What is butterfly pea flower?
Butterfly pea flower, also known as Clitoria ternatea, is a plant native to tropical equatorial Asia. It is commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine and as a natural colorant in foods and drinks. The vivid blue color of the flower’s petals is due to the presence of anthocyanin pigments.
Butterfly pea flowers can be steeped in hot water to make a vibrant blue tea that is often served chilled. The tea has a subtle floral flavor and is sometimes combined with other herbs like lemongrass or pandan leaves. Dried butterfly pea flowers may also be used as a food coloring to tint rice dishes or sweets a bluish purple hue.
What are the benefits of drinking butterfly pea flower tea?
Here are some of the potential benefits of drinking butterfly pea flower tea:
- Rich in antioxidants – The anthocyanins and other polyphenols in butterfly pea flowers act as antioxidants which can help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.
- Anti-inflammatory effects – Studies show butterfly pea extracts have anti-inflammatory properties which may help lower inflammation in the body.
- Supports heart health – The antioxidants in the tea may help improve cholesterol levels and blood circulation.
- Boosts mood – The color alone can have a uplifting effect, while the tea also provides a gentle caffeine boost.
- May support brain health – Anthocyanins have been linked to better memory and cognition in some animal studies.
The vibrant blue hue of butterfly pea tea can also be used as a natural pH indicator. The tea turns purple in acidic liquids and pinkish in basic or alkaline liquids. This interesting color change property has made it popular for use in cocktails and other beverages.
What are the side effects of drinking butterfly pea flower tea?
Butterfly pea flower tea is considered very safe with minimal side effects for most people when consumed in moderation. However, some potential side effects can include:
- Allergic reactions – Those with sensitivities to flowers may experience hives, rash, or anaphylaxis.
- Medication interactions – Can interact with certain medications broken down by the liver.
- Diarrhea or upset stomach – Excess consumption may cause temporary digestive upset.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding – Insufficient research exists on safety for pregnant or nursing women.
- Surgery – May interact with anesthesia so best to avoid consumption before surgery.
As with any herbal supplement, it’s a good idea to drink butterfly pea flower tea in moderation. Excessive consumption may potentially cause side effects in some individuals. Those on medication or with existing health conditions should consult their doctor before drinking butterfly pea tea.
Is butterfly pea flower tea safe to drink every day?
There is no standardized recommended dosage for butterfly pea flower tea, but it is likely safe for most people to drink on a daily basis. Moderation is key.
Up to 3 cups per day is unlikely to cause adverse effects in healthy individuals. More than this may potentially cause digestive issues or other side effects from overconsumption of any beverage.
As a natural source of antioxidants and phytonutrients, daily butterfly pea flower tea may actually provide health benefits related to chronic disease prevention. However, high doses may affect medication metabolism, so moderation and medical guidance is advised, especially for those on medication.
Pregnant or nursing women should exercise caution, as studies on butterfly pea flower’s safety during pregnancy are insufficient. For those already consuming it regularly with no issues, 1 cup a day is reasonable if approved by a doctor.
Butterfly pea flower tea is considered food-grade and GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) by the FDA. But natural does not always mean risk-free. While it may be safe for daily consumption, sticking to 1-3 cups a day is a reasonable precaution.
Does butterfly pea flower tea make you poop?
Butterfly pea flower tea does not inherently have significant laxative effects that make you poop. However, there are a few reasons it may affect bowel movements in some people:
– High doses can cause temporary diarrhea or upset stomach due to the botanical’s effects on digestion. Moderation is key.
– The tea’s deep blue color can make stool appear greenish or blueish temporarily. This harmless effect frightens some people unfamiliar with the tea.
– Its high water content as a beverage can help with regularity, like any non-dehydrating fluid. Staying hydrated is helpful for healthy digestion.
– Butterfly pea flower’s anthocyanin antioxidants may support gut health and regularity. But this has not been definitively proven.
So in summary, butterfly pea flower tea is not a strong laxative, but it can support regular bowel movements through hydration, and may cause loose stools if over-consumed. The color change is harmless, but can be startling if not expected.
