Butterfly Pea Flower: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & More!
By Dr Rajeev Singh +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr Rajeev Singh
Last updated: Apr 25, 2024Click to rate this article!
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By Dr Rajeev Singh +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr Rajeev Singh
Last updated: Apr 25, 2024Table of Contents
The butterfly pea flower is scientifically called Clitoria ternatea. Its blue colour is stunning. It promises potential health benefits. It can colour your mixed drinks. Even cosmetic enthusiasts find a use for it. It is said to contain a lot of antioxidants which are probably responsible for its vibrant colour. Studies also propose that they have health-boosting properties.
In this article, we’ll delve into the details about its potential health benefits. We’ll discuss the influence it has on skin, hair, weight, and blood sugar balance. Lastly, we will answer some frequently asked questions regarding this topic.
Did you know?
The butterfly pea flower is from Southeast Asia. It’s been around in the food and medicine industry for years. Its deep blue flowers are very vibrant and beautiful.
When it meets varied pH levels, the flower shade changes. Imagine adding lemon juice to it. The blue tone will turn purple. It’s why cocktail makers and food artists use it to add an element of magic to their cocktails.
It’s packed with antioxidants. Its ternatins alone make it beneficial. It also contains kaempferol, p-coumaric acid, and delphinidin-3,5-glucoside.
It’s been a staple in Southeast Asia’s Ayurveda medicine. It’s a natural dye for textiles, foods, and hair procedures. It’s also served as a calming herbal tea with honey and lemon.
It’s packed with antioxidants that may lend support to maintaining skin and hair health. Ternatins and their fellow antioxidants may offer other benefits.
Antioxidant fights free radicals. So, these can protect your skin and hair from damage. By using butterfly pea flower products in skincare or haircare, you may be able to reap the benefits of its antioxidants.
Inflamed skin and hair can lead to acne and hair loss. The plant’s compounds could calm inflammation. That may result in healthier skin and hair.
Butterfly pea flowers may help with weight loss. Early studies suggest following potential benefits.
Drinking butterfly pea flower tea may aid digestion. That could help you make the most of food nutrients and calories. This might aid in weight control.
Reports are suggesting that its extract might curb your appetite. Less appetite means fewer calories, thus culminating in weight loss. More research is needed to corroborate these benefits.
The butterfly pea flower might help to keep blood sugar levels steady. Studies have shown that drinks with its extract lead to lower blood sugar and insulin. Plus, the plant’s antioxidants may guard against cell havoc related to diabetes. More studies are required on this.
Early studies hint that butterfly pea flowers might boost cognitive health. Its antioxidants might guard against mind decay with age. There may be gains in memory, focus, and learning. More studies are needed to know how butterfly pea flower impacts cognitive health.
Its herbal tea is popular for its calming nature. There isn’t much research on this yet. If you’re dealing with anxiety and want to incorporate this herbal tea it is better to consult your doctor first they will assess your situation and its severity and advise accordingly.
Its antioxidant content may help support the immune system too. These may protect your body from nasty free radicals. So, it is proposed to strengthen your immune response and boost overall health.
The benefits of butterfly pea tea extend to our eyes! Anthocyanins, a group of antioxidants found in these flowers, have been demonstrated to potentially improve blood flow to the eyes. This might aid in glaucoma, retinal degeneration, impaired vision, and eye fatigue. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that it might improve night vision and shield the eyes from possible harm.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D
Try honey, lemon juice, or mint leaves to enhance flavour. Lemon juice can turn your beverage from blue to purple.
It’s versatile and bright. You can use it in dishes and recipes. You may use it in the following ways.
In Southeast Asia, people use butterfly pea flowers for food colouring. So, adding it to your rice or noodles could give them a unique look and taste.
Your desserts and drinks will love its colour-changing properties. Get creative with it in simple syrups, cocktails, and baked sweets.
You can also use butterfly pea flowers as a natural food colouring. It can even dye fabrics. Use it instead of fake colours for an eco-friendly pick.
In addition to being consumed as tea or food, butterfly pea flowers are believed to offer amazing therapeutic properties when applied topically. It has been demonstrated in trials to boost skin hydration by 70% in just one hour after application. This may be because the flower has flavonoids, polyphenols, and antioxidants that might promote the body’s natural synthesis of collagen and elastin. Moreover, it possesses anti-glycation qualities, that might delay skin ageing. These characteristics make the butterfly pea flower anti-inflammatory and potentially beneficial for addressing allergies, skin irritation, redness, and itching.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
In general, it’s safe in moderation. But some may face allergies. The symptoms may include itching, swelling, and trouble breathing. If you think you might be allergic to butterfly pea flowers, call your healthcare provider.
There’s not a lot of information on drug interactions. You should call your healthcare provider before using it if you’re on medication.
We need more research on its safety for pregnant or nursing women. As a safety measure, they should avoid using it unless advised by a healthcare provider.
Traditionally, people believe in managing respiratory ailments with the butterfly pea flower. It is believed that the butterfly pea flower may lower inflammation of the lungs and other respiratory organs due to its anti-inflammatory qualities. It may also aid in the removal of excess fluid accumulation, which makes it a potentially great remedy for coughs and colds. According to a 2018 study, butterfly pea tea has these qualities and may be regarded as useful for the management of allergies and asthma.
Dr. Smita barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.
The butterfly pea flower is a plant from Southeast Asia. It offers a bounty of potential health benefits. Its antioxidants may serve your skin and hair, aid weight loss, and balance blood sugar. You can use it in teas, as colouring in cooking, and even in dyes.
Always ask your healthcare provider before bringing butterfly pea flowers in your diet or skincare. Do this especially if you have allergies, take medications, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Its taste is mild and earthy. It resembles green tea. You can enjoy it alone or with honey, lemon, or mint.
Yes, in general. It is safe when eaten in moderation. Always ask your healthcare provider before using butterfly pea flowers. Also if your prone to allergies, pregnant, or breast feeding then it is better to avoid.
People allergic to the flower should not drink the tea. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid it. Always consult your healthcare provider.
No exact daily amount is set yet. Most people can safely enjoy one or two cups per day. If you have any health issues, discuss your healthcare provider first.
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