Chai Tea
What is chai tea
Chai tea is a warm spicy drink made up of black tea, aromatic spices, fresh herbs and milk. Strongly rooted in the Indian Ayurvedic tradition, the most common spices used to make chai tea are ginger, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and black pepper. It may also be prepared with honey or sugar to create a sweeter flavor.
History of chai tea?
Chai tea is an ancient beverage dating back thousands of years. Its origins can be traced back to the Indian subcontinent, where it is imbibed as a healing and health-boosting beverage made with tea leaves and aromatic spices like cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and black pepper. In India, it is known as Masala Chai, with masala meaning “mixed spices”.
References to the drink appeared in ancient Ayurvedic texts, where it was prescribed for its restorative qualities. Chai was believed to possess numerous health benefits, including boosting energy and reducing inflammation, among other things.
In the mid-1700s, Britain began to colonize India and tea became widely adopted as an export. Chai tea also went on to become popular among the British and other Europeans who enjoyed the infusion of the spices in the tea.
Today, chai is popular around the world. Many coffeehouses offer a variety of different chai tea blends and the beverage can be found in a variety of flavors.
Health benefits of chai spices
1. High in antioxidants: Traditionally, chai is brewed using a mixture of spices that contain antioxidants, including ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, and black pepper. These spices are rich in polyphenols, which are compounds found in plants that can help to reduce inflammation and boost the immune system.
2. May help to improve digestion: One of the most beneficial spices in traditional chai is the spice ginger. Ginger has been known to help reduce nausea, aid digestion, and even help to reduce bloating.
3. May help to reduce blood pressure: The spices used to make chai, such as cinnamon and cardamom, may help to reduce blood pressure. Cinnamon has been found to help improve blood vessel health and dilate blood vessels, while cardamom may help to reduce inflammation, relax blood vessels, and reduce cholesterol.
4. May help to boost metabolism: One of the more popular spices used in chai is the spice cardamom. Cardamom has been found to have thermogenic effects, which may aid in boosting the metabolism and improving weight loss.
5. Can aid in the detoxification process: Traditional chai also includes the spice turmeric, which is known for its detoxifying properties. Turmeric can help to flush toxins from the body, making it a great aid in the detox process.