Hello darling Flow friends,
Its a chilly day, windy and wet outside, and yet the steamy chai tea in my hands, is filling me with all the warm feels and fragrances of an exotic getaway.
I know I'm not alone on this one, the taste explosion is nothing short of magical. Distant hints of cardamom, cinnamon and masala meet perfectly to transport the senses.
Not only is this beautiful brew good for us, but it is like all ancient things adopted by contemporary society, it is constantly evolving.
"Tea time is a chance to slow down, pull back and appreciate our surroundings"
A history of being a Royal favorite
Chai has a long history of being beloved my the masses, the name literally means "tea," from the Chinese word "cha."
But back in the day, chai wasn’t often associated with black tea, as commonly enjoyed today, the earliest versions of chai were made entirely of spices, only with the British colonization of India was black tea added, but it was so expensive to add tea, that the average villager couldn't afford this exotic luxury, so the traditional recipes remained widely used.
According to legend, chai’s history began thousands of years ago, in an ancient royal court as a Ayurvedic medicinal tonic.
The stories often vary, but it is believed that the court was in modern India, while others attribute masala chai to Thai origins.
Regardless, it is said that the King who ordered the creation of this cleansing, vivifying Ayurvedic beverage, had miraculous results.
Even early on, masala chai was made with a wide range of spices such as Cardamom, Cinnamon, Cloves, Ginger, Nutmeg, and Black pepper, and was prepared with many different methods.
Why Chai? the health benefits explained
Chai tea is a great source of antioxidants such as catechins and theaflavins, these fight stress and can play a role in preventing cancer and other nasty medical conditions.
Depending on how it's prepared, chai tea may also include other magical minerals such as -
SOME OF THE THEAPUTIC EFFECTS OF CHAI
Lower blood pressure
The cinnamon in chai tea may prevent hypertension especially for people with diabetes.
Research also indicates that people who drink several cups of black tea every day lower their blood pressure considerably too!
Better cognition
The black tea and spices found in chai has significant benefits to both short-term and long-term cognitive function. Research suggests that even the smell of cinnamon can improve both attention and memory?!
Lower blood sugar
Black tea helps to regulate glucose levels and may prevent sudden spikes in blood sugar. It is especially good for controlling glucose levels after drinking sugary drinks.
Heart health
Cardamom is said to be a heart healer and cinnamon can help to regulate blood sugar levels. Black tea really is a bit of a superhero also improving cardiovascular health and by lowering bad cholesterol.
Anti-inflammatory benefits
This special brew is loaded full of spices that are packed with anti-inflammatory properties, ginger in particular is so good for increasing circulation, and if you are drinking a turmeric blend, this is even better with even more anti inflammatory benefits.
Immune system
Give your immune system a boost as you enjoy a steaming cup of sweet chai tea. Not only does black tea boost your immunity but the diverse array of spices are filled with immune boosting properties.
Cardamom is also loaded with Vitamin K which is amazing for keeping your immune system strong.
Ginger is wonderful for our gut health, and when you have a healthy gut you are more easily able to fend off colds and other viruses.
Bloating
If you are tired of feeling full and heavy every time you eat, sipping chai after meals could help reduce the discomfort of bloating. Filled with antibacterial properties, the black tea works to prevent bloating.
Ginger is one of the best things for your gut and, additionally ginger is great for menstrual cramps and constipation.
Black pepper has also been found to help the pancreas send out digestive enzymes, and speed up the body’s ability to process food faster.
"Chai tea is like life, the taste is up to you, and how you make it"
What is difference between chai tea and chai latte I hear you ask?!
The answer is chai tea is a loose-leaf style tea brewed in hot milk, usually with some honey or sugar to sweeten it up. While chai lattes are often made into powder form or a syrup imitating a chai flavour. Generally a chai latte is a lot sweeter (and if you are not careful has a lot more sugar) than chai tea.
How best to enjoy your Chai tea?
Quietly...... prepare your brew to your taste, then sit in a quiet space, and just take the time to savour... let this little cup of goodness be an opportunity for contemplation and gratitude, a