The Mystery of Butterfly Pea Tea—Finally Explained by Science!
Butterfly pea tea isn’t just another trendy drink you’ve seen on Instagram. Behind that vibrant blue (and sometimes purple!) hue lies a powerful plant with centuries of traditional use—and now, modern science is finally catching up.
Let’s explore how this stunning tea made from Clitoria ternatea can benefit your body and mind—plus a tasty gummy recipe to try at home!
🔍 What Makes Butterfly Pea Tea So Special?
This deep-blue herbal tea is rich in anthocyanins—the same antioxidants found in blueberries and red cabbage. These pigments are responsible for its color-shifting magic (blue to purple with lemon), but they also pack powerful health benefits.
Modern studies show that butterfly pea flower may help with:
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Inflammation
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Gut health
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Metabolism
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Brain function
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Weight balance
Let’s dive into the research.
🔬 Science-Backed Benefits of Butterfly Pea Tea
✅ Gut & Inflammation Support
In a 2023 study, anthocyanin-rich butterfly pea extract improved gut barrier function and reduced inflammation in mice fed a high-fat diet. It lowered harmful markers like TNF‑α and improved liver function—all signs of reduced metabolic stress.
👉 Study Link – PubMed
✅ Supports Healthy Lipids & Weight
Butterfly pea flower has been shown to:
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Reduce body weight
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Improve cholesterol levels
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Support liver health
In animal studies, extracts decreased LDL and total cholesterol, and even helped prevent weight gain.
👉 Read the PMC study
👉 ResearchGate article
✅ Antioxidant & Anti‑Inflammatory Power
Butterfly pea contains ternatins, potent antioxidants that fight free radicals and oxidative stress. These compounds also help block NF‑κB, a major inflammatory pathway linked to aging and chronic disease.
👉 View the MDPI study
✅ Cognitive & Mood Benefits
Animal studies have shown improved memory and reduced anxiety after consuming butterfly pea extract. It’s believed to support brain function and even act as a mild natural sedative.
👉 Read the PMC article
✅ Bioavailability You Can Count On
About 75% of butterfly pea’s anthocyanins survive digestion, with roughly 50% retaining their antioxidant power even after reaching the intestines. That means your body can actually use what this tea offers!
👉 PubMed source
🧠 Quick Summary of the Benefits
Gut & Inflammation
→ Improves gut barrier, reduces inflammation
→ PubMed Study
Lipids & Weight
→ Supports healthy cholesterol & body weight
→ PMC + ResearchGate
Antioxidant Defense
→ Fights oxidative stress, lowers inflammation
→ MDPI Study
Brain Support
→ Enhances memory, reduces anxiety
→ Cognitive Study
🍬 Bonus Recipe: Butterfly Pea Gummies with Honey, Cinnamon & Ginger
These anti-inflammatory gummies are tasty, easy to make, and naturally beautiful!
📝 Ingredients:
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1 cup brewed butterfly pea tea (steep 1 Tbsp dried flowers in 1 cup hot water for 5 mins)
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2 Tbsp raw honey
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½ tsp ground cinnamon
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Optional: ½ tsp fresh grated ginger or ginger powder
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3 Tbsp grass-fed beef gelatin (or use agar-agar for a vegan option)
👩🍳 Instructions:
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Brew your butterfly pea tea and keep it warm.
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In a saucepan, whisk together honey, cinnamon, ginger (optional), and gelatin.
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Slowly pour in warm tea while whisking to dissolve the gelatin fully—no lumps!
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Simmer gently (around 2 minutes), then remove from heat.
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Pour into silicone molds or a glass container lined with parchment.
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Chill in the fridge for 1 hour or until set.
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Pop out and enjoy your nutrient-rich gummies!
Fun Tip: Add a few drops of lemon juice after setting to turn them from blue to purple 💜.
🌿 Final Thoughts
Butterfly pea tea is more than a color-changing novelty—it’s a legitimate, science-backed herbal powerhouse. Whether you're sipping it hot, iced, or chewing on homemade gummies, you're nourishing your body with antioxidant-rich, anti-inflammatory goodness.
Want more natural remedies and herbal recipes backed by science? Subscribe, share, or leave a comment—I’d love to hear from you!
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