What Are The Health Benefits Of Chocolate Chai Tea?

Chai tea is a term for teas that include a mixture of herbs and spices. The recipe for chai tea varies from family to family as well as by manufacturer. The tea may be green, black, white or oolong. Most chai teas contain cinnamon, black pepper, fennel, ginger and cloves as the basic mixture. A discussion of the health benefits of chocolate chai tea must include the health benefits for each individual spice or herb, the chocolate, and the tea itself.

Tea

Tea is a complex beverage that contains caffeine, fluoride, flavonals and antioxidants called phenols and catechins, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. The institute says 3 cups of tea each day may decrease the risk of heart attack by about 11 percent. Tea has shown some promising effects on cancer in animal studies, but it is not known if it will help prevent cancer in humans. Tea may help to prevent fractures associated with osteoporosis.

Black Pepper and Cinnamon

According to the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, black pepper stimulates the secretion of hydrochloric acid and promotes digestion. Cinnamon calms the stomach and is antibacterial and anti-fungal. Cinnamon has also been found to improve glucose metabolism and increase insulin sensitivity, according to research reported in the July 2000 issue of “Agricultural Research.”

Ginger, Fennel and Cloves

Ginger has anti-nausea effects and can help decrease symptoms of motion sickness; it has also been used to decrease nausea from chemotherapy. Research reported at the May 2009 American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting found 1/2 to 1 gram of ginger daily reduced nausea related to chemotherapy treatments without side effects. Fennel aids in digestion, decreases gas, and contains vitamins C and B. Cloves are another digestive aid.

Chocolate

Chocolate is another complex food; the cacao bean contains more than 400 chemicals, some with health benefits. Pure chocolate is particularly rich in flavonoids, which helps to improve blood lipids such as low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Dark chocolate can help widen blood vessels and keep the linings smooth, which can improve coronary artery function and may lower blood pressure slightly. Chocolate can decrease platelet activation, a step in the clotting process that can cause stroke.

Considerations and Warnings

Some of the reported health benefits of chai tea are supported by research; others are traditional. The health benefits of chai tea do not substitute for professional care. If you have health problems or a chronic disease, consult a health care professional.