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Hello Chai lovers! Today we bring to you an exciting yet healthy tea topic, ‘Chai tea and all its phenomenal health benefits’’. Have you heard about Chai tea already? If yes, positively you will get to know a lot more about it. If no, then this article is just the right deal for you.
Without further ado, let’s jump right at it.
What is Chai Tea?
Chai tea is nothing but India’s famous Masala Chai with slight variations in presentation and toppings. Though in many places around the world Chai just means ‘Tea’, in the Western countries, Masala Chai has become quite popular and they refer to it as ‘Chai tea’, their version of Indian Masala Chai with some fun tweaks that make it an interesting, loved beverage. Its’ sweet and spicy aromatic flavour has attracted a lot more people from all over the world to try this tea and undoubtedly everyone has only nice things to say about it. Similar to how popular Lavender tea got given the delectable taste and of course the innumerable Lavender tea benefits, Chai tea boasts a grand list of benefits besides just being a delicious beverage.
Note: This article will refer to Masala Chai as Chai tea throughout.
Chai tea was widely consumed in India since the early 1900s. Vendors then used milk, sugar and other spices along with Black tea to make Chai tea to keep their costs down and their brews flavourful because Black tea was a very expensive ingredient. Chai tea became even more popular when during the 1960s mechanized form of tea brewing was introduced to the mass, making Black tea affordable throughout India.
What is Chaitea made of?
Chai tea is made of Black tea leaves mixed with other herbs and spices. The most common spices and herbs added are ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper and fennel. Some people also like to add star-anise, coriander seeds, peppercorns and other similar spices that all add a beautiful depth of flavour but also a ton of benefits to the drink.
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How is Chai tea brewed?
Traditionally, Chai tea was brewed by boiling water and adding Black tea leaves along with the other preferred spices into it, the amount of the spices and tea leaves varied as per the number of cups and sugar or another such sweetener was also added as per preferences.
You can follow the traditional method,
Add a teaspoon of Black tea leaves in boiling water and then add the spices you want in your tea. Let it boil for about 2 to 3 minutes, add sugar as per taste and then serve a piping hot cup of tea. You can also add milk when it boils which will give you a nice flavoured milk Chai tea.
Nowadays, Chai tea leaves are also available in the market, in which the tea leaves already contain all the desired spices and herbs required to make the Masala tea. It is a readymade form of Chai tea.
To make the readymade Chai tea,
You just have to boil the water and add the desired amount of the tea leaves into the water, then add sugar and milk as per your taste and preference, boil it for around 2 to 3 minutes. Top off with some frothed milk and Voila! Your Chai tea is ready to be served.
Some people also steep the tea leaves in hot water for about 10 minutes without actually boiling the leaves, that is another way of brewing tea.
Did you know, the several health benefits Chai tea offers? Here are some amazing benefits of this tea that elevates the already existing joy in sipping Chai tea.
8 amazing health benefits of Chai tea
Helps with the common cold and sore throat: All the raw spices and herbs (like ginger, cardamom, black pepper, cloves etc.) that are added in Chai tea are very good natural remedies to treat ailments like the common cold and sore throat. Since ages now, these herbs have been used as home remedies in Hindu culture and they still work wonders to cure health issues as such. Drinking Chai tea regularly will help to provide a shield against problems like the common cold and sore throat.
Supports the immunity system: The Natural ingredients used in Chai tea are very good immunity boosters if consumed on a daily basis. With proper diet plans and workout schedules, Chai tea has the power to give good results.
Reduces nausea: Chai tea contains ginger and when a few drops of lime are added to it, it becomes a great drink to tackle nausea. Drinking a cup of lime Chai tea reduces nausea instantly. It is a self-tested added benefit. Do try it!
Improves digestion: The anti-bacterial properties of cinnamon, cardamom, clove and black pepper that are used in Chai tea may help in preventing digestive issues caused by bacterial infections.
Additionally, black pepper itself has immense benefits to aid some digestive issues. Piperine (an alkaloid) found in black pepper, favourably stimulates the digestive enzymes of the pancreas, enhances digestive capacity and visibly reduces gastrointestinal food transit time.
Balances body weight: A regular consumption of Chai tea over a period of time (like 3 months)may help in improving body weight and body fat distribution. Black tea promotes the breakdown of fat and reduces the absorption of calories from food. Following a good diet and workout routines along with regular Chaitea consumption may reduce some significant amount of body weight.
Reduces fatigue and inattentiveness: Caffeine consumption is not always bad; in this case, it may help you overcome lethargy and lack of energy. Chai tea is a great option to wake you up and get your mornings started while boosting your energy levels perfectly. Also, reduce the amount of sugar level in your cup of Chai tea and you are good to go (you don’t want a sugar rush when you are trying to get rid of your laziness).
Improves heart health: Several studies have been conducted and are also being conducted as we speak, on the effects of Chai tea on heart health showing good results. Black tea and cinnamon may have properties that can help in lowering blood pressure and bad cholesterol.
Helps maintain levels of blood sugar: Ginger and cinnamon, two of the main ingredients of Chai tea may contribute to better blood sugar levels. A study conducted on type 2 diabetes patients revealed that 2 grams of ginger powder per day helped reduce blood sugar levels by up to 12%.
The bottom line…
Chai tea has been a popular beverage since the early 1900s and is becoming the favourite go-to drink of most people across the world with each day passing. With increasing consumption raises the question of the health benefits of Chai tea. Several studies have been conducted and are still being conducted on the same; all of the research projects have reported the benefits of Chai tea successfully supporting zero negative pieces of evidence.
Chai tea is a type of beverage suitable for all genders and age groups. So, what is the delay? Stock up on your favourites now.
References
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17987447/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22125725/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16710900/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27038843/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9815340/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24889137/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14633804/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4277626/
