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IS CHAI TEA LATTE HEALTHY?

The short answer to this question is yes, chai latte and chai tea can be a healthy drink.

In particular, among its potential benefits, a regular chai latte can:

• Have antioxidant benefits;
• Provide anti-inflammatory support;
• Help with heart health;
• Promote better digestion;
• Aid with weight loss;
• Help managing blood sugar levels;
• Etc.

Read this post to learn more about the amazing health benefits that chai tea latte can provide.

Also don’t forget to download the free recipe to make the perfect homemade chai latte at home!

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As mentioned in this post, I absolutely love drinking chai latte, whether I’m ordering a cup from my local coffee shop, or I’m making my own brew at home.

Chai latte is such a warm and spicy drink, and because there is no coffee in it, it can be a worthy alternative to an americano if you are trying to cut on the amount of caffeine you drink daily.

In addition to that, chai latte is packed with spices. Therefore, you can benefit from their health properties as you drink.

WHAT IS A CHAI TEA?

From www.tasteofhome.com: “Originating in India nearly 5,000 years ago, chai has been loved by many. Legend has it that chai didn’t originally contain tea leaves, milk or sugar when it was first created. It was only comprised of a mix of spices native to India and was used for Ayurveda, an all-natural Indian healing practice. (Fun fact: “chai” means tea, so when you say “chai tea,” you’re really saying “tea tea.”).

Flash-forward to the 1600s when black tea leaves were discovered in China. Once the tea leaf, known as Camellia sinensis assamica, made its way to India, the chai recipe we know and love today was created.

Today, chai tea is a brewed black tea prepared with multiple aromatic spices like ginger and cardamom, milk and sugar. This blend gives chai its full-bodied, spice-filled flavor and creamy mouthfeel.”

IS A CHAI LATTE THE SAME AS CHAI TEA?

Although many people use the 2 terms to describe the same drink, strictly speaking, chai tea is not the same as chai latte.

A chai tea is simply a spiced and fragrant tea, made with loose leaves and brewed straight into hot milk (not water), and sweetened with honey (or a syrup or sugar).

On the other hand, a chai latte is a strong black tea infused with spices you make on its own, and then you mix with foamed milk.

Both options, in my opinion, are equally delicious!

Is chai tea latte healthy?

Chai latte can be a great choice if you are looking for a healthy drink, but that depends on a few factors.

The ingredients used in it are obviously what makes a chai latte healthy or not.

A lot of coffee shops nowadays, in order to save time when fulfilling orders, use a pre-made chai latte blend. That chai concentrate unfortunately may contain high levels of sugars (or other artificial sweeteners) and additives that are not really healthy for you.

On the other hand, as with most foods and beverages, homemade is always the best option, because you have complete control on the main ingredients used.

IF YOU WANT THE BEST HOMEMADE VEGAN CHAI LATTE RECIPE, MAKE SURE TO CHECK THIS POST, AND DOWNLOAD THE FREE RECIPE!

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Is drinking chai tea good for you?

Provided you use ingredients of high quality, and reduce the amount of sugar or sweeteners used when brewing your own chai latte at home, this drink can have many positive health benefits for you.

Let’s have a look at some of the spices and other ingredients used to make chai latte.

CINNAMON

Cinnamon is a powerhouse of a spice. It helps with: 

• managing blood sugar levels;
• fighting colds and flus and other respiratory issues;
• stimulating your circulation;
• managing levels of bad cholesterol;
• aiding digestion;
• boosting immunity;
• clearing a UTI;
• fighting fungal and bacterial infections;
• clearing oral infections;
• supporting your overall health thanks to its antioxidant and antibacterial properties.

CLOVE

This is another super spice that has amazing health benefits.

Clove buds provide anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, antibacterial, antiseptic and analgesic benefits.

Indeed this spice can:

• soothe a toothache;
• help fight free radicals;
• support healthy neurological functions;
• provide support against colds, flus and many respiratory infections;
• promote healthy blood circulation;
• support healthy thyroid functions;
• speed up your metabolism;
• fight weight gain;
• help against parasites infections in your body;
• support your skin in fighting infections such as ulcers or athlete’s foot;
• and more!

GINGER

The root of fresh ginger has been used for thousands of years for its many health properties, such as the ability to:

• fight inflammation;
• provide antioxidant benefits;
• support your body to fight colds and flus;
• lower blood sugar levels;
• help with any gastrointestinal issue;
• alleviate arthritis pain.

BLACK PEPPER

The very humble black pepper, commonly used in cooking, is packed with health properties. Indeed, it can:

• improve your metabolism and help with digestion and weight loss;
• relieve symptoms of colds and flus, thanks to its antioxidant and antibacterial properties;
• help with arthritis pain;
• improve skin conditions and help fight acne;
• help fight cancer (although more research is needed to prove this claim);
• provide support against depression (more research is needed to prove this claim as well).

