Can butterfly peas be eaten? Be careful with 2 parts containing toxins

Butterfly pea flower is popular for its natural coloring and health benefits. So, does the butterfly pea have the same nutritional value as its flower? The article will answer the question: Are butterfly peas edible?

Butterfly pea, scientific name is Clitoria ternatea. L – is a herbaceous plant that has been used for a long time. In the past, people used to plant butterfly peas as a medicine as well as fodder for livestock.

In traditional Indian medicine, butterfly pea plants, flowers, and fruits are used to enhance cognitive function and relieve symptoms of many diseases such as fever, inflammation, aches and pains, and diabetes. So, can you add seeds and fruits, can butterfly pea flowers be used in daily meals? Let’s find the answer right here!

The two toxin-containing parts of the butterfly pea plant

Although butterfly pea flower is famous for its great health benefits such as: Preventing premature aging; Supports blood sugar control; Helps relieve pain and reduce fever; Reduce stress… However, you need to pay attention to these two parts of the butterfly pea plant.

• The roots and seeds inside the butterfly pea are two parts that contain toxins. Accordingly, the root of this plant has very strong medicinal properties, if used improperly can cause poisoning. As for the seeds of the butterfly pea, it contains about 12% of toxic essential oils.

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Can butterfly peas be eaten?

The answer is: you can eat young butterfly peas in small amounts. According to the report, both flowers, leaves, young shoots and young butterfly pea flowers can be eaten in a certain amount.

• A study in rats showed that the seed extract inside the butterfly pea was effective in reducing total cholesterol.

However, there is little scientific evidence to show any effect of butterfly pea when used as a food. In particular, there is no clear evidence of the health benefits of butterfly peas when used daily.

The roots, seeds and fruits of the butterfly pea plant are used in medicine because of their potent medicinal properties. However, butterfly pea is not an ideal food for family meals. Some reports mention that eating the roots, seeds, and pods of the butterfly pea can lead to nausea and diarrhea.

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How to use butterfly pea flower properly

So, you have explained: Is the butterfly pea fruit edible? Here, Hello Bacsi will tell you some tips to use butterfly pea flower properly for good health.

• There is no denying the value of the benefits of butterfly pea flower for health. Research has proven that butterfly pea flowers are rich in anthocyanins. This is an antioxidant biological compound that can help prevent cancer, improve heart health, beautify skin and hair, and have antibacterial and hypoglycemic properties .

However, consuming a large amount of this substance can lead to side effects such as: Dilating vascular smooth muscle; Inhibits platelet aggregation; Promotes uterine contractions…

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Who should not use butterfly pea flower?

Because of the health risks that anthocyanins can bring, the following people should limit the use of butterfly pea flowers, as well as butterfly peas.

• Women who are menstruating and pregnant are advised not to consume butterfly pea. Because the seeds, flowers, and berries contain compounds that can affect the uterus and hormones.
• Children and elderly people with underlying medical conditions should not use butterfly peas. If you want to use butterfly pea flower tea regularly, it is best to consult your doctor.
• People with blood clotting problems and people about to have surgery. Anthocyanin compounds in butterfly pea flowers and fruits can inhibit platelet aggregation.
• People with low blood pressure and blood sugar or allergies should not use it

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Use butterfly pea flowers safely

How much butterfly pea flower is enough? As mentioned above, butterfly pea flower should only be used as a supplement in the form of cooling tea, or natural colorants in low concentrations. Healthy adults should only drink 1-2 cups of butterfly pea flower tea in a day. Equally, you should only use 1-2g of dried flowers (5-10 butterfly pea flowers) for your drink.

Do not make butterfly pea flower tea with boiling water. Water that is too hot can affect the flavor and characteristic color of the butterfly pea flower. The ideal temperature for making butterfly pea tea is around 70-75 degrees Celsius.

Hope the article has explained to you useful information about butterfly peas. Pay attention, experts recommend that you do not use butterfly pea seeds, roots and fruits as a food in your daily diet. Please use butterfly pea flowers properly and safely!