Chai tea is a spiced drink quite popular in India. It is actually a brew of black tea combined with spices such as cinnamon, cardamom pods, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. It also has soy, milk, rice, or coconut milk mixed in it. The combination of all these ingredients gives it a perfect exotic twist. People around the world are also finding this drink quite interesting and are now trying it for various reasons. But is it good for you? Let's find out more about it.

Is Chai Tea Good for You?

Yes, it is, and that is mainly because of the ingredients used in preparation. Basic ingredients include cinnamon, black tea, cardamom, clove, and black pepper. These ingredients alone offers so many health benefits, and the combination of these ingredients helps prevent cancer, support digestion, promote heart health, and lower blood sugar levels.

Another impressive thing is that unlike other sweet drinks, most Chai Teas are free of any calories. You will be better off going for black Chai Tea if you are counting calories. Avoid prepared drinks, like lattes prepared with Chai Tea because of the presence of artificial sweeteners. You do not need added sugar because Chai Tea tastes sweet on its own. Therefore, you can satisfy your cravings for sugar by drinking a cup daily. Still, you can add a little honey if you want to make it taste even sweeter.

Reasons Why Chai Tea Is Good for You

Is Chai Tea good for you? Yes, it is. Thanks to all the combination of spices and herbs used to make Chai Tea, it helps treat several ailments and improve your overall health as well. Here are some of the benefits associated with the ingredients used in Chai Tea.

1.        Cinnamon

It is an essential part of Chai Tea and is very good for your digestive system. It cures bloating and enables your digestive system to process food faster. It also helps control your blood sugar levels, which in turn plays a role in eliminating excess fat and maintaining a healthy body weight. It is great for those trying to lose weight because it helps metabolize carbs and glucose. Eating cinnamon will also make you feel fuller and suppress appetite, preventing hunger pangs and making you eat less. Moreover, it increases blood circulation, increases awareness, opens breathing, and reduces fatigue.

2.        Ginger

It is another ingredient used in Chai Tea that makes it a power drink. The benefits of ginger come from compounds called gingerols that have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. Ginger blocks enzymes and genes that are known to cause bloating. It also works as a muscle relaxant and plays a role in reducing soreness you experience after exercise. Regular consumption of ginger may help improve cholesterol, reduce symptoms of arthritis, and prevent cancer.

3.        Fennel

Extracts of fennel has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It also works as a natural diuretic and discourages water retention, which in turn helps you look slimmer. Fennel also contains several compounds that relax the muscles in the digestive tract. This helps prevent bloating and allow trapped gas to pass easily.

4.        Black Tea

The answer to your question, "Is Chai Tea good for you?" is yes also because one of its ingredients is black tea. Black tea offers several benefits because it is loaded with antioxidants. It lowers your risk of developing cardiovascular disease by improving levels of 'good' LDL cholesterol. Some studies suggest that black tea also possesses anti-cancer and antiviral properties.

5.        Cardamom

It is known for its medicinal properties and is a part of almost every Tibetan medicine formula. It boosts your immune system and aids digestion as well. It detoxifies your body and promotes better blood circulation. Some believe that cardamom is also effective against respiratory allergies.

6.        Black Pepper

Studies show that black pepper plays a role in improving your metabolism, which can have a direct impact on your body weight. With a faster metabolic rate, you will be in a better position to burn calories and lose fat. It also has antioxidant and antibacterial properties and is great for your digestive system.

7.        Clove

Regular consumption of clove helps improve digestion. It also has analgesic properties and proves effective in alleviating ulcer pain. Studies show that clove possesses antibacterial properties as well.

Specific Benefits of Chai Tea

Is Chai Tea good for you? Yes, benefits of Chai Tea are associated with its ingredients, and the combination of those ingredients makes a drink that helps fight inflammation, improve immunity, enhance cardiovascular functioning, and slow aging. Here are some other interesting benefits of Chai Tea:

• It reduces cancer risk. Ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom has phytochemicals and antioxidants that fight and eliminate free radicals that damage DNA and cause cancer. It is especially beneficial against bowel cancer.
• It relieves premenstrual syndrome. A cup of Chai Tea may prove more effective than a hot water bottle in treating your PMS symptoms. Both ginger and cinnamon helps maintain hormonal balance and reduce pain associated with PMS.
• It improves metabolism. You do not need to diet hard and exercise harder when your metabolism is running at its full speed. Chai Tea stimulates pancreatic and digestive enzymes and boosts metabolism as well. It may also contribute to fat breakdown in the body.
• It lowers your risk of diabetes. Regular consumption of Chai spices may help regulate blood glucose levels and prevent type-2 diabetes. It keeps you from craving sweet food, which in turn stops blood-sugar levels from rising.