Chai tea may be beneficial to health in more ways than one
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The beverage we know as chai tea is a drink developed in the Indian subcontinent that is made by brewing black tea together with several aromatic herbs and spices. Known in local Indian terms as masala chai, this drink has since outgrown its traditional geographic boundaries and has become quite a worldwide phenomenon.
The health benefits of chai tea are multi-pronged, for these not only come from its black tea base - in itself already a wealth of beneficial antioxidants - but also from the various accompanying spices that individually are known for certain medicinal properties. |
The following are the traditional components of chai tea:
black tea
- cinnamon
- cardamom
- cloves
- nutmeg
- ginger
- fennel
- black pepper
Black Tea
The tea base in chai tea is typically Assam black tea, which has grown wild in the region since time immemorial. Black tea is rich in antioxidants that are known to help fight a host of diseases. Many believe tea may help lower the risk for such ailments as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. It is due to this belief that South Asians have historically seen tea as a medicinal drink rather than as a recreational beverage.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a spice that is obtained from the dried bark of several trees in the Lauraceaefamily. Growing in the tropics, cinnamon possesses a yellowish brown color and a uniquely pungent but fragrant odor. It is believed to enhance blood circulation, increase energy and vitality, and reduce fatigue. It is also thought to help fight cancer and diabetes.
Cardamom
This refers to the aromatic and pungent seeds found in the pods of the tropical evergreen plant also known as cardamom. This is a popular spice in both Indian and Chinese cuisines. Cardamom is believed to help tonify the lungs, kidneys, and heart. It is also thought to help facilitate good digestion and fight stomach problems.
Cloves
Native to the spice islands of Indonesia , cloves are the aromatic floral buds of a tree in the Myrtaceae family. This spice has been used by the Chinese since 300 B.C. for both culinary and medicinal purposes. Cloves are believed to possess potent pain-relieving and antiseptic attributes. Cloves are likewise used to help relieve upset stomach, colic and gas.
Nutmeg
Nutmeg is the kernel of the apricot-like fruit of a tropical tree. It is a popular spice for various savory dishes. Nutmeg has been used for centuries to help promote the digestion of heavy foods. It was used by ancient Arab physicians to treat kidney and lymph problems. It has likewise been utilized to treat diarrhea, rheumatism, as well as congestion in the chest.
Ginger
Ginger is the aromatic rhizome (underground stem) of the plant zingiber oficinale . Its strong flavor makes it a popular spice in countless food dishes and drinks worldwide. Long valued as a stimulant for the circulatory and the immune systems, ginger has been utilized to treat such disparate conditions as muscle pains, dizziness, headaches and motion sickness.
Fennel
Fennel seeds are commonly used to flavor many dishes the world throughout. It is especially popular in fish and curry dishes. Fennel is believed to possess medicinal properties. The spice is thought to help fight a host of digestive and respiratory ailments. It is also believed to anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial qualities.
Black Pepper
Black pepper is one of the most widely used culinary spices in the world. It is also believed to help support circulation and metabolism. It is also thought to possess antibacterial and antioxidant properties. The version of chai tea now mostly known throughout the world is the chai latte where milk and a sweetening agent (like sugar or honey) are added to the basic chai tea. However, it is believed that milk somewhat lessens the effectiveness of the antioxidants in the black tea component of the tea. As such, the traditional Indian version of chai tea is still believed to impart higher levels of healthy antioxidants.
Based on Ayurvedic philosophy, spices are believed to bring about a calmer, revitalized and mentally-clarified state of being. That is why chai tea can be considered an ideal antidote and remedy to the aggravations brought about by everyday stress in modern life. |
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Chai Tea Benefits Trivia:
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The black tea base of chai tea is typically of the Assam or Ceylon variety. Both of these varieties are grown in the South Asian region where a huge percentage of the world's black tea supplies come from. Chai tea originated in India where the abundance of both black tea and culinary spices naturally resulted in the development of this gastronomic tea delight.
Cinnamon is one of the ingredient spices in chai tea. This delightful spice has been found to help improve blood circulation as well as help in lowering bad cholesterol levels in the body. It is similarly used as an ingredient in pastries and candies.
Cardamom is another spice that contributes to the richness of the flavor in chai tea. It comes from an evergreen plant mostly grown in India and Guatemala. It has a pungent and aromatic flavor that may help in the relief of certain digestive problems.
Antioxidants in chai tea help fight the damages wrought by free radicals which are viewed as the source of many of today's debilitating diseases. Did you know that aside from the catechins that are so abundant in tea, there are a lot of other types of antioxidants? Discover them all here.
Chai tea can sometimes be made using oolong tea or green tea as its base. Both of these teas are believed to provide considerably higher levels of antioxidants than black tea due to the shorter oxidation process that these teas undergo. However, the practice of adding milk to chai tea is said to dilute the antioxidant benefits of the tea.
Chai tea has a considerable content of Vitamin B1 or thiamine. Thiamine is a water-soluble vitamin that enables the body to use its carbohydrate intake for energy-use. It also helps enhance blood circulation. Discover the benefits of thiamine here.
The quality of the water used to brew the tea is very important. It is believed that the water used must be free of contaminants and contain enough oxygen to enhance the natural flavor of the tea. Teas made with pure water yield a crisp flavor and a clear brew that is aesthetically pleasant. Learn more about the health benefits of water here.
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