- pain) and anti-convulsant properties.

How long does it take PEA to work? ›

It can be taken together with other pain medication or alone, as advised by your health care professional, to support pain relief. P.E.A. can also help reduce reliance on stronger pain medications that cause unwanted side-effects. Maximum benefit could take up to 3 months but results are typically seen in 4-6 weeks.

What is butterfly milk used for? ›

Green Butterfly Evaporated Milk is known for its rich, creamy taste and reduced fat goodness. Proudly made in the Caribbean, it's been enjoyed for generations in coffee, tea, oats and so much more, and has become a 'go-to' creamer to create exceptional beverages.

Is butterfly pea flower FDA approved? ›

Butterfly Pea Flower Extract has received FDA approval as a color additive. This novel natural blue source is exceptionally heat stable and provides formulators with a beautiful denim blue shade for their library.

Does butterfly pea flower help with hair growth? ›

Promotes Hair Growth

This is because butterfly pea tea contains anthocyanins, which are a type of flavonoid that is responsible for blue coloring. Anthocyanin can promote better blood flow in the scalp and strengthen hair follicles, helping your hair get stronger and thicker.

Is butterfly pea flower acidic? ›

When it comes to the color-changing powers of the butterfly pea flower, acid is the name of the game. This plant turns hot water—with a pH between 4 and 8—into shades of blue that range from deep cobalt to mesmerizing azure.

Can you eat butterfly pea flower raw? ›

Butterfly pea flowers can be eaten raw, as well as brewed into an herbal tea. Aside from being beautiful, butterfly pea flowers also have several health benefits.

Is butterfly pea anti-inflammatory? ›

It's filled with anti-inflammatory compounds

Butterfly pea flower is deeply rich in antioxidants, says Robinett. That means it can help your body fight back against the damage caused by free radicals, like inflammation and signs of aging in the skin.

Is butterfly pea good for high blood pressure? ›

Lowers blood pressure: Consumption of butterfly pea flower tea can help reduce blood pressure. Individuals with elevated blood pressure (hypertension) could consume this. Improves skin health: Blue butterfly pea is rich in antioxidants.

What is the best tea to drink for the brain? ›

Healthline's picks for the 13 best teas for stress and brain health
  • Herbal blend tea.
  • Chamomile tea.
  • Rosemary tea.
  • Lavender tea.
  • Rose tea.
  • Valerian root tea.
  • Peppermint tea.
  • Oat straw tea.

What is the best brain tea? ›

The Best Teas for Studying and Focus
  • Yerba mate. ...
  • Peppermint tea. ...
  • Ginger tea. ...
  • Turmeric tea. ...
  • Green tea. ...
  • Pu-erh tea. ...
  • Black tea. ...
  • Other loose leaf teas. Other loose leaf teas, including white teas, oolong teas, and purple teas, all also contain caffeine and l-theanine, both of which are ideal for studying and focus.

What does butterfly pea help with? ›

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, bolster energy levels and stamina, influence positive emotions and thereby increase productivity at work.

What are the effects of tea on brain? ›

A recent study showed that people who drink tea regularly have brains which function better and also show a greater degree of organization. This could strengthen the case for drinking tea to help prevent dementia.

What tea improves memory? ›

Teas like green tea and peppermint tea contain compounds that can help stimulate neurotransmitters to improve memory recall. These teas can also help boost energy and alertness, thus promoting better overall brain health.

What is the most healing tea? ›

1. Green tea. A favorite with tea drinkers everywhere, green tea has been praised for its medicinal properties for years. Some recent studies have now confirmed some of these benefits, suggesting that green tea may protect various aspects of our health.

What tea has the most healing properties? ›

Best for Overall Health: Green Tea

“Green tea is the champ when it comes to offering health benefits,” says Czerwony. “It's the Swiss Army knife of teas.

What two drinks are good for your brain? ›

Brain-Boosting Beverages
  • Coffee. 1/12. If you can't get through the morning without a java jolt, you're not alone. ...
  • Green Tea. 2/12. ...
  • Berry Juices. 3/12. ...
  • Kombucha. 4/12. ...
  • Green Smoothie. 5/12. ...
  • Turmeric Tea. 6/12. ...
  • Beetroot Juice. 7/12. ...
  • Ginseng Tea. 8/12.
Nov 30, 2022

How long does it take for pea to work? ›

It can be taken together with other pain medication or alone, as advised by your health care professional, to support pain relief. P.E.A. can also help reduce reliance on stronger pain medications that cause unwanted side-effects. Maximum benefit could take up to 3 months but results are typically seen in 4-6 weeks.

Is it better to drink tea or coffee? ›

In this battle over health benefits, coffee comes out on top. Coffee drinkers can raise a mug to fiber, microbiome health and lowering risk for cancer and diabetes. But tea drinkers, do not despair. Tea is undoubtedly good for your blood pressure, cholesterol, stress levels, mental health and productivity.

Which is best tea or coffee for brain? ›

Though tea is lower in caffeine, it's rich in L-theanine, a powerful antioxidant that also stimulates your brain ( 49 , 50 ). Unlike caffeine, L-theanine may provide anti-stress effects by increasing your brain's alpha waves, which help you calm down and relax ( 51 ).

Does tea affect memory? ›

Drinking regular cups of tea may help improve memory and could be used to treat Alzheimer's, according to researchers at the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne in the UK. The team of scientists have found that both green and black tea inhibit the activity of certain enzymes in the brain that are associated with memory.

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