Does butterfly pea flower tea make your urine blue?
Yes, in many cases drinking butterfly pea flower tea can temporarily turn urine a bluish, greenish, or purplish color. This harmless effect has been well documented.
The anthocyanin pigments in the vibrant blue tea get metabolized and excreted through urine, often changing its expected yellowish hue. The urine color change may last for 6-12 hours after drinking the tea as the anthocyanins get filtered out.
This blue urine is not necessarily a health concern and will resolve on its own. But it can be alarming for those not expecting it!
The blue urine occurs more often with concentrated brews using high amounts of butterfly pea flowers. Weak teas made with few flowers may not lead to a drastic urine color change. Staying well hydrated can also help dilute and reduce the intensity.
While startling, blue-green urine from butterfly pea flower tea is no cause for concern and will return to normal over the course of a day. Now you know to expect this colorful side effect!
Can you drink butterfly pea flower tea while pregnant?
There is insufficient research evidence to determine if butterfly pea flower tea is completely safe to consume during pregnancy. As such, it is best to exercise caution and speak to your doctor first.
Small amounts of the tea, such as 1 cup per day, are unlikely to pose any significant risk according to anecdotal reports. But moderation is advised.
Here are some key considerations regarding butterfly pea flower tea and pregnancy:
– It has a long history of use in Southeast Asian cultures, suggesting low risk. But scientific data is lacking.
– Potential for interacting with pregnancy medications and hormones exists, so medical guidance is advised.
– The caffeine content is low but present, so excessive intake should be avoided.
– Dehydration and digestive issues should be avoided while pregnant. Large amounts may cause loose stools.
– Pregnant women are advised to avoid herbal supplements without a doctor’s approval. Butterfly pea flower tea is not well studied during pregnancy.
– No research proves it is unsafe, but no research yet definitively proves it is safe either. Hence, caution is prudent.
In summary, minimal intake of butterfly pea flower tea is likely fine during pregnancy, but a doctor should be consulted to address potential medication interactions and safety at higher doses. Moderation is key until more data is available.
Can you drink butterfly pea flower tea while breastfeeding?
There is limited research available on the safety of butterfly pea flower tea for breastfeeding women. While small amounts are unlikely to be harmful, caution is advised.
Here are some considerations on butterfly pea flower tea and breastfeeding:
– No evidence yet shows harmful effects passed through breastmilk. But comprehensive safety studies are lacking.
– Traces of caffeine are present, so excessive intake should be avoided while nursing.
– Dehydration or digestive upset should be prevented to avoid impacts on breastmilk supply.
– Allergies are possible even if rare, which could impact nursing infants.
– The bright blue color may temporarily tint breastmilk a lighter blue, but this is harmless.
– Medication interactions are possible, so medical guidance is recommended.
– While not proven unsafe, lack of data means potential risks cannot be ruled out. Moderation is wise.
Overall, minimal intake of butterfly pea flower tea is likely fine for many breastfeeding women. 1 cup per day appears reasonable based on anecdotal evidence. But speaking to your doctor is advisable due to lack of rigorous safety studies during breastfeeding. Moderation and medical guidance are recommended until more research data becomes available.
Conclusion
Butterfly pea flower tea has gained popularity for its vivid blue color and subtle flavor. When consumed in moderation, it can provide antioxidants, hydration, and other potential health benefits in healthy individuals based on its long traditional use.
Excessive consumption or allergies can potentially cause side effects like diarrhea or allergic reactions in some cases. The blue coloring can also temporarily change the color of urine or stool, which is harmless but startling if unexpected.
Insufficient evidence exists to confirm complete safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding. While small amounts are likely fine, it is best to exercise caution and consult a doctor before consuming larger amounts while pregnant or nursing.
Overall, butterfly pea flower tea appears to be relatively safe for most people to consume daily in moderate amounts. But until more research confirms its safety in vulnerable groups, caution and medical guidance are prudent, especially during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As with any supplement, it’s wise not to overdo it without first checking with your healthcare provider.
