Cool Green Ocean-The Name Says it All
Whether it be the Justice League or the Avengers, it is a sight to behold when heroes join forces. We feel the same when combining different ingredients to create our teas. The results are just plain amazing. Take Cool Green Ocean for example. Blue Pea flower, spearmint, peppermint, and stevia leaves come together to create an exotic and minty summer drink with a fantastic ocean green colour.
Tisanes, more commonly known as herbal infusions, are becoming popular these days; possibly due to their great taste, flavour profile, aroma, and health benefits. At Ono Teas, we always want to create something fun and healthy. So our sommeliers, alongside our doctor partners, created a powerful combination. Butterfly blue pea flower, spearmint, peppermint, and stevia leaves. This gave a Cool Green Ocean colour to the tea. The mint leaves leave you with a minty aftertaste especially when you brew it cold or use it to make cocktails or mocktails. The best part is the powerful herbs that combine to bring you a plethora of health benefits. Let us dive deeper into each ingredient, shall we?
Butterfly Blue Pea Flower
Butterfly Blue Pea flower helps with Depression
Blue Pea flower, Ajaparita, or Shankhpushpi finds many references in Ayurveda. It has been traditionally used for improving mood and fighting mental issues. Even western medicine has now started confirming this. For example Journal of Natural Remedies, has published that blue pea flower may help in coping with depression. It concludes that this traditional herb has a wide spectrum of neuropharmacological benefits. Such as nootropic, anti-depressant, anti-stress, anxiolytic, and anticonvulsant activities.
Butterfly Blue Pea Flower for improving Skin Health
Hate the chemicals in skin creams. We do too. The Butterfly Blue Pea flower is rich in polyphenols, proanthocyanidin, and flavonoids. These natural compounds stop the harmful effects of free radicals that damage and degrade skin. Dermatological studies published in renowned journals demonstrated that butterfly pea flowers may have antiglycation and antioxidant properties. These antioxidants protect you from free radicals breaking the collagen in your skin. Results: Reduced skin blemishes, wrinkles, dark spots, fine lines, and loose, saggy skin.
Butterfly Blue Pea Flower for improving Cognitive Function
Known as the “Shanka Pushpi”, the blue pea flower comes under the “Medhya” category in Ayurveda. This means that it may enhance neurological health.
A scientific review demonstrated the neuroprotective properties of the Butterfly Pea flower. These properties may significantly improve cognitive health, improving learning capacity, and boosting memory on regular consumption. These benefits may also suggest that they can help in the prevention of many neurological ailments.
Butterfly Blue Pea Flower as an Antiviral Tea
There are many deadly viruses out there such as Ebola and Covid-19. Even though fighting them is not that easy, several other viruses that are less deadly (but still harmful) can be fought against, without any vaccines.
One major health benefit of butterfly pea is its antiviral properties. According to a study, blue pea flower has shown antivirus properties that may help prevent potential attacks from different viruses.
Butterfly Blue Pea flower is also Antipyretic
This traditional medicinal plant bears flowers that might help you with almost anything! Another amazing health benefit of blue pea flower is its antipyretic property. Research shows that just freshly brewed blue tea can help in reducing fevers drastically.
Another lab test done on albino rats with yeast-induced pyrexia (fever) revealed positive results. The scientists did this to evaluate the methanol extract of Clitoria ternatea for any potential antipyretic properties. A single extract produced a significant reduction in normal body temperature and yeast-provoked elevated temperature in a dose-dependent manner.
This flower expands the blood vessels under the skin, which increases the blood flow. This cools your body down. The study also suggested that the antipyretic effect of the extract was comparable to that of paracetamol, a standard antipyretic agent.
Blue Pea Flower contains very high amounts of Antioxidants
The Butterfly Pea flower has shown antioxidant properties in many lab studies. The reason for most of the benefits is the ample amounts of antioxidants present in this flower. Anthocyanin, a potent antioxidant, is the star of the show.
