THE MANY BENEFITS OF CHAI TEA

Legend and lore suggest chai tea was invented by a royal king in India who kept his recipe undisclosed and sacred. In fact chai tea is a product of Ayurveda, a science of India that dates as far back as five thousand years. Chai (which simply means 'tea' in India) does not refer to a particular type of tea but the manner in which it is prepared and served, with milk/cream and honey/sugar. Traditionally each family would have their own recipe of herbs and spices to mix and boil with tea leaves. This recipe was based on available ingredients and the constitutions of family members. Typically this is a highly potent blend that has myriad medicinal and health promoting properties.

As stated, chai is made using different formulas, depending on the region where it is being consumed, but there are a number of standard ingredients: black tea, ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, fennel, clove and black pepper. When analyzing chai’s health benefits, it’s important to examine each ingredient in turn. Though they act synergistically to increase each other’s benefits, the separate botanical components have powerful health benefits on their own.

Black tea, source of antioxidants and low in caffeine
Tea has different antioxidants, including polyphenols and catechins. Although all types of tea contain these essential antioxidants, green tea has higher concentrations of catechins than black tea. Antioxidants, such as catechins, work to protect the cells from free radical damage. The polyphenols in tea also help to inhibit tumor growth in some animal and laboratory studies, according to the National Cancer Institute. The antioxidants may work to protect against the damage from ultraviolet rays and improve immune function.

Chai tea is low in caffeine: a typical cup of chai tea prepared as directed contains approximately 40mg of caffeine (4 oz of black tea) compared to roughly 120mg in an average cup of coffee. However, the caffeine in tea seems to work differently due to the interaction with a component of tea known as tannin, which has a calming effect on the nervous system. This causes the caffeine to be absorbed much more slowly, avoiding the caffeine "shock" and inducing a calm, relaxed yet focused state. Because chai doesn't have the caffeine "shock" of coffee, you can enjoy a few extra cups. Many people find they can even have it in the evening without disturbing sleep. (If you are highly sensitive to caffeine, however, try rooibos chai as it is naturally caffeine free.)

Black pepper aids in digestion and boosts your metabolism
Black pepper is one of the first ingredients to stimulate the body as it works with the taste buds and their relationship to the stomach.  The taste buds signal the stomach to excrete hydrochloric acid which is necessary for digestion of proteins and other food components.  If food goes undigested by the stomach it can sit sedentary for hours. This leads to symptoms of indigestion and/or heartburn.
In addition research shows that black pepper may affect our metabolism. The study demonstrated black pepper’s direct influence on fat storage, suggesting that it may be useful to prevent fat accumulation.

Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant effects
Cinnamon is considered to be one of the world’s oldest known spices.  There was a time when it was considered such a commodity it was used as a type of currency.  It is found in nearly every chai. It aids in digestion by calming the stomach, fighting bacteria and fungus.  Furthermore, research has shown that cinnamon has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant effects and studies found that it increases production of insulin. Cinnamon also enhances the effects of other herbs and bridges the gap between flavors.

Fennel supports liver, gallbladder, and spleen function
Fennel has also been well known for centuries by the Greeks, Egyptians, and Eastern cultures for its culinary and medicinal uses.  It is one of those super foods as it contains vitamin C and B, supports liver, gallbladder, and spleen function, as well as aiding in digestion by dispersing flatulence causing bacteria. Fennel is also a good source of fiber so it helps to keep the large intestine and colon healthy.

Ginger improves circulation, boosts the immune system and reduces inflammation
An important root used in Eastern medicine, ginger aids digestion, improves circulation, boosts the immune system and reduces inflammation, which can be especially helpful for people suffering from arthritis. It offers antioxidant support, and some research has also shown that ginger can help fight cancer cells. (Read all details and scientific evidence here: http://rulethediet.blogspot.ca/) 

Cloves have analgesic and antimicrobial properties
Cloves are often found in various chai teas. They are revered for their ability to kindle the digestive fire, but they also have analgesic (pain relieving) properties and may help alleviate ulcer pains. In addition, cloves have antimicrobial action.


Nex time you're thinking what to drink... choose chai tea and enjoy its flavours and health benefits!
And if you'd like to know how to prepare your chai tea... watch this video:

Sources: http://www.naturalmedicinejournal.com/, http://www.pacificcollege.edu/ , http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/ , http://www.chai-direct.com/, https://www.youtube.com/