5 BENEFITS OF DRINKING BUTTERFLY PEA TEA

Clitoria ternatea, more commonly known as butterfly pea flower, is a popular plant in South and Southeast Asia. This plant has been consumed as a tea for centuries by traditional ancient communities for its powerful antioxidants and health benefits, and has also been applied topically for these same purposes. 

In folklore, the Butterfly Pea flower represents love, emotion, serenity, and protection because it is associated with the element of water and ruled by the planet Venus. It is believed that the Hindu goddess Aparajita bestows her name upon this flower because she is invincible. During daily Puja rituals, which involve ceremonial worship and typically involve a brief offering to a god, it is commonly offered.

You'll find this beverage referred to as "Anchan tea" in Thailand. According to Thai legend, a kinnari (a hybrid between a woman and a bird) abducted a woman named Isra and took her on a fantastical journey. The kinnari gave her a demonstration of how to cultivate and use these flowers for medicinal purposes. It is not uncommon in Thai and Malaysian cooking to use the blue Butterfly Pea flower to colour sticky rice or other sweets.

Though steeped in legend and folklore, this flower is best known for its ability to change colour.

1.  ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTI-UNFLAMMATORY PROPERTIES.

Ternatins found in pea flowers are powerful antioxidants. Furthermore to providing the vibrant hue, ternatins have been shown to reduce inflammation and inhibit cancer cell growth. In addition to kaempferol, an antioxidant known for its ability to kill cancer cells, p-coumarin acid, an anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and antiviral compound, and delphinidin-3,5-glucoside, an antioxidant shown to do the same, it's a veritable healing powerhouse. There are numerous health advantages to having these antioxidants present. 

2. MENTAL ENERGY

Butterfly pea flower in traditional Indian medicine, is considered a brain herb and has been used for centuries to improve memory, alleviate feelings of anxiety and depression, treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), stress, and even Alzheimer's disease. Acetylcholine, the active compound responsible for these effects, is crucial to brain health and has memory-enhancing properties. Research shows that this flower tea is effective in alleviating the symptoms of stress-induced ulcers and other disorders affecting brain function. 

3. STABILIZE BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS

Butterfly Pea flower has the ability of the to reduce glucose uptake has also been demonstrated to be very effective in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. This flower has been shown to protect against diabetes and cell damage. In one study, for instance, 15 men who drank this flower had higher levels of antioxidants and lower levels of blood sugar and insulin. When similar analysis was performed on rats, also in comparison to a control group, the same result was observed.

4. HEALTH OF THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

This flower is commonly used to treat respiratory illnesses. It has been shown to reduce irritation of the lungs and other respiratory organs due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It also aids in the drainage of excess fluid, making it an excellent treatment for colds and coughs. According to a 2018 study, Butterfly Pea tea can be considered a reliable therapeutic alternative in treating asthma and allergies due to these properties.

5. DIGESTION ASSISTANCE

Butterfly Pea tea is also used to treat digestive problems. Its anti-inflammatory properties relieve nausea and indigestion by soothing stomach muscles. It has anthelmintic properties, which help to keep harmful bacteria at bay. It also stimulates bile flow from the liver, acting as a mild laxative. Butterfly Pea tea, like many diuretic teas, can aid in weight loss by removing unnecessary waste from the body's digestive system and replacing it with antioxidants.