Chai-flavored black tea has long been known to offer many health benefits. Hailing from India and now enjoyed the world over, chai tea contains a variety of antioxidants, spices and other properties that promote wellness. A basic prepared chai tea consists of black tea, heavy milk, spices and a sweetener. In addition to its inherent health properties, drinking chai will dramatically lower caffeine intake compared to consuming coffee.
Antioxidants
As green tea goes through the oxidation process to become black tea, a number of health-promoting antioxidants are created. These antioxidants strengthen the immune system when consumed on a regular basis, thereby improving illness prevention. Antioxidants are additionally capable of fighting off free radicals that cause cell damage, including some cancers and heart disease.
Healthy Spices
In addition to providing its flavor, chai tea's blend of spices offers a powerful health boost. Cinnamon, cardamom, clove, black pepper, nutmeg, Chinese star anise, ginger and fennel have all been used in Eastern herbology for various health benefits. For instance, herbologists suggest cinnamon helps increase circulation and improve breathing. Cardamom can elevate mood, and clove offers pain-relieving and antiseptic properties.
Tannin Benefits
Chai black tea contains a compound known as tannin which is known to counterbalance and enhance the more beneficial effects of caffeine. Tannin works as an inhibitor by slowing down the process of caffeine absorption by the body. This results in less risk of experiencing the caffeine "crash" that is usually suffered by coffee drinkers. While chai tea has a much lower caffeine content than regular coffee, the caffeine it does have can effectively be put to good use by tannin. This includes metabolic benefits that promote a calm, alert and focused state of being.
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