To prevent chronic diseases that come with oxidative stress, foods rich in antioxidants are very useful. Oxidative stress is a medical condition. The free radicals that damage our skin can result in oxidative stress.
Butterfly Blue Pea flower as an Anti-Inflammatory tea
Inflammation is a process that our body initiates to protect itself from outside invaders, such as bacteria and viruses. But when the body doesn’t know when to stop, inflammation can have long-term damaging consequences on your body, hence it is essential to include foods that prevent inflammation in your diet.
Research has suggested that butterfly pea contains polyphenols that showed anti-inflammatory properties. Anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting components such as flavonoids, tannins, and polyphenols are the main cause behind their benefits.
Pharmacies could also use these flowers to make medicines. Medicines that protect against chronic inflammation. By suppressing the excessive production of pro-inflammatory mediators, this could be possible. Meaning, it can curb the factors that might cause inflammation.
Butterfly Blue Pea Flower is Anti-Diabetic
Apart from genetics, your lifestyle choices heavily impact your risk of developing type-2 diabetes. Being overweight or obese makes your cells more resistant to the effects of insulin on your blood sugar.
Diabetes patients always have a hard time finding a beverage they could enjoy. Well, they won’t if they have a blue tea beside them! One cup of this beautiful blue potion taken between meals can prove very useful in maintaining blood sugar levels.
Butterfly Blue Pea flower offers miraculous health benefits. Recent research reveals that the blue pea flower may have antidiabetic activity. It helps inhibit the intake of glucose from the diet and lower blood sugar.
Butterfly Blue Pea Flower is also Anti-Asthmatic
One of the natural ways of preventing Asthma is to consume foods having anti-asthmatic properties. For example, you guessed it, Blue Pea flower.
A lab study evaluated the extract of the Blue Pea plant’s roots. The results demonstrated antiasthmatic activity. This indicates that consumption of blue tea may be beneficial to prevent asthma as well.
It acts as an expectorant and helps in reducing any irritation present in the respiratory organs. For those who have asthma, the extract of these roots may help in suppressing the symptoms.
Butterfly Blue Pea Flower as an Analgesic
There are many natural sources of food that provide analgesic properties. Cloves, Ginger, and essential oils of Rosemary, Peppermint, or Eucalyptus, for example. blue pea flower is also one of them.
In a recent study, researchers induced writhing in some mice by administrating acetic acid in their blood. Researchers found a significant decrease in the twisting, squirming movements, or contortions of the body after using the extract of Butterfly Blue Pea flower. This result indicated the analgesic properties present in the ethanol extract of the Blue Pea flower.
Spearmint Leaves
Also known as the “garden mint”, this minty herb contains aromatic oil, called the oil of spearmint. It is used as a flavouring and sometimes as a scent. This oil is one of the main reasons behind the various health benefits of spearmint, such as:
Spearmint Helps with Weight Management
Research has suggested that spearmint may help in managing weight and preventing obesity. It is not some magical herb, but it can aid in a healthy diet, a balanced lifestyle, and ideal weight.
Spearmint tea may act as a catalyst in your weight loss journey. It may act as a potential treatment for obesity, along with a balanced diet and regular exercise. Also, tea made with spearmint is very low in calories, meaning it won’t add much to your daily intake.
Spearmint May help Reduce Stress
Mental health is a very serious issue, especially in today’s world. We often ignore it as a society. We need natural ways to take care of our mental health.
Spearmint tea may help in relaxing your nerves and reducing stress. It is a natural anti-stress agent and helps you keep calm in stressful situations. In some South American countries, people have traditionally used spearmint as a remedy for stress and insomnia.
Recently, in a lab study, scientists gave spearmint extract to rats for observing any potential changes. The results indicated decreased anxiety and improved sleep. Spearmint leaves contain menthol, which is famous for its relaxing properties.
Spearmint may help Maintain Blood Sugar Levels
Research suggests that spearmint tea may help lower blood sugar in some diabetes patients. There have not been any extensive human studies on the matter. But, studies on rats with diabetes have shown lower blood sugar levels when given spearmint.
