Chai Tea
Although used for over 5000 years, Chai Tea is only recently becoming a popular addition to the wellness spa experience. More and more spas and wellness centers are offering Chai Tea to their guests as a post treatment treat and although it tastes so beautifully sweet and creamy, it fortunately is an indulgence that can benefit your health as well.
Chai, pronounced "Tie", is the generic word for tea in many parts of the world. Chai tea is however very different to your usual types of tea, and can be more easily compared to as a form of latte. The types of Chai and the spices used vary depending on the recipe, but usually consist of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, pepper and even nutmeg. These spices are combined with either sugar or honey, milk or milk substitutes and black tea. Sipped hot or cold, but preferably hot for a fuller flavor, Chai has been savored for centuries in numerous parts of the world.
Although this rich traditional tea's health benefits are debatable, health benefits have been demonstrated by people drinking it on a consistent basis. Chai tea's using substitutes and not using fresh ingredients, could affect the usual benefits that the tea would usually provide. For example, using refined sugar instead of honey and adding preservatives to the ingredients.
Primarily for relaxation, stress release and as a digestion aid, a cup of soothing Chai is always welcome. The spices are the Chai's secret, providing the following benefits: the tea leaves provide the antioxidants which aid in preventing heart disease and sometimes cancer; ginger helps prevent colds and flu's, soothes throats and improves digestion; cloves also aid with colds and flu's as well as revitalizing the body; cinnamon assists in enhancing the other spice benefits and cardamom aids in stimulating the mind. Caffeine sensitive individuals as well as people suffering from ulcers and heartburn should however avoid Chai, due to the caffeine that is present in the drink.
Making your own Chai Tea can also be fun and will ensure that you can control the ingredients for a better and healthier effect. Adding more of one spice than another can change the flavor of your Chai tea considerably. There are numerous recipes online which you can try, however after some practice you may want to make some additional changes to the recipe until you are completely happy with the taste. Or simply, visit a spa in your area that serves Chai Tea, and enjoy a day having your favorite treatment with your favorite tea.