Have you ever got stuck in the vibrant hue of a butterfly pea flower? With its distinct blue color and various benefits, this flower has grabbed the attention of many. The hue is not just the only thing that makes the butterfly pea flower popular.
It is rich in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial properties. Known for these multiple nutritional properties, the butterfly pea flower is the talk of the town. However, what exactly are the benefits of this beautiful flower?
How do these benefits make the users more healthy and energetic? This article will provide the answers to all these queries. It will take you to the world of the butterfly pea flower, detailing its nutritional value, benefits, uses, and side effects.
What Is A Butterfly Pea Flower?
The butterfly pea flower, scientifically known as Clitoria Ternatea is a plant that has its origins in the tropical regions of Asia. it is also popular as the Asian pigeonwing and Darwin pea. With its captivating color and medicinal properties butterfly pea flower has been used for different purposes over centuries.
Popular in both medicinal and culinary applications, the flower gained its distinct blue hue from a component named anthocyanins. This bioflavinoid makes the butterfly pea flower a powerful antioxidant with potential health benefits.
Beyond its aesthetics and medicinal properties, the butterfly pea flower is widely used in the textile industry. The unique color of the flower made it a promising and eco-friendly coloring option. Furthermore, the color-changing property of the butterfly pea flower depending on the pH levels also made it a favorite component in the textile business. This flower has also found its way to various other applications including cosmetic ingredients, herbal teas, and other culinary practices.
Nutrients In Butterfly Pea Flower
Aside from its appealing aesthetics, the butterfly pea flower is rich in nutritional elements. These nutrients provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial properties to this flower. Some of the important nutrients in the butterfly pea flower are:
- Kaempferol: According to various studies, this element is rich in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. It reduces the chances of brain vascular diseases and cancers in humans.
- Flavonoids: It is some of the major antioxidants in the butterfly pea flower. Flavonoids reduce the risks of heart disease, blood pressure, and blood sugar problems.
- Quercetin: Another antioxidant in the butterfly pea flower, quercetin is called a plant pigment. However, apart from providing a distinct blue color, quercetin prevents various inflammatory issues such as allergies, infections, fatigue, and autoimmune disorders.
- Myricetin glycosides: With its antioxidant properties, myricetin glycosides are known to reduce prostate cancer and diabetes.
- p-Coumaric acid: This component helps to rejuvenate the skin through multiple mechanisms. p-Coumaric acid protects the skin from UV and other pathophysiological conditions and increases melanin synthesis in the body.
Butterfly Pea Flower Benefits
As discussed, the butterfly pea flower has various health benefits. Some of them include:
- Improves skin and hair health
Studies have proved that the butterfly pea flower can improve skin hydration. The various nutrients in this flower also protect the skin from UV attacks. The butterfly pea flower also increases the melanin synthesis in the body, making it an ideal component in rejuvenating and improving skin health.
Similarly, it is also known for its antioxidants that fight the attack of the free radicals in the body. These elements promote hair growth and provide essential nutrients for maintaining thick and healthy hair.
- Promote healthy weight loss
The butterfly pea flower is popular as a natural weight loss aid. According to studies, this flower extract slows down the formation of fat cells by regulating cell progression. It also curbs cravings by creating a feeling of fullness. So, the butterfly pea flower is widely used to promote healthy weight loss.
- Regulates blood sugar levels
The antioxidants and other acids in the butterfly pea flower have been proven to reduce blood sugar levels in people with type II diabetes. These components aid in insulin production in the body, resulting in increased glucose metabolism. They also prevent excess absorption of sugar into the body cells. All these functions aid in the better regulation of blood sugar levels.
- Enhances digestion
The antioxidants in the butterfly pea flower have an important role in enhancing digestion. These components fight the free radicals and unhealthy bacteria in the gut and eliminate them from the body. As they detoxify your gut, you will gain better digestion.
How To Use Butterfly Pea Flower?
The butterfly pea flower is a highly versatile plant that can be seen in various industries ranging from culinary to cosmetics. Some of the popular uses of the flower are:
- Butterfly pea tea
This is one of the most popular uses of the butterfly pea flower. It is widely used to brew herbal teas. Butterfly pea tea, which can be taken hot or iced is famous for its health benefits including gut detoxification, healthy weight loss, and mood enhancement.
- Culinary uses
The butterfly pea flower is used as a natural coloring agent in various culinary dishes like rice, noodles, and desserts.
- Skincare and cosmetics
Butterfly pea flower is included in home remedies and skincare supplements. Various toners and face masks include butterfly pea flower as its main ingredient.
- Natural dye
Apart from the culinary and cosmetic industry, the butterfly pea flower is also used in textiles. With its unique blue hue, this flower is extensively used to dye fabrics and other materials, especially in the sustainable textile industry.
Side Effects Of Butterfly Pea Flower
While generally considered safe when consumed in moderation, the butterfly pea flower may cause side effects in some people. Although these reactions are mild and infrequent, they should be addressed timely with proper medications and precautions. Some of these reactions include:
- Allergies
Similar to any plant-based substance, the butterfly pea flower may also cause allergic reactions in some people. The symptoms include itching, redness, and swelling. Some people may also experience breathing difficulties.
- Digestive problems
Some people may experience mild digestive problems including nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, pain, or diarrhea. However, these symptoms will be temporary and will subside with time.
Conclusion
With its vibrant hue and health benefits, the butterfly pea flower has grabbed the attention of culinary experts, health enthusiasts, and textile owners. The various nutritional properties of the butterfly pea flower such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic properties, make it efficient in improving healthy skin, strengthening hair, supporting natural weight loss, and enhancing digestive functions.
Along with these many health benefits, the vibrant blue color of this flower makes it aesthetically appealing and useful. Although the full potential of the butterfly pea flower is yet to be found, it is widely used as a natural dye in the textile and culinary industry. It is also a major ingredient in various cosmetic products including lotions, creams, and face masks.
People also use the butterfly pea flower as a home remedy to rejuvenate their skin. However, like any other component, this flower is not good for all. People who are allergic to plant-based substances and pregnant women should avoid using the butterfly pea flower.
FAQs
Butterfly pea flower offers several benefits including skin and hair health, weight loss, and blood sugar control.
Yes. Butterfly pea flower is considered safe when used in moderate amounts.
Although mostly safe, butterfly pea flowers may cause side effects like itching, allergies, and swelling.
Yes. The bioflavonoids and antioxidants in the butterfly pes flower aid in the healthy growth of hair.
The butterfly pea flower tea can be drunk daily. However, it is important to restrict the use to 300-500ml or 1-2 cups.
People with plant-based allergies, pregnant women, and nursing mothers should avoid consuming butterfly pea flowers.
