1. Boost brain health
Some studies indicate that butterfly pea flowers contain the antioxidant proanthocyanidin, which helps improve blood circulation, memory, and cognitive function. Besides proanthocyanidin, butterfly pea flowers also contain acetylcholine, a compound that ensures efficient communication between nerve cells. When acetylcholine levels in the body decline with age, you risk a decline in memory and other brain-related functions.
Therefore, studies conclude that butterfly pea flower extract can be used to support the treatment of depression, improve cognitive function, and enhance memory.
2. Fighting against cancer
Ternatins are prominent antioxidant compounds found in butterfly pea flowers. These antioxidants help prevent the formation of free radicals and enhance the cancer cell recognition function of phagocytes and leukocytes. This slows the growth of cancer cells and supports the health of patients undergoing radiation therapy.
In addition to ternatins, butterfly pea flowers contain many other antioxidants , such as: Kaemphferol which helps kill cancer cells; p-Coumaric acid which helps fight inflammation, bacteria, viruses and disease; Delphinidin-3,5-glucoside which helps stimulate immunity and kill colorectal cancer cells
3. Anti-inflammatory properties
The flavonoid compounds in this flower have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic effects. These compounds dilate blood vessels under the skin, increasing blood flow and stimulating sweating, thus effectively relieving colds and reducing fever.
4. Lower blood pressure
In addition to its anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effects, butterfly pea flower tea can regulate blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke and cardiovascular-related death. Studies have also shown that the HDL/LDL ratio and atherosclerosis index are significantly reduced when drinking this tea.
5. Improve skin health
Butterfly pea flowers are commonly used primarily for beauty purposes, increasing moisture and improving skin elasticity. Butterfly pea flower tea inhibits aging due to its antioxidants and ability to control blood sugar levels.
Because butterfly pea flower tea contains flavonoid compounds, drinking it regularly can stimulate the body to produce more collagen and elastin. These compounds play a key role in preventing wrinkles and increasing skin elasticity, thus helping to maintain youthful skin.
6. Improve hair health
Butterfly pea flower tea contains anthocyanin compounds, which help strengthen and nourish hair follicles, stimulate faster hair growth, reduce hair loss, and slow down the graying process. Therefore, butterfly pea flowers are often added to the ingredient list of shampoos, conditioners, and other hair care products.
7. Helps improve digestion.
The antioxidants in this tea help relax the muscles in the stomach, supporting better digestion. The anthelmintic compounds in butterfly pea tea can effectively prevent the formation and growth of bad bacteria and harmful parasites in the body.
8. Regulating blood sugar levels
Butterfly pea flower tea helps regulate blood sugar levels thanks to the following positive effects:
- Limit the body’s absorption of glucose from food.
- Reduces the risk of complications from diabetes.
- It stimulates the pancreas to produce more insulin, thereby effectively controlling blood sugar levels.
In addition, some research results also indicate the ability of butterfly pea flower tea to increase glycogen in muscles, liver, and glycolysis enzymes, etc.
Does drinking butterfly pea flower tea help with weight loss?
“Does drinking a lot of butterfly pea flower tea help with weight loss?” is a question many people ask. Research results have shown that this type of tea contains catechin EGCG. This compound promotes metabolism, thereby increasing the rate of calorie burning in the body. Therefore, drinking butterfly pea flower tea helps support faster weight loss .
In addition, some studies suggest that ternatins found in butterfly pea flowers inhibit or slow the synthesis of fat cells.
Butterfly pea flower tea is often suggested as a weight-loss beverage due to its low fat, caffeine, and calorie content, combined with its refreshing and pleasant taste. Therefore, this drink can replace sugary, calorie-dense drinks, helping to limit calorie intake. The key to weight loss is a calorie deficit. Drinking butterfly pea tea can aid weight loss if combined with a nutritious diet and exercise to create a calorie deficit, leading to effective weight loss, muscle gain, and fat reduction.
When is the best time to drink butterfly pea flower tea for weight loss?
