Antioxidant-Rich Tea Linked to Improved Memory, Stress Reduction, and Firmer Skin
When we think of tea, the colors black and green may come to mind — but what about blue? It’s not what you’re used to, but something you may want to keep an eye out for. Butterfly pea tea has an eye-catching, vibrant blue hue — which is certainly a conversation starter — but you’ll be more impressed with its potential ability to boost memory, promote healthy skin, and ease stress.
Where does butterfly pea tea come from?
This variety of tea comes from a deep blue plant native to South East Asia called, you guessed it, the butterfly pea. According to the US News and World Report, the flavor is “a bit earthy and woody, similar to green tea (although it’s milder than matcha).” It has been used for centuries in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine to help improve memory, mood, and the immune system.
What are the health benefits?
Butterfly pea flowers are packed with antioxidants like polyphenols and flavonoids, according to a study published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Healthline.com reports that polyphenols have a wide range of health benefits. As antioxidants, they can neutralize cell-damaging free radicals that may lead to issues like heart disease, blood clots, and digestion problems.
The same is true for flavonoids — or polyphenols with skin-boosting benefits. The skincare experts at Native Essentials rave about how flavonoids promote healthy skin aging by reducing redness, calming stress, and soothing inflammation. They mention how versatile butterfly pea flowers are in any skincare routine. For instance: Use the powdered version (Buy on Amazon, $14.99) in a DIY beauty mask. Or buy a hydrating facial mist like Teami Face Mist Spray Toner (Buy on Amazon, $27.99), which has the flowers listed as an ingredient. It’s also easy to get those all of those amazing anti-aging perks simply by drinking this tea!
In addition, butterfly tea can protect our brain health as we age. A 2015 review of studies published in the Journal of Natural Remedies found that it contains alkaloid, taraxerol, and anthocyanin. These active chemicals can work to help ease stress and boost your memory — making it a relaxing and healthy part of your routine.
How do you make it?
To make it at home, simply add one small pouch of butterfly pea tea (Buy on Amazon, $12.99) to a mug of hot water and let it steep for about five minutes. As it’s brewing, the color-changing effect adds a fun flare that makes it stand out from other types of tea. Watch as it goes from from light blue to dark purple in Bon Appétit’s video below:
Once you finish steeping it, drink it while it’s still warm with a dash of honey and a squeeze of lemon. Or chill the tea and pour it into a glass along with some ice cubes for a refreshing drink to enjoy in the sun.
This variety of tea is definitely worth trying if you’re looking for a vibrant, delicious, and healthy drink!
This article originally appeared on our sister site, First For Women.
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