Chai Tea: 15 Benefits for Health and Well-being
Calling it "chai tea" is a bit redundant, as "chai" is actually the word for tea in languages like Hindi and Turkish. Despite the redundancy, chai tea is still the term many people use to refer to this sweet and fragrant blend of black tea, milk, and spices that originated in India and is now popular around the world.
Chai tea not only tastes good, but it's also very good for your health. Chai tea is packed with ingredients with beneficial properties, such as black tea, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom, among others. Although the specific spices used in chai tea can vary, these ingredients are some of the common spices often included in chai tea blends.
In this article, we'll focus on breaking down the many benefits of chai tea.
Benefits of chai tea
These are the most important benefits of chai tea:
1. Rich in antioxidants
Chai tea is a great source of antioxidants, which act to reduce free radicals in the body and promote cellular health. They may even help prevent degenerative and certain chronic diseases. Like other types of tea made from the tea plant or Camellia sinensis, black tea is very rich in antioxidants. Cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves are also high in antioxidants.
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2. It is very digestive
Drinking chai tea can also help improve digestion and relieve stomach problems. Studies show that drinking black tea can have a positive effect on digestion and may help prevent gastrointestinal problems. Ginger is also a potent aid in improving digestion, and its consumption can help improve gastrointestinal symptoms and help the digestive system function properly. Cardamom also has many digestive benefits.
3. Protects the heart
The ingredients in chai tea have been shown to help improve heart health. Black tea contains flavonoids, a special compound that is key to many of its important health benefits. Flavonoids may help prevent plaque buildup in the body's arteries, which reduces pressure on the heart. Cinnamon has also been shown to help treat cardiovascular disease and reduce bad cholesterol, or LDL.
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4. Good for the skin
Black tea is high in skin-friendly vitamins and minerals, such as zinc, magnesium, and potassium, which can help protect and rejuvenate the skin. In addition to these beneficial compounds, drinking tea is also a great way to stay hydrated, which can help skin look healthy, fresh, and nourished. Incorporating chai tea into your routine can help your skin stay hydrated and healthy.
5. Increases energy and concentration
Whether you're looking for a good cup of tea to get you going in the morning or to give you a boost throughout the day, black tea is an energizing tea that can help increase alertness and concentration. Black teas, like chai tea, contain a moderate amount of caffeine to give you a boost of energy when you're feeling sluggish. When combined with L-theanine, also found in tea, the caffeine in black tea helps promote concentration and alertness.
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6. Protects teeth
Unlike other caffeinated beverages, which can contain a lot of sugar, tea has been shown to be good for oral health. Studies have shown that black tea contains compounds that attack harmful bacteria in the mouth, which can help prevent plaque buildup. Ginger and cardamom also contain antimicrobial and antifungal properties that can help eliminate harmful oral pathogens. This can help improve your overall health and keep your teeth healthy.
7. Reduces inflammation
Chai tea contains many ingredients that can help fight inflammation, such as black tea, ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom. Black tea can help reduce inflammation in the body, which can relieve muscle soreness and chronic pain, as well as prevent inflammation-related conditions like arthritis.
Cinnamon has also been shown to help reduce inflammation and soothe pain. Whether you're suffering from temporary inflammation due to injury or exercise, or from chronic inflammatory conditions like arthritis, a cup of cinnamon tea can have powerful anti-inflammatory effects.
Ginger may also help with inflammation and has been used for centuries in herbal medicine for its potent anti-inflammatory effects. Recent studies support claims that ginger has potent anti-inflammatory properties.
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8. Relieves headaches
Black tea is known for relieving mild headaches due to its moderate caffeine content. It constricts the blood vessels that often cause headaches, which can help soothe symptoms and reduce pain. The caffeine in black tea can also help increase the effectiveness of pain relievers like aspirin and ibuprofen. However, you shouldn't drink too much tea, as too much caffeine can also cause headaches.
9. Fights colds
If you're feeling under the weather, a cup of chai can help relieve the symptoms of the common cold. Black tea contains catechins with antiviral properties that may help prevent common illnesses like colds and the flu. Ginger contains antimicrobial properties that can help fight illnesses like strep throat. Cinnamon contains unique antibacterial properties that can help protect you from infection and keep you safe and healthy. Additionally, cardamom and clove also contain antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, making chai tea a great choice if you want to ward off viruses and colds.
10. Relieves period pain
A cup of chai tea can go a long way toward soothing menstrual pain. Studies have shown that cinnamon can have a powerful effect on relieving symptoms associated with periods. Cinnamon helps reduce period pain, nausea, and menstrual bleeding, and is a safe and effective treatment for painful periods. Ginger can help treat symptoms and relieve cramps. In fact, one study suggests that consuming ginger may be as effective as taking over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen. In another study, ginger was shown to successfully reduce both the duration and intensity of menstrual pain.
11. Soothes sore throats
If your throat is sore, a cup of warm, spiced chai tea can help relieve your symptoms. Ingredients like black tea, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, and clove contain antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe a sore throat.
12. Good for brain function
Preliminary studies suggest that cinnamon may help improve brain function and reduce cognitive decline. Ginger has also been shown to improve cognitive function and may help increase concentration.
13. Strengthens the immune system
Chai tea can also help boost your immune system. Ginger has powerful antibacterial properties that can help ward off dangerous pathogens and keep you healthy. Ginger can also help keep your immune system in top shape thanks to its anti-inflammatory effects. Black teas, like chai tea, also contain catechins, which may help reduce the risk of viral infections.
14. Reduces muscle pain
If you suffer from muscle pain, a delicious cup of chai tea can help. Ginger has also been shown to help reduce pain and soothe aching muscles. A recent study revealed that consuming ginger can help treat muscle pain and discomfort caused by exercise. Ginger has also been shown to help treat pain from injuries and chronic illnesses.
15. Calms nausea
A cup of chai tea can be a simple and effective way to relieve nausea and soothe an upset stomach. Ginger has been shown to help calm general nausea and morning sickness associated with pregnancy, and it can help you feel better if you're feeling queasy.
How do you prepare chai tea?
Chai tea is typically prepared with black tea and five basic spices: cardamom, ginger, black pepper, cinnamon, and cloves. Chai tea is often prepared with milk instead of water, or you can also add a little milk after preparing it with hot water. If you want to learn how to prepare it like a pro, you can read our Guide: Make Chai Latte Tea Like a Barista .