You can drink butterfly pea flower tea at any time of day instead of water or other soft drinks. Experts say that the best time to drink butterfly pea flower tea for weight loss is between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM. Butterfly pea flower tea for weight loss should be consumed immediately after brewing; avoid using water that is too cold or too hot, and limit the amount of added sugar.
Experts emphasize that butterfly pea flower tea does not cause side effects if consumed correctly. Conversely, overuse or improper brewing can negatively impact health. It is best to consult a doctor before adding this tea to your diet, especially if you are taking medication, pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Instructions for making butterfly pea flower tea for weight loss at home.
Butterfly pea flowers for weight loss are processed by drying for easy storage.
1. Preparing butterfly pea flowers
For fresh butterfly pea flowers, simply wash them, let them dry in a clean, dry place, and then store them in an airtight container. However, fresh butterfly pea flowers can only be preserved for a maximum of one month, so you can try drying them. Here’s how:
- Rinse and drain the butterfly pea flowers.
- Spread all the flowers evenly on the tray, then dry them in a clean, sunny place.
- Once the flowers are dry, place them in a clean jar or vacuum-sealed bag for preservation.
Besides the traditional sun-drying method described above, you can also explore drying methods using a food dehydrator or oven. Dried butterfly pea flowers can be used for up to 10 months.
2. Preserve butterfly pea flowers to prevent mold and mildew.
Fresh butterfly pea flowers are susceptible to mold if not stored carefully. You should store fresh butterfly pea flowers in a glass container with an airtight lid or in a vacuum-sealed bag. If mold appears on the flowers, you should not use them. Dried butterfly pea flowers are easier to store and less likely to be affected by mold; the storage methods are similar to those for fresh flowers.
How to brew butterfly pea flower tea for weight loss
1. How to brew fresh butterfly pea flower tea
To make butterfly pea flower tea for weight loss from fresh flowers, take 8-9 washed flowers and put them in a 1-liter pot of warm water at about 70°C. You can drink it immediately after steeping for 5-10 minutes.
2. How to make dried butterfly pea flower tea
To make dried butterfly pea flower tea, you need to dry or dehydrate the fresh flowers. Brewing tea from dried flowers is similar to using fresh flowers; however, you don’t need to wash them and can use them directly. Besides making tea, dried butterfly pea flowers can be used as a natural food coloring in many other dishes such as jelly, tapioca pearls, sticky rice, etc., to make the food more visually appealing.
Suggestions on how to drink butterfly pea flower tea for weight loss.
1. Butterfly pea flower tea with lemon for weight loss.
Ingredient:
- 9 lemons
- 25g jasmine green tea
- 10 dried butterfly pea flowers
- 300g sugar
Making:
- Brew jasmine tea with 2 liters of warm water (around 75 degrees Celsius) and steep for 30 minutes. Brew butterfly pea flower tea with 400ml of warm water (75 degrees Celsius) and steep for 10 minutes.
- Remove the tea leaves and let it cool.
- Squeeze the juice from 7 lemons and add it to the jasmine tea. Slice the remaining lemons thinly for garnish.
- Add sugar to the teapot and stir until dissolved.
- Prepare a glass of ice, pour 250ml of lemon tea into the glass, and garnish with a lemon slice.
- Add 20ml of butterfly pea flower tea on top.
- Stir well and enjoy.
2. Weight loss using butterfly pea flower tea with honey
Ingredient:
- 10 dried butterfly pea flowers
- a little salt
- ½ lemon
- 2 tablespoons of honey
Making:
- Brew butterfly pea flower tea with 250ml of warm water at 75 degrees Celsius, steep for 10 minutes, and remove the tea leaves.
- Squeeze the lemon juice, remove the seeds, and add salt and honey.
- Add 100ml of filtered water to the lemon juice mixture.
- Pour 100ml of lemon juice into a glass with ice, then add butterfly pea flower tea.
- Stir well and enjoy.
3. Butterfly pea flower for weight loss combined with chia seeds
Ingredient:
- 10 dried butterfly pea flowers
- 2 teaspoons of sugar
- 7g chia seeds
Making:
- Brew butterfly pea flower tea with 250ml of warm water at 75 degrees Celsius, steep for 10 minutes, and remove the tea leaves.
