While Chai tea has more health benefits than other types of tea, is Chai tea hydrating? Keep reading to find out.
Tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world, next to water. Like water, both iced tea and hot tea can help deliver water to the body and keep you hydrated. It has long been enjoyed by many people for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and the calming effect in every sip.
There are so many types of tea — and black tea is perhaps the most common tea in the world. Chai tea combines black tea, ginger, and other spices. Like any other tea, it contains less caffeine than coffee, so it can help keep your body hydrated.
Many people choose to quit drinking coffee because it’s not particularly hydrating, which is also one of the main reasons many people start drinking tea. So, if drinking coffee makes you dehydrated, then you should consider drinking tea – like Chai tea. You can still get that caffeine kick you need while at the same time enjoying the health benefits that this tea has to offer.
Health Benefits Of Chai Tea
The health benefits of Chai tea come from the spices used. After all, this delicious masala chai started as a tonic that could manage illnesses and promote natural body healing.
Cardamom
Cardamom helps lower cholesterol levels and improve blood circulation, which can help prevent cardiovascular diseases. In addition, it can also help treat urinary tract infections and improve one’s mood.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon has been shown to help prevent cancer, lower the risk for Alzheimer’s disease and other memory disorders, and improve heart health.
Cloves
Cloves have been used for pain relief and as a disinfectant since 300 B.C. It can also be used to increase potency when combined with other herbs.
Ginger
Ginger can help get rid of nausea and improve digestion. Antioxidants and other nutrients present in the ginger root may also help prevent or treat arthritis, inflammation, and different types of infection. It may also help reduce the risk of cancer, diabetes, and other health issues.
Nutmeg
Nutmeg is a good source of manganese, a type of mineral that helps control blood sugar levels. It is also important for the health of bones and teeth as it helps metabolize carbohydrates and calcium.
Peppercorn
Peppercorn can improve blood circulation and metabolism, imitating the thyroid’s function in regulating internal body temperatures.
Star Anise
Star anise is a root native to China that tastes like licorice. It is often used as a cough remedy and as a breath freshener.
Other Benefits Of Chai Tea
Other than the delicious taste and all of the health benefits offered by Chai tea, there are a few other benefits that are worth mentioning, including:
It Is Hydrating
There is a myth that caffeinated drinks like black tea can dehydrate the body — which is not true! The high volume of water in a cup of tea is quite enough to keep your body hydrated.
If you want to monitor how much sugar or sweetener you add to your drink, try a sweetener such as an agave syrup (also known as agave nectar) which has a lower glycemic index (GI) than sugar.
It Is A Great Post-Meal Drink
While almost any tea can improve digestion, only a few can be compared to Chai tea. It is a great post-meal drink that can help the body break down food, thanks to ginger and peppercorn. In addition, it has also been used for thousands of years to help relieve stomach cramps.
It Can Be A Good Alternative To Coffee
If drinking coffee is part of your morning routine, but you do not like the jittery feeling you usually get, Chai tea can be a good alternative. It has less caffeine than coffee, but the amount of caffeine may still vary depending on how many tea leaves were used. So, if you want to reduce your caffeine intake and avoid a caffeine crash, consider switching to Chai tea.
You may also be interested in reading our guide on does Chai tea latte have coffee in it.
How To Make Chai Tea
Like any other tea, making Chai tea is quite simple.
Ingredients:
- Four black peppercorns
- Eight cardamom seeds
- Two cinnamon sticks
- Eight cloves
- Fresh ginger (1-inch in size, sliced)
- Two cups of whole milk
- Two cups of water
- Four bags of black tea
- Sugar to taste
Method:
Step 1: Crush The Spices
Put the cardamom, cloves, and peppercorns in a resealable plastic bag and crush using a heavy skillet.
Step 2: Heat The Sices
Put the crushed spices in a saucepan, along with the cinnamon sticks, ginger, milk, and water.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove from heat.
Add the tea bags. Cover and let it steep for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Serve
Remove the tea bags and pour some tea into your teacup.
You can add two teaspoons of sugar or more according to your liking.
Other Chai-Inspired Drinks Recipe You Can Try
Iced Vanilla Chai Latte
This Chai latte recipe has all the flavors of the classic warm vanilla chai — and it’s perfect for people who only prefer cold drinks.
The best part is that you can completely customize this recipe to be low-carb, keto, and sugar-free friendly! So keep reading and learn how to make an Iced Vanilla Chai Latte that you will definitely enjoy.
Ingredients:
- One Chai tea bag
- One cup of boiling water
- One tablespoon of sweetener
- One-quarter teaspoon of vanilla extract
- One cup of ice
- Two tablespoons of Half-and-Half
Method:
Step 1: Steep The Tea
Put the tea bag in a tall double-walled glass, then pour in the boiling water. Let it steep for three to five minutes.
Step 2: Allow To Cool
Remove the tea bag. Let it cool down for a bit.
Step 3: Add Sweeteners
Add sweetener and vanilla extract. Stir properly until dissolved.
Step 4: Serve
Pour some into your glass and add ice on top.
Stir in Half-and-Half.
You may also be interested in reading our dirty chai latte vs. chai latte guide.
Chai-Spiced Apple Cider
Take your typical apple cider to the next level by adding Chai tea! Simmering this Chai-spiced Apple Cider drink will fill your house with the cozy scent of cinnamon and cloves.
Ingredients:
- Two quarts of apple cider
- Fresh ginger (1-inch in size, peeled and quartered)
- Six cloves
- Two cinnamon sticks
- Six cardamom pods
- Four black peppercorns
- Half a vanilla bean (sliced in half lengthwise)
Method:
Step 1: Slow Cook
Pour apple cider into a slow cooker. Add the rest of the ingredients.
Cook on low heat for approximately four hours until hot and spiced.
Step 2: Strain & Serve
Strain the mixture and throw away the spices before serving.
Cashew Chai Milk
Cashew milk, which is rich and creamy, is the more indulgent cousin of regular almond milk. We have enhanced the flavor in this recipe by adding classic chai spices and butterscotch-like maca powder.
Try adding some Cashew Chai Milk to your morning cup of joe to turn it into a non-dairy latte, or drink it on its own for an invigorating pick-me-up!
Ingredients:
- One cup of raw cashews
- Three Medjool dates (pitted)
- One tablespoon of maca powder
- One teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- A three-quarter teaspoon of ground cardamom
- A three-quarter teaspoon of ground ginger
- One-quarter teaspoon of black pepper
- A pinch of sea salt
- Four cups of water
Method:
Step 1: Soak The Cashews
Soak the cashews overnight in a large container with water.
Rinse and drain, then put the cashews in a blender and other ingredients.
Step 2: Blend
Blend on high until it’s creamy, then store in the fridge for at least two hours.
If you want a smoother texture, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve before serving.
You may also be interested in reading our guide on is black tea hydrating?