In a lab study that having healthy and diabetic rats, the researchers gave spearmint extract to the rats every day. Compared to the healthy rats, the diabetic rats displayed lower levels of blood sugar.
In another study, the researchers gave 300 mg (per kg of body weight) of spearmint extract to diabetic rats daily for 21 days. The study reported a 25% reduction in blood sugar.
Spearmint may help in Dealing with PCOS
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal imbalance in women. PCOS makes women produce amounts of male hormones that are considered more than normal. This happens due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Women suffering from PCOS often report symptoms like irregular periods, excessive hair growth on the face, chest, back, or buttocks, hair loss, and acne.
Spearmint tea may help with PCOS. It has an anti-androgenic effect that results in a significant decrease in testosterone levels that may help in the treatment of PCOS.
In a 30-day study, 42 women with PCOS were given spearmint tea twice a day. Compared to the control group, these women showed lower testosterone levels. Similar results were found in another study, which was conducted on 12 women with PCOS. Researchers gave spearmint tea to women with facial hair twice a day for 30 days in a different study. The results reported a significant reduction in facial hair.
Spearmint may Improve Memory
Wouldn’t it be great if chugging on tea helped improve how our brain functions? Well, it’s not far from possible! Spearmint can help improve brain function by boosting memory.
Spearmint has neuroprotective properties. It increases neurotransmitter levels, protects neurons, and promotes neural growth. The chemical analysis says that spearmint may help improve memory and treat memory-related ailments such as Alzheimer’s disease.
A study tested mice’s memory by making them pass a maze test. After giving them some spearmint extract, the mice experienced improved learning and memory. Similarly, in a more recent study, scientists gave supplements containing 900 mg of spearmint extract to some older adults with memory impairment. The results showed a 15% improvement in working memory.
Spearmint has Antioxidants
Antioxidants are compounds that help protect our bodies from the cellular damage caused by free radicals. These are harmful molecules that might cause oxidative stress.
Oxidative stress can lead to several chronic conditions, including heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Foods rich in antioxidants are very useful in preventing chronic diseases caused by oxidative stress. As mentioned above, oxidative stress is a medical condition. The free radicals that damage our skin can result in oxidative stress.
Spearmint has a lot of antioxidants. The most prominent ones are rosmarinic acid, flavones and flavanones like limonene and menthol. Antioxidants are also responsible for the memory-boosting and neuroprotective properties of spearmint.
Peppermint Leaves
Compared to spearmint which has only 1% on menthol, peppermint has a whopping 40%. It adds a more intense “minty” flavour to the Cool Green Ocean. Peppermint also offers a lot of benefits, such as:
Peppermint may Improve Oral Health
Popularly used for flavouring candies and breath mints, peppermint has a pleasant minty taste. In fact, this fresh mint is not just good for taste, but for your oral hygiene as well.
A study has reported that peppermint oil shows antibacterial activity that restricts the rapid growth of a bacteria called staphylococcus. In another study, test subjects who were given peppermint, tea tree, and lemon oils demonstrated improved breath.
The cooling properties of peppermint can effectively soothe tooth and muscle aches. Peppermint helps fight off oral pathogens and kills common bacteria that can lead to cavities and gum disease. This is the reason why peppermint can be found as a prominent ingredient in most kinds of toothpaste, gums, and several kinds of mouthwash.
Peppermint may Improve Digestion
Peppermint may prove useful in treating digestive ailments such as bloating and indigestion. It also has a relaxing effect on the intestinal smooth muscle.
Studies conducted on animals indicate that essential oils present in peppermint helps relax the digestive tissues. It also prevents smooth muscle contraction and spasms.
A different series of studies conducted on children revealed that peppermint significantly reduced the duration, frequency, and severity of abdominal pain. Include peppermint in your diet and keep those stomach ailments at bay!