- Soak chia seeds in a little warm water until they swell.
- Add sugar to the butterfly pea flower tea and stir until dissolved.
- Add chia seeds to your tea, add ice if desired, and enjoy.
4. Butterfly Pea Flower Matcha Green Tea
Ingredient:
- 5 dried butterfly pea flowers
- 5g matcha powder
- 2 teaspoons of sugar
Making:
- Brew butterfly pea flower tea with 250ml of warm water at 75 degrees Celsius, steep for 10 minutes, and remove the tea leaves.
- Add matcha powder to 100ml of boiling water, stir until dissolved, and add sugar.
- Take a glass of ice, add matcha, then add butterfly pea flower tea.
- You should stir well before drinking.
5. Butterfly pea flower tea for weight loss with apple and chia seeds
Ingredient:
- 1 apple.
- 5 dried butterfly pea flowers.
- 1 teaspoon of honey.
- 1 teaspoon of chia seeds.
- 500ml of boiling water.
Making:
- Brew butterfly pea flower tea with 500ml of warm water at 75 degrees Celsius, steep for 10 minutes, and remove the tea leaves.
- Wash the apples, leave the skin on, remove the seeds, and then slice them.
- Add honey and chia seeds to butterfly pea flower tea.
- Add the apples to the teapot, then refrigerate for about 3 hours.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy after it has steeped.
6. Butterfly pea flower and chrysanthemum tea
Ingredient:
- 6 dried butterfly pea flowers
- 10g dried chrysanthemum flowers
- 5 pieces of candied winter melon
- 5 liters of water
Making:
- Put the above ingredients into a pot, then add 1.5 liters of warm water.
- Steep the tea for about 45 minutes.
- Remove the tea leaves.
- Stir well and enjoy immediately if you prefer it hot.
- Add ice if you want to enjoy your tea cold.
7. Butterfly pea flower tea for weight loss with kumquat, lemongrass, and honey.
Ingredient:
- 5 dried butterfly pea flowers
- 1 stalk of lemongrass
- 2-3 kumquats.
- 1 teaspoon of honey
Making:
- Brew butterfly pea flower tea with 300ml of warm water at 75 degrees Celsius, steep for 10 minutes, and remove the tea leaves.
- Wash the lemongrass stalks, crush them, and put them into the teapot.
- Steep the tea with lemongrass for about 3 minutes, then add honey and enjoy.
Weight loss using butterfly pea flowers: things to know.
You should learn about how to drink butterfly pea flower tea for weight loss before applying it.
Besides the positive effects mentioned above, you need to pay attention to how to drink butterfly pea tea scientifically to minimize unnecessary harm. A healthy adult should only consume a maximum of about 10 butterfly pea flowers per day. In some cases, doctors recommend against drinking butterfly pea tea:
- People undergoing medical treatment, people about to have surgery:
If you are undergoing medical treatment or preparing for surgery, you should consult your doctor before using it. Especially if you are taking anticoagulants, doctors often contraindicate the use of butterfly pea flower tea.
- Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers:
Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers are also advised by doctors not to use butterfly pea flower tea for weight loss . Because the anthocyanin compounds in this tea can cause strong uterine contractions, you should avoid drinking butterfly pea flower tea during pregnancy and after childbirth. Additionally, newborns’ bodies are not yet fully developed and cannot digest butterfly pea flower tea, so breastfeeding mothers should also avoid this tea.
- Elderly people, young children:
Elderly people often suffer from multiple chronic diseases, so they need to be cautious with all foods containing anthocyanins, such as butterfly pea flower tea. Young children have immature digestive systems, so they need to limit drinks containing caffeine and other active ingredients.
Butterfly pea flower tea is becoming increasingly popular for weight loss. However, doctors advise against overusing it, despite its many positive health benefits. This tea is only a supportive beverage and does not have medicinal effects. Furthermore, you should carefully select a reputable and hygienic source to avoid consuming adulterated tea that could harm your health .