Can Drinking Butterfly Pea Flower Increase Uric Acid Levels?

Q: Can Drinking Butterfly Pea Flower Increase Uric Acid Levels?

Hello： <br>1. <br>The butterfly pea flower beverage contains juice, soda, and honey, with honey making up about 70-80% of the total. <br>The main components are fructose and glucose, and many studies have confirmed that fructose can indirectly increase the production of uric acid

Is it true that consuming too much butterfly pea flower can lead to increased uric acid levels?

Hello, butterfly pea flower is currently very popular, but my father heard from a friend that consuming too much butterfly pea flower can lead to high uric acid levels.
He also mentioned that it should only be sweetened with rock sugar and not granulated sugar (but aren't they both sugar?).
I've heard that there are four groups of people (pregnant women, those on their menstrual period, post-surgery patients, and those on anticoagulants) who should avoid butterfly pea flower.
I would like to know if people with gout can drink it.
Does consuming too much really cause high uric acid levels?

sheng, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/04/20

Dr. Fan Chunmei reply Nutrition

Hello:
1.
The butterfly pea flower beverage contains juice, soda, and honey, with honey making up about 70-80% of the total.
The main components are fructose and glucose, and many studies have confirmed that fructose can indirectly increase the production of uric acid.

2.
The main component of white sugar is sucrose, which is a disaccharide composed of one molecule of glucose and one molecule of fructose, commonly found in natural foods such as sugarcane, sugar beets, and fruits.
It is generally advised to limit the intake of sugary beverages in the diet.

3.
Butterfly pea flower has effects such as "antiplatelet aggregation" and "promoting uterine contractions." Therefore, it is not recommended for pregnant women, those with heavy menstrual flow, patients preparing for surgery, and individuals who regularly take anticoagulant medications.

Wishing you health and happiness!
Sincerely,
Dietitian Fan Chun-Mei, Director of the Nutrition Department, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2018/04/20

More Info

The Butterfly Pea Flower, known scientifically as Clitoria ternatea, has gained popularity in recent years for its vibrant blue color and potential health benefits. However, there are concerns regarding its consumption, particularly for individuals with gout or high uric acid levels.
To address your question, it is important to understand the relationship between diet, sugar intake, and uric acid levels. The Butterfly Pea Flower itself does not inherently increase uric acid levels. However, the way it is often consumed can contribute to this issue. Many people enjoy Butterfly Pea Flower tea with added sweeteners such as sugar or honey. It is crucial to note that high fructose intake, particularly from sweeteners like honey and fruit juices, can lead to increased uric acid production in the body. Fructose is metabolized in the liver, where it can be converted into purines, which are then broken down into uric acid. Therefore, if you are consuming Butterfly Pea Flower tea with high amounts of sugar or honey, it could potentially contribute to elevated uric acid levels.

For individuals with gout, it is generally advisable to limit the intake of foods and beverages high in sugar, particularly those containing fructose. This means that while the Butterfly Pea Flower itself may not be problematic, the accompanying sweeteners could pose a risk if consumed in excess. Moderation is key, and it would be wise for someone with gout to monitor their overall sugar intake, including that from drinks made with Butterfly Pea Flower.

Regarding the specific groups mentioned—pregnant women, those on their menstrual cycle, individuals preparing for surgery, and those taking anticoagulants—these recommendations are based on the potential effects of Butterfly Pea Flower on blood coagulation and uterine contractions. While these groups should exercise caution, the primary concern for gout patients remains the sugar content in their beverages.

In conclusion, if you have gout, you can enjoy Butterfly Pea Flower tea, but it is essential to be mindful of how much sugar you add. Opting for unsweetened versions or using minimal amounts of natural sweeteners can help mitigate any potential risks associated with uric acid levels. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice, especially if you have underlying health conditions like gout.

Similar Q&A

Health Risks of Consuming Butterfly Pea Flower: What You Need to Know

Hello, it has recently been stated that butterfly pea flowers are not suitable for consumption, but my family members have been eating the flowers and drinking them for 3-4 months. I would like to ask what effects "consuming butterfly pea flowers" might have? Since they...

Dr. Liao Yaopan reply Family Medicine
Hello, there is currently no evidence-based conclusion regarding the relevant information. Clinically, there are no tests for this component, and it is still recommended to use caution in its application without sufficient food safety assessments. Online consultations are not equ...

Is Vegetable Broth Safe for High Uric Acid Levels?

Dear Nutritionist: I have heard that broth contains high levels of purines, making it unsuitable for individuals with high uric acid levels, such as beef or pork broth. However, would vegetable broth also contain excessive purines? Thank you for your response.

Dr. Liu Qiaoyun reply Nutrition
There are many types of vegetables, such as mushrooms including shiitake, straw mushrooms, enoki mushrooms, and wood ear mushrooms, which are all high in purines, so they should not be used to make broth. Additionally, legumes like soybeans, soybean sprouts, mung bean sprouts, an...

Can Barley Grass Tablets Help Lower High Uric Acid Levels?

Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if taking Chang Gung Biotechnology's barley grass tablets can help lower high uric acid levels. Thank you.

Dr. Huang Yaoxuan reply Internal Medicine
Non-medical consultation. Hello: "Chang Gung Biotechnology - Barley Grass Tablets" should be classified as a "dietary supplement," which is different from "medications." Before a medication is marketed by a pharmaceutical company, it must undergo mul...

Evaluating Dietary Remedies for High Uric Acid and Gout

I recently heard about a dietary therapy for high uric acid and gout, which involves drinking Pu-erh tea with Yakult, or Oolong tea with Yakult. Many people have reportedly found it effective, so my friend suggested that my brother-in-law try it. However, he is concerned about po...

Dr. Zhuang Yizhen reply Nutrition
Dear Miss Hsiao, The reason why the two types of tea you mentioned are believed to have miraculous effects in treating high uric acid levels and gout is primarily due to the diuretic properties of tea, which can promote the excretion of uric acid. As for their effectiveness, it ...