Peppermint may help treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is actually a very common intestinal disorder, that consists of symptoms like diarrhoea, constipation, and stomach pain. Although IBS cannot be cured, you can avoid the symptoms by managing their diet and lifestyle. Some may need medication.
Research has reported results based on a series of studies done on 926 people. The researchers treated the test subjects were with peppermint oil for two weeks. The results showed significantly better symptom relief among the subjects.
Another study done on 72 people who suffered from IBS gave similar results. The consumption of peppermint oil capsules reduced the symptoms of IBS by 40% after 4 weeks.
Peppermint is Anti-Viral
Today, we face new strains of viruses that are getting difficult to fight. So, incorporating antiviral foods into our diet has become a necessity. In fact, peppermint can help here. The essential oils present in peppermint have two main components-menthol and menthone. Research (in vitro) has suggested that peppermint has significant antiviral effects.
This antiviral property of peppermint may even have a direct effect on our respiratory system and its health. To summarize, it may help with problems in the respiratory tract, nasal tract, and coughing reflexes.
Stevia Leaves
Finally, the final ingredient that we add to this magical drink is stevia leaves. Added as a sweetener, stevia is a much healthier alternative to sugar. It gives the final touch to the taste of Cool Green Ocean. Stevia offers a lot of benefits:
Stevia Leaves help maintain Blood Pressure
High amounts of systolic and diastolic blood pressure cause hypertension. This may lead to cardiovascular diseases. Stevia leaves have anti-hypertensive properties which means that they may help in lowering blood pressure.
A study conducted on hypertensive rats indicated that high doses of stevia extract were beneficial to their health. Stevia caused vasodilation-widening of blood vessels and a lower mean arterial pressure in the hypertensive rats.
In another test, hypertensive human subjects were given stevia extracts- 250 mg three times a day for 3 months. A reduction in blood pressure was observed.
Stevia Leaves are Anti-Inflammatory
Stevioside is the main sweetener found in the leaves of the Stevia plant. There is plenty of evidence to support that stevioside acts as an anti-inflammatory agent in both lab studies and animal studies.
Chronic inflammation causes inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Stevia leaves may help in treating them.
Research suggests that the ent-kaurene diterpene glycosides isolated from the Stevia plant were found to suppress inflammation.
Stevia Leaves as Anti-Diabetic
In countries like Brazil, stevioside from the stevia plant is used for treating diabetes.
In a study, 12 patients with type-2 diabetes were given a standard meal. One group was given stevia and the other group was given starch(control group).
The results reported that stevioside reduced the postprandial blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetic patients, indicating beneficial effects on glucose metabolism.
Stevia Leaves may help with Weight Management
Do you know that obesity is a major and possibly fatal issue? It is increasing rapidly as the world moves towards fast foods and sugary treats. Sugar is the main reason why people face weight issues and obesity. One tablespoon of sugar (12 grams) provides about 45 calories.
On the other hand, stevia is calorie-free. This is actually the main reason why stevia is a proper alternative to sugar, as it may keep you full longer without extra calories.
In a study of 31 adults, two groups were given a 290-calorie snack made with stevia and a 500-calorie snack made with sugar. The stevia group reported a more fullness level. In fact, they felt more satiated even though they consumed fewer calories as compared to the control group.
To Conclude
With this powerful combination of butterfly blue pea flower, spearmint, peppermint, and stevia leaves, the Cool Green Ocean is a unique blend that is a must-try. Combining all the benefits from the potent ingredients, it acts as a potion of life.
So, give it a whirl, and make sure to let us know your valuable opinions. Don’t forget to try all the other amazing teas from our wide range of fine concoctions. Ono Teas brings you this minty freshness right at your doorsteps.
If you are a woman, here’s a tea specially crafted for you: Spearmint PCOD Tea. You can find out why spearmint is great for you by reading Spearmint: A Boon for the Ladies. If you like exploring the health benefits of all these exciting teas, make sure you check out our other blogs such as Stay Fresh and Lovely with Rose Mint Tea.