CARDAMOM

Cardamom can: 

• support your digestive system;
• promote body detoxing;
• help fighting respiratory congestion;
• soothe a stomach ache;
• fight constipation;
• help with menstrual and muscular pains;
• soothe a sore throat;
• help in bringing down a fever;
• support your immune system;
• improve cardiovascular functions;
• and more.

fennel seeds

Fennel seeds not only taste divine, but they provide so many health benefits when consumed in your drinks, whether hot or cold.

Rich in antioxidants as well as minerals and vitamins, fennel can:

• lower bad cholesterol;
• support a healthy gastrointestinal system;
• protect against infections;
• support a healthy skin;
• improve bone health;
• and more.

STAR ANISE

Star anise gets its name from its star shaped pods, derived from the fruit of the Chinese tree “Illicium Verum”.

This oddly looking spice provides antiviral properties (to help fight colds and flus and other respiratory illnesses) as well as anti-fungal and antibacterial ones.

NUTMEG

As the name suggests, nutmeg comes in the form of a hard nut shaped spice, that you can consume and use in cooking after it’s been grounded to a fine powder.

Among its many health benefits let’s mention the:

• ability to relieve pain;
• soothe digestive issues;
• support neurological functions;
• detoxify your body;
• promote better blood circulation;
• support oral health;
• promote healthier skin;
• provide help with insomnia;
• improve your immune system;
• and more.

BLACK TEA

Consuming black tea on a regular basis can have a huge impact on your overall health. In fact, this type of tea is filled with antioxidants, and therefore can: 

• support your hearth, 
• promote better blood circulation, 
• lower cholesterol, 
• regulate blood sugar.

PLANT BASED MILKS

If you are trying to stay clear of dairy products, plant based milks can offer many health benefits, depending on the one you choose.

There are many worthy substitutes to cow’s milk, such as:

• soy milk;
• coconut milk;
• macadamia milk;
• almond milk;
• oat milk;
• cashew milk;
• etc.

HONEY

Honey is widely known and used not only for its sweet and rich taste, but for its many incredible health benefits. 

Packed with antibacterial and anti fungal properties, honey can support your whole body on different levels.

Particularly if consumed in its raw form, honey is extremely beneficial to: 

• support your respiratory system; 
• relieve allergies such as hay fever;
• support your immune system;
• provide aid with healthy digestion;
• soothe a sore throat and a cough;
• promote brain health and functions, thanks to the polyphenols present in it.

Honey can also be used topically to promote skin health, soothe skin wounds, and promote hair health.

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If you want to know how I use honey to make an excellent hair mask, you can check this video.

Here I show you how easy it is to make a nutritious hair mask to get shiny and soft hair. This recipe only calls for 3 simple ingredients!

NATURAL HAIR MASK RECIPES FOR HAIR GROWTH – ROSEMARY OIL BENEFITS FOR HAIR

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CHAI TEA BENEFITS

Not only chai tea latte is an absolutely delicious drink, but, thanks to all the spices used to brew it, it is packed with health benefits.

According to www.healthline.com, chai tea can:

• improve heart health;
• reduce blood sugar levels;
• lessen nausea;
• improve digestion;
• increase your chances of losing weight. 

And all of those benefits are packed in a gorgeous cup of your favourite drink!

IMPORTANT

The following is not meant to replace the advice of your doctor. This post is only meant for educational purposes.

Always consult with your doctor before using any medication or before incorporating new foods and beverages in your diet!

Pay particular attention if you suffer from any condition (such as diabetes or food allergy), and if you are pregnant and/or breastfeeding.

WHAT DOES CHAI TEA HELP WITH?

Let’s have a look in more details at how a delicious chai tea latte can help you on a daily basis to promote better health.

CHAI TEA CAN BOOST YOUR ENERGY

Although in limited amounts, chai tea does contain caffeine, known to boost your energy and wake you up a little whenever you need a pick me up drink.

chai tea can improve digestion

Thanks to all the amazing spices that make up a chai blend, this drink is very powerful when it comes to soothe any issue related to your digestive system, such as a stomachache, bloating or general discomfort. Chai tea can also improve your metabolism and help with weight loss.

Furthermore, chai tea can also help with nausea. 

CHAI TEA RELIEVES ANCHES AND PAINS

As a result of the anti-inflammatory properties of many of the ingredients used in brewing chai tea, this hot drink can also help in relieving several types of pains, such as muscular, menstrual and even arthritis ones. Chai tea is also effective at lessening headaches and migraines. 

CHAI TEA CAN SUPPORT YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

A cup a day of chai tea can offer incredible support to your overall health, thanks to its immune boosting properties.

The antioxidants, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties can help fight infections, free radicals and also parasites. Furthermore, chai tea can boost your brain functions and promote gut health, which we know is linked to a healthy body.

CHAI TEA CAN IMPROVE HEART HEALTH

Spices such as cinnamon, clove and cardamom, as well as the black tea contained in chai tea, make this drink an excellent tool to promote heart health. Indeed, chai tea can boost circulation and promote higher levels of oxygen in your blood.

