6 Health Benefits of Drinking Chai Tea

Talking about “chai tea” is a little bit redundant, since “chai” is actually just the word for tea in Hindi. “Masala chai,” another common term, means “spiced tea” in Hindi. Despite the redundancy, “chai tea” is still the term many people use to refer to this sweet, fragrant concoction of black tea, milk, and spices that originated in India and is now popular all over the world.

Not only does chai tea taste good, but it’s also really good for you! Chai is full of ingredients with beneficial properties, including black tea, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and more. While the specific spices used in chai tea may vary, these ingredients are some common spices that are typically included in chai blends.

# Rich in antioxidants

Chai tea is a great source of antioxidants, which work to reduce free radicals in the body and promote cellular health, and can even help prevent degenerative diseases and certain forms of cancer. Like other types of tea made from the camellia sinensis tea plant, black tea is extremely high in antioxidants. Cinnamon bark, cardamom, and cloves are also high in antioxidants.

# Boosts heart health

Ingredients in chai tea have been shown to help boost heart health. Black tea contains flavonoids, which are a special compound that holds the key to many of black tea’s important health benefits. Flavonoids can help prevent plaque buildup in the body’s arteries, which reduces stress on the heart. Cinnamon has also been shown to help to treat cardiovascular diseases and reduce harmful cholesterol.

# Improves digestion

Drinking chai tea can also help to improve digestion and soothe stomach troubles. Studies show that consuming black tea can have a positive effect on digestion, and can help to prevent gastrointestinal troubles when they arise. Ginger is also a powerful digestive aid, and consuming ginger can help to improve gastrointestinal symptoms and help the digestive system to work properly. Cardamom has plenty of digestive benefits as well!

# Increases energy and alertness

Whether you’re looking for a good cup of tea to get you going in the morning, or to give you a boost throughout the day, black tea is an energizing tea that can help to increase alertness and focus. Black teas like chai tea contain a moderate amount of caffeine to give you a welcome boost of energy when you’re feeling lethargic, without any of the jitters or other negative side effects that can come with excess caffeine intake. When combined with the l-theanine also present in tea, the caffeine in black tea helps to encourage focus and alertness.

# Good for your skin

Black tea is high in a variety of vitamins and minerals that are good for the skin, including zinc, magnesium, and potassium, all of which can help to protect and rejuvenate the skin. In addition to these beneficial compounds, consuming tea is also a great way to stay hydrated, which can help your skin look healthy, fresh, and nourished. A daily tea-drinking habit can help to ensure that your skin stays hydrated and healthy!

# Reduces inflammation

Chai contains plenty of ingredients that can help with inflammation, including black tea, ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom. Black tea can help to reduce inflammation in the body, which can soothe muscle soreness and chronic pain, as well as ward off inflammation-related diseases like arthritis, autoimmune disorders, and IBS.

Cinnamon has also been shown to help reduce inflammation and soothe pain. Whether you’re suffering from temporary inflammation due to injuries or exercise, or dealing with chronic inflammatory conditions like arthritis, a cup of cinnamon tea can have powerful anti-inflammatory effects.