When it comes to tea, we often think of the usual suspects: black tea, green tea, and maybe even oolong or white tea.
But recently, there’s been a new addition to the tea family that’s gaining attention: purple tea. Grown primarily in Kenya, this rare and vibrant tea has quickly become popular among health enthusiasts for its unique benefits.
If you’ve never heard of purple tea or are curious about what sets it apart, this blog will introduce you to everything you need to know about purple tea benefits and what makes it different from other teas.
What is Purple Tea?
Purple tea comes from the same plant as green and black teas—the Camellia sinensis plant—but it stands out because of its distinctive purple-colored leaves. This unusual coloration is due to high levels of anthocyanins, the same antioxidants that give blueberries, grapes, and other purple fruits and vegetables their colour.
Purple tea is predominantly grown in the highlands of Kenya, where the cool temperatures, high altitude, and specific soil conditions help produce this vibrant tea variety.
What Makes Purple Tea Different?
Before diving into purple tea benefits, it’s important to understand what sets purple tea apart from other teas. Beyond its color, purple tea differs in the following ways:
- Lower caffeine content: Purple tea contains less caffeine compared to green or black tea, making it a good option for those looking to limit their caffeine intake.
- Higher antioxidant levels: The anthocyanins in purple tea contribute to its higher antioxidant content, which provides a range of health benefits we’ll cover in detail.
- Unique flavor: Purple tea has a smooth, slightly earthy taste with subtle floral or fruity notes. It’s not as bitter as green tea or as bold as black tea, making it a middle-ground option for tea lovers.
Health Benefits
Following are the purple tea benefits for health.
1. Rich in Antioxidants
One of the biggest reasons people turn to purple tea is for its high antioxidant content.
Antioxidants are compounds that help protect the body from oxidative stress caused by free radicals—unstable molecules that can damage cells. Free radicals are linked to aging, inflammation, and various diseases like cancer and heart disease.
Purple tea’s rich supply of anthocyanins gives it superior antioxidant power, protecting the body from various chronic diseases.
Antioxidants protect skin cells from damage, which can slow down the appearance of wrinkles, age spots, and other signs of aging.
Consuming foods and beverages high in antioxidants, like purple tea, helps to support the immune system and maintain cellular health.
2. May Have Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Chronic inflammation is at the root of many diseases, including arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, and even some cancers. Fortunately, purple tea contains compounds with anti-inflammatory properties.
Purple tea contains anthocyanins, which are known to reduce inflammation in the body, making purple tea a beneficial choice for those dealing with inflammatory conditions or looking to prevent them.
Those with arthritis or joint pain may benefit from purple tea’s ability to lower inflammation, potentially reducing discomfort and stiffness.
Chronic inflammation can contribute to heart disease, and the anti-inflammatory properties of purple tea may help protect the cardiovascular system.
Regular consumption of purple tea may help relieve various inflammatory conditions.
3. May Help in Weight Management and Fat Burning
For those looking to manage their weight, purple tea could be an excellent addition to your routine.
Recent studies suggest that purple tea may help with weight loss by supporting fat metabolism and reducing fat absorption.
The polyphenols in purple tea are believed to increase the body’s ability to burn fat, making it easier to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
Purple tea may also block the absorption of dietary fat, helping to prevent the accumulation of body fat over time.
These effects make purple tea an appealing option for anyone seeking to shed a few pounds naturally while enjoying a refreshing drink.
4. May Support Heart Health
Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, so finding ways to support heart health is more important than ever.
Thankfully, purple tea can be part of a heart-healthy diet due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Research has shown that purple tea can help reduce levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) while maintaining or improving good cholesterol (HDL). This helps prevent the buildup of plaque in the arteries, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Some studies suggest that the antioxidants in purple tea may help lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels, allowing for better circulation and reduced strain on the heart.
Regular consumption of purple tea, along with a balanced diet and lifestyle, can contribute to overall cardiovascular health.
5. May Help Protect Against Cancer
Cancer is a complex disease with many causes, but lifestyle choices and diet can play a role in prevention.
