Brewing your Blue Tea
Anthocyanins are a type of flavonoid, a class of compounds with antioxidant effects. Found naturally in a number of foods, anthocyanins are the pigments that give red, purple, and blue plants their rich colouring. In addition to acting as antioxidants and fighting free radicals, anthocyanins may offer anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-cancer benefits. Anthocyanins are so powerful that tests have shown that they contain twice the antioxidant power of vitamin C!
In herbal medicine, anthocyanin-rich substances have long been used to treat a number of conditions (including high blood pressure, colds, and urinary tract infections). Recent research suggests that anthocyanins may also help fend off major health problems, including heart disease and cancer.
Anthocyanins content in Butterfly Pea flower, the main ingredient in our Blue Tea
In herbal medicine, anthocyanin-rich substances have long been used to treat a number of conditions (including high blood pressure, colds, and urinary tract infections). Recent research suggests that anthocyanins may also help fend off major health problems, including heart disease and cancer.
Food Sources
Anthocyanins are found in berries, red onions, kidney beans, pomegranates, grapes (including wine), tomatoes, acai, bilberry, chokeberry, elderberry, and tart cherries.
Research on Anthocyanins :
Take a look at several key findings on Anthocyanins and their health effects.
(1) Heart Disease
Anthocyanins may enhance heart health, according to a 2010 report published in Nutrition Reviews. The report's authors note that Anthocyanins appear to improve cholesterol levels and blood sugar metabolism, as well as fight oxidative stress (a process known to play a role in heart disease).Dietary intake of Anthocyanins may also help prevent high blood pressure (a major risk factor for heart disease), according to a 2011 study from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Brew Blue Tea today!
Add lemon or any citrus for colour changing effect
(2) Obesity
Preliminary research suggests that anthocyanins may protect against obesity. In a 2008 study from the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, scientists found that mice fed an anthocyanin-enriched high-fat diet for eight weeks gained less weight than mice fed a high-fat diet without Anthocyanins.
(3) Cancer
Anthocyanins may aid in the prevention of breast cancer, according to a laboratory study published in Phytotherapy Research in 2010. In test-tube experiments, scientists showed that anthocyanins extracted from blueberries helped inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells.
(4) Using Anthocyanins for Health
Getting your fill of anthocyanin-rich fruits and vegetables may help boost your overall health by offering up an array of nutrients. However, scientists have yet to determine whether taking high concentrations of anthocyanins in supplement form can help treat or prevent any specific health condition.
Butterfly Pea Milkshake - available at Mary Miller Cafe in Melbourne
Butterfly Pea Tea - so refreshing - adds a bit of fun with its colour changing properties
HOW TO BREW BLUE TEA ?
HOT or COLD BLUE TEA
Use 1 Blue Herbal Teabag or 10 petals of Just Blue Tea loose leaf
Add hot (or boiling) water into a 650 ml teapot For herbal infusions, steep for 5 minutes, remove tea leaves (p.s they are edible BTW) Serve hot or cold
BLOW YOUR MIND
For that magical moment, add a few drops of lemon to your hot or iced tea for extra flavour and watch your tea change!
If you want a green colour then add Turmeric to get green tea
Experiment with it.
There's a whole spectrum of Rainbow Colour Teas you can create!
Enjoy
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Keep in mind that supplements haven't been tested for safety and due to the fact that dietary supplements are largely unregulated, the content of some products may differ from what is specified on the product label. Also keep in mind that the safety of supplements in pregnant women, nursing mothers, children, and those with medical conditions or who are taking medications has not been established. You can get tips on using supplements, but if you're considering the use of anthocyanins, talk with your primary care provider first. Self-treating a condition and avoiding or delaying standard care may have serious consequences.
REFERENCES
https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-scoop-on-anthocyanins-89522
https://www.emeraldinsight.com/doi/abs/10.1108/PRT-11-2016-0109
https://draxe.com/anthocyanin/