Blue Matcha Tea: Butterfly Pea and Matcha Health Benefits

What is Blue Matcha Tea?

Blue matcha has become an internet sensation and the latest healthy drink craze on TikTok. But what exactly is blue matcha, and how does it compare to the traditional green matcha tea powder we know and love?

Blue matcha is made by mixing regular matcha green tea powder with butterfly pea flower powder, also known as Asian pigeonwings. The vibrant blue butterfly pea flowers add a pop of color and infuse the drink with antioxidant properties. However, unlike regular matcha, blue matcha does not contain significant amounts of caffeine or the amino acid L-theanine, which are known for boosting energy, focus and metabolism.

Butterfly Pea Flower Powder

The butterfly pea flower is a flowering vine native to tropical Asian countries like Thailand and Malaysia. The blue flowers can be dried and made into a vibrant natural blue powder dye with no artificial colors or flavors. This antioxidant-rich powder has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine practices.

Butterfly pea flower powder has beneficial bioactive compounds including flavonoids, anthocyanins and phenolic acid. Research shows it may offer anti-inflammatory, anticancer and antidepressant effects. The vibrant blue hue comes from anthocyanin pigments with antioxidant properties that can neutralize free radical damage in the body.

Mixing with Matcha Green Tea Powder

To make blue matcha, the bright blue butterfly pea flower powder is whisked together in hot water or milk along with matcha green tea powder. So while blue matcha contains some powdered green tea, the majority of the powder mix comes from the blue butterfly pea flowers rather than nutrient-dense matcha.

Health Benefits of Blue Matcha vs Matcha

Both regular matcha and blue matcha provide some benefits, but they also differ in key ways. Heres how the health perks of new blue matcha stacks up against traditional matcha green tea:

Antioxidants

Blue matcha contains butterfly pea flower antioxidants including flavonoids, anthocyanins and phenolic acids. Matcha is rich in polyphenol antioxidants called catechins, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). While blue matcha has antioxidant activity, matcha generally contains higher amounts of antioxidants per gram.

Energy, Focus & Alertness

Unlike blue matcha, standard matcha green tea contains caffeine, L-theanine and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which can work synergistically to boost alertness and cognition. The amino acid L-theanine in matcha produces alpha brain waves to induce relaxation without drowsiness. Since blue matcha lacks these key ingredients, regular matcha green tea is a better choice for energy, focus and concentration.

Weight Loss

Both blue matcha and matcha green tea powder may support weight loss and fat burning. Matchas metabolism-boosting EGCG and caffeine combo seem to have more science backing their ability to increase fat oxidation during exercise and thermogenesis. More research is still needed on blue matchas effectiveness for weight reduction.

Detoxification

Butterfly pea flowers antioxidant properties allow it to help neutralize harmful free radicals and flush toxins from the body. Matcha has antioxidant and detoxification advantages as well, which may guard the liver and kidneys against damage. Both drinks can serve as occasional detoxifiers.

Anti-Aging Effects

Blue matcha and standard matcha both offer antioxidant protection against cellular aging, skin damage and wrinkles. Matchas polyphenol compounds show particular promise for defending collagen production and keeping skin youthful. Still, blue matcha provides useful anti-aging butterfly pea antioxidants too.

Glucose Metabolism & Diabetes

Emerging research shows that matcha can help regulate blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity. The teas polyphenols, amino acid theanine and chromium appear protective against type 2 diabetes. Less investigation has focused specifically on blue matchas antidiabetic abilities so far.

Gut Health

Butterfly pea's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities seem promising for assisting digestive health and soothing the gut lining. Matcha has also demonstrated positive effects on gut microbiome balance. Both drinks may support gastrointestinal wellness.

Heart Health

Both blue matcha and matcha green tea contain compounds that may boost heart health. Matcha appears especially cardioprotective, with catechins that defend blood vessels against plaque buildup and lower LDL cholesterol. Still, blue matchas bioactive butterfly pea properties show some potential too.

Cancer Prevention

Matcha and butterfly pea flowers exhibit mechanisms that may slow cancer cell multiplication. Matchas EGCG inhibits proteins that promote cancer progression. Meanwhile, butterfly pea contains anthocyanin and quercetin that display anticancer abilities. The two drinks may aid cancer defense in distinct ways.

Mood & Stress

The calming effects of matchas L-theanine can help relax the mind. Blue matcha lacks L-theanine, but butterfly peas antioxidant richness may balance hormones and neurotransmitters to uplift mood. Both drinks provide anti-stress advantages, but work through different antianxiety pathways.

Bioavailability

Since matcha contains fine powder from the whole green tea leaf, its beneficial catechins may be better absorbed than drinking steeped tea. However, blue matchas bioavailability remains unclear. The anthocyanins in butterfly pea likely have decent absorption too.

How to Make Blue Matcha

Whipping up blue matcha at home is quick and easy to do. Simply combine a teaspoon of matcha green tea powder with a teaspoon of butterfly pea flower powder. Add the powders to hot water or plant-based milk and whisk vigorously with a bamboo matcha whisk until smooth and frothy with a vivid blue-green hue.

Adjust the ratios of matcha powder to butterfly pea powder to make the drink more green or more vibrant blue. Sweeten blue matcha lattes lightly with honey or maple syrup to offset the earthy, plant-based flavors. Garnish with nuts or fruit like blueberries for extra aesthetics and nutrition.

Butterfly pea flower powder can also be mixed into lemonade, smoothies or nice cream bowls. Get creative with blue matcha recipes to reap both butterfly pea and matcha health benefits in one colorful cup.

Blue Matcha vs Butterfly Pea Tea

Butterfly pea flower tea and blue matcha have some clear differences:

• Butterfly pea tea contains only the antioxidant-packed blue butterfly pea flower powder steeped into hot water or milk
• Blue matcha combines butterfly pea powder with standard matcha green tea powder, so it offers properties of both tea blends
• Butterfly pea tea lacks caffeine and L-theanine since it does not contain energizing matcha green tea
• Blue matcha provides small amounts of caffeine and antioxidants from the matcha powder

Overall, sipping plain butterfly pea flower tea would provide the highest dose of bright blue butterfly pea antioxidants. Blue matcha combines the blooming blue hue with just a touch of green matchas focus-enhancing qualities.

Is Blue Matcha Good for You?

Blue matcha contains health-promoting compounds from both butterfly pea flower and matcha green tea, making it a nutritious beverage option. The blend of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and neuroprotective properties can support wellness.

However, traditional matcha generally offers higher concentrations of catechins, amino acids, vitamins and minerals per serving. Matcha green tea also has more research confirming its energy and metabolism-boosting abilities.

For the highest nutrient bang, opt for regular matcha green tea powder. But blue matcha makes a pretty, plant-powered choice too. Butterfly pea flower's vibrant hue makes a stunning natural food dye while providing useful health perks.

Blue matcha lattes, lemonades and smoothie bowls let you enjoy a subtly sweet, exotic floral flavor. While not a true matcha green tea, blue matcha can add visual intrigue and protective plant nutrients to your diet.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.