The high antioxidant content of purple tea, particularly the anthocyanins, may help protect against certain types of cancer.
Anthocyanins have been studied for their potential to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and even trigger the death of cancerous cells.
Free radicals can cause mutations in DNA that lead to cancer. By neutralizing free radicals, purple tea may lower the risk of such mutations and, in turn, reduce cancer risk.
While more research is needed to fully understand the cancer-fighting properties of purple tea, its high levels of antioxidants make it a promising addition to a cancer-prevention diet.
6. May Promote Brain Health
As we age, cognitive decline becomes a concern for many people. The antioxidants in purple tea may also have benefits for the brain, helping to protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Anthocyanins have been shown to improve memory and cognitive function by enhancing blood flow to the brain.
Regular consumption of antioxidant-rich foods and beverages, like purple tea, may help protect brain cells from oxidative stress, which is a key factor in age-related cognitive decline.
7. May Boost Immune System
With its rich antioxidant content, purple tea may also give your immune system a much-needed boost.
Antioxidants play a crucial role in supporting the immune system by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which can compromise immune function.
Purple tea’s antioxidants may help your body better defend itself against infections like the common cold or flu.
If you do get sick, drinking purple tea could help reduce the severity of symptoms and speed up recovery, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.
A strong immune system is essential for overall well-being, and adding purple tea to your routine is a simple way to support your body’s natural defenses.
8. May Improve Skin Health
Who doesn’t want healthy, glowing skin? Purple tea’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties extend to skin health, helping to protect the skin from damage caused by pollution, UV rays, and other environmental factors.
The antioxidants in purple tea fight free radicals that contribute to wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots, promoting a youthful appearance.
The anti-inflammatory effects of purple tea may help calm irritated or inflamed skin, making it beneficial for those with conditions like acne or eczema.
Drinking purple tea regularly could be a natural way to support your skincare routine from the inside out.
How to Brew Purple Tea
Making purple tea is simple, and you can enjoy it hot or cold.
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon of loose purple tea leaves (or one tea bag)
- 1 cup of hot water
- Lemon or honey (optional)
Instructions:
- Bring water to a near boil and pour it over the tea leaves.
- Allow the tea to steep for 3-5 minutes. The tea will take on a beautiful purple hue.
- If you like, add a few drops of lemon juice for a deeper color change, and sweeten with honey if desired.
- Enjoy your tea hot or let it cool and serve it over ice for a refreshing iced purple tea.
Potential Side Effects
Although purple tea offers numerous benefits, there are some risks and side effects to consider:
- Caffeine Sensitivity: Purple tea, as derived from Camellia sinesis, contains caffeine, which can lead to insomnia, nervousness, or increased heart rate in sensitive individuals.
- Allergic Reactions: Some people may experience allergic reactions, such as skin rashes or gastrointestinal distress.
- Stomach Upset: Consuming too much purple tea may lead to stomach upset or digestive issues.
- Interactions with Medications: Purple tea might interact with certain medications, especially blood thinners or those for heart conditions, due to its antioxidant properties.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: The effects of purple tea during pregnancy and breastfeeding are not well studied, so it is advisable for pregnant or nursing women to consult a healthcare provider before consumption.
- Excessive Consumption: Overconsumption of any tea can lead to adverse effects like dehydration, increased heart rate, and jitteriness.
As always, moderation is key, and it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional if you have specific health concerns or conditions.
Final Thoughts
Purple tea is more than a beautiful drink; it’s a wellness powerhouse.
With benefits like heart health support, immune-boosting properties, weight management, and anti-aging effects, this rare tea is a simple yet impactful addition to your daily routine.
Its vibrant color and unique flavor make it enjoyable, while its nutrients work wonders for your health.
So, if you’re looking to sip on something both delicious and beneficial, pour yourself a cup of purple tea and let its natural goodness boost your day.
You may also check out
10 Health Benefits of Green Tea with Lemon
7 Surprising Benefits of Blue Tea