CHAI TEA CAN HELP IN MANAGING DIABETES

The humble cinnamon is a spice well known for its abilities to regulate blood sugar levels. The same goes for clove. As a result, chai tea can help in managing diabetes.

Is it OK to drink chai tea everyday?

It is perfectly ok to drink chai tea everyday. Thanks to its many health benefits, and reduced caffeine levels, there are no contra indications to consuming this drink daily.

However, you should be mindful of the amount of sugar present in this drink, especially if you are consuming a pre-made blend. A high intake of sugar can have very detrimental consequences on your overall health.

How many chai teas can you drink a day?

Currently there are no scientific studies that can tell you exactly how much chai tea you should consume daily. 

Always remember that chai latte contains tea and therefore caffeine, although in small amounts. Some people may be particularly sensitive to caffeine, so they should limit their daily intake. 

Excessive consumption of caffeine may cause:

• Anxiety;
• Migraines;
• Dehydration;
• High blood pressure;
• Insomnia;
• Increased risks in pregnancy;
• Etc.

From healthline.com:

“For these reasons, individuals should avoid consuming more than 400 mg of caffeine per day — and during pregnancy, no more than 200 mg.

That said, typical intakes of chai tea are unlikely to exceed these recommendations.

Each cup (240 ml) of chai tea is expected to contain around 25 mg of caffeine. That’s half the caffeine dose provided by the same quantity of black tea, and one-quarter that of the typical cup of coffee.

Due to chai tea’s ginger content, individuals prone to low blood pressure or low blood sugar, or who are taking blood-thinning medication, may want to limit their intake or keep it in the lower end of the range.

Individuals who are lactose intolerant may want to opt for chai teas made from plant-based milks or only water”.

Is chai tea healthier than coffee?

If you’re looking to cut down on your coffee intake because of the high amounts of caffeine in it, then chai latte is a very good alternative.

As mentioned above, a typical chai tea latte doesn’t contain much caffeine. With only about 25 mg of caffeine, a cup provides about a quarter of the amount present in a regular coffee. 

Is chai tea anti-inflammatory?

Ginger, cinnamon and clove are ingredients very well known for their anti-inflammatory benefits, making chai tea a super drink in that respect. 

From cleaneatingmag.com:

“Inflammation wreaks havoc throughout the body, and it can cause ailments like autoimmune diseases, different types of cancers, heart disease, diabetes and even allergies. While chai alone won’t be enough to combat these ailments, it can definitely be one tool in helping to combat chronic inflammation by soothing your body’s inflammatory response. 

Chai tea includes ginger and cinnamon, two active anti-inflammatory ingredients. Ginger can target pro-inflammatory cytokines, or the particular molecules within the body that cause inflammation. Cinnamon – and clove, another chai spice – works to prevent an enzyme called cox-2 that leads to widespread inflammation.

And the fact that chai combats oxidative stress throughout the body also helps reduce inflammation and improve health. Oxidative stress can increase inflammation; it actually modifies proteins and genes in ways that cause inflammatory diseases. Chai, however, can help tackle both inflammation and inflammation-causing stress in one warm cup.”

Is chai tea a laxative?

Chai tea can indeed have laxative properties.

Both the ginger and the cinnamon present in the chai blend have positive effects in aiding digestion and promoting a healthy gut. That is to say that those ingredients can facilitate and speed up the passage of food through your intestine.

People that suffer from IBS or milk intolerance should be mindful of the amount of chai they consume. Opting for a plant based milk might be very helpful in those cases.

does chai tea dehydrate you?

Chai tea will not dehydrate you. On the contrary, it will contribute to your daily intake of liquids.

Caffeine is generally known for its diuretic effect, but the amount present in chai is very small.

In order to significantly effect your hydration level, you would have to consume large amounts of caffeine every day, so I would not worry about that!

Will chai tea keep me awake?

Unless you are extremely sensitive to caffeine, chai tea will not keep you awake at night if consumed in the evening. As already mentioned, the amount of caffeine in this drink is very small. Therefore, it is very unlikely it will affect your sleep.

Is chai good for high blood pressure?

As mentioned above, chai tea is indeed very helpful in promoting a healthy cardiovascular system.

Chai tea can help lower cholesterol, improve circulation, and lower blood pressure.

is chai tea good for detox? Is chai good for your liver?

Chai tea is also very beneficial due to its detoxifying properties.

The presence of cardamom and ginger in a chai blend, help with cleansing and ridding your body of unwanted toxins.

Is chai tea latte heathy? Conclusions 

As you can see from all the amazing health benefits packed in a cup of chai tea latte, this drink is very much a healthy one, provided you: 

• limit the sugar content used, or simply swap it for honey;
• avoid any artificial sweetener;
• substitute dairy milk for a plant based one;
• use organic spices in your homemade blend. 

Chai tea contains a very small amount of caffeine as well, making it an ideal alternative to regular coffee.

I hope you find this post helpful! Please, let me know what you think in the comment section below. I’d love to hear from you.

Also, don’t forget to print out the FREE RECIPE FOR THE PERFECT CHAI TEA LATTE!

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