In India and many other counties in the world, the term chai simply means tea. In America, however, chai tea is related with the warm spiced tea blend.
Chai tea is a blend of black tea with various spices. Spices in chai tea can include black pepper, cloves, ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg and sometimes even fennel. Most of the time, milk is added to the tea blend after it is brewed and the combination of milk with the chai spices provides a rich and aromatic flavor profile that is comforting and invigorating.
The infusion of these diverse spices has a unique taste and offers a tapestry of potential health benefits, making chai tea a delightful and wholesome beverage for a colder season.
Health benefits of chai tea
Chai tea ingredients have diverse health benefits, which is supported by cellular, animal, and human randomized control trials. While many benefits are supported, more research is required to approve them.
Black tea, the essence of chai, is a powerhouse of health benefits. Its leaves boast a blend of bioactive constituents — polyphenols, amino acids, volatile compounds, and alkaloids—contributing to a robust tapestry of anti-disease activities. Beyond being a flavorful base for chai, black tea emerges as a potent elixir with profound health benefits.
By consuming a minimum of three cups of black tea daily may reduce the risk of heart disease. It may improve cholesterol levels and aid in weight loss through polyphenols which control fat and complex sugar digestion.Long-term consumption further improves blood pressure, mitigating complications like kidney failure, heart attacks, and strokes.
Unsweetened black tea proves beneficial for those with diabetes, lowering blood sugar levels and potentially improves insulin sensitivity.
The polyphenols in black tea, specifically theaflavins, and theaflavin-3,3-digallate, may help to fight cancer by focusing on hormone-dependent breast tumors and stopping the growth of tumor cells. Broader polyphenols disturb cancer cell survival through dual pathways, which increases cancer cell death.
Antioxidant boost. Daily one to six cups of black tea can improve your antioxidant status. Its polyphenols neutralize excess free radicals, which reduces the onset of various chronic health issues.
Chai tea is safe for most people, but a few considerations include:
Allergies- People allergic to spices in chai tea should avoid this warming drink.
Caffeine- While chai usually contains less caffeine than coffee, it is advisable for all to moderate their intake, limiting consumption to no more than 8 cups per day, and even less if you have caffeine sensitivity or a heart condition requiring moderation of caffeine.
Sugar- If you are observing your sugar intake or live with diabetes, be mindful of the sugar content in pre-made blends.
The presence of spices in chai tea blends is usually safe and has minimal risk of toxicity or medication interactions. However, as with anything, extreme consumption carries potential risks. Refraining from excessive chai tea intake is advisable to ensure a balanced and safe consumption.
Some ingredients in chai tea might boost your metabolism, even though more research is needed. Overall, it’s a low-calorie drink and can be enjoyed on a daily basis.
