Chai nowadays is more than just a drink…it’s a way of life. It’s a mark of hospitality, a sign of warmth and welcome, a way of forging connections between people. A warm and comforting beverage that has been enjoyed for centuries, spanning continents and cultures, withstanding the test of time.
There’s no denying that a warm cup of tea has a calming effect on the mind and body. But did you know that tea – and spiced tea, in particular – can boost your health & wellness?
Let’s start with the basics: What is spiced tea?
Tea and spices share a long history. Dating back to ancient times, tea and spices were often combined for their medicinal properties. It all began in India (the tea hub of the world!) where tea leaves were boiled with spices like ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves to craft a beverage with both flavor and health benefits. And so spiced tea, or masala chai, was born. It became a staple of Indian culture and quickly spread throughout the world.
The health benefits of spiced tea
Each of the spices used in spiced tea have unique health benefits. So let’s dive into the world of spiced tea and explore how it not only warms your body and soul, but also boosts your health & wellness.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are the key components in tea that have been shown to have positive effects on immune health. They help by counteracting oxidative stress – similar to the rusting of metal caused by oxygen – in the body. Black and green tea, in particular, are packed with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cholesterol-lowering properties.
Cardamom too has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, while cinnamon can improve blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Disease prevention
Research has shown that tea isn’t just a cozy beverage… It’s also excellent for disease prevention. Besides protecting the body against chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease, tea has been found to help improve brain function, and even aid in weight loss.
Of course, you can’t rely solely on tea for disease prevention, but studies do show that incorporating a reasonable amount of caffeine into an otherwise healthy diet can be quite beneficial for your body.
Mood enhancer
Spiced tea can improve both physical and emotional health. The act of sipping on a warm cup of tea is incredibly soothing and can help reduce stress and anxiety. The caffeine in tea can help improve focus and alertness, while the amino acid L-theanine has been shown to have a calming effect on the mind.
So next time you’re in the mood for a warm cup of tea, consider spiced tea to provide that extra boost to your health & wellness.
Until next time, cheers to good health and warm hearts!
