Originally cultivated in China, tea is the second most frequently drank beverage worldwide, according to the Fowler Museum at the University of California, Los Angeles; only water is consumed more often. The term "chai" is a common word used in various countries such as India to indicate the beverage "tea." In the United States and other locations, chai is also the shortened name for "masala chai," which means "spiced tea."
Features
A flavorful blended beverage from India, masala chai has become increasingly popular outside of the country, points out the Chai! website. The traditional version contains strong black tea, rich milk, sweetener and numerous distinctive, fragrant spices. Typical spices in chai include black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and ginger, in addition to the herb fennel. Although variations of chai -- such as iced preparations and convenient packaged dry mixes, for instance -- are available, individuals who prefer the classic form brew the beverage and drink it hot.
Nutrition Information
Dairy products such as milk and sweeteners such as sugar complement and bring out the flavors of the tea and the individual spices in chai. The additions also provide most of the calories and nutrients in the beverage, because tea and spices have virtually no calories. Traditional chai served in India usually incorporates fresh whole milk and sugar. This version would have about 19 calories for each ounce of milk and 16 calories for each teaspoon of sugar, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. Milk supplies fat, cholesterol, sugar and beneficial minerals, protein and vitamins, as well, but healthier lower-fat milk contains fewer calories and less fat.
Black Tea Properties
The black tea common in chai is one of four main types of tea. Unlike green, oolong and white teas, black tea is made from fully oxidized Camellia sinensis leaves, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. The oxidation process results in large amounts of the plant-based flavonoid chemicals, known as thearubigins and theaflavins, yet small amounts of the flavonoid referred to as catechin. Flavonoids are antioxidants that prevent damage from harmful free radicals. Drinking three or more cups of black tea each day may contribute to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, kidney stones, osteoporosis, Parkinson's disease and some cancers in humans, according to the Linus Pauling Institute and the National Institutes of Health. More research is needed to verify a precise association, however.
Herb and Spice Benefits
The fennel and spices frequently featured in chai are known for their overall ability to help promote better digestive health, notes the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. For example, black pepper stimulates the stomach to produce hydrochloric acid required for breaking down food, while fennel inhibits bacteria that cause gas and cloves refresh your mouth and throat, according to the college. Like black tea, cinnamon is also a health-protecting antioxidant, and ginger is a recognized anti-nausea remedy that soothes the stomach, states the Royal Society of Chemistry.
Caffeine Considerations
Black tea is 2 to 4 percent caffeine, with each 8-oz. cup containing approximately 42 to 72 mg of the chemical stimulant, reports the National Institutes of Health. This is less than the roughly 72 to 130 mg of caffeine in a similar serving of brewed coffee, but it is enough to increase your alertness and need to urinate. Drinking more than five or so cups of black tea daily can produce reactions to the large amount of caffeine, however. Potential side effects include difficulty sleeping, headache, irregular heartbeat, nervousness and even dependence, according to the National Institutes of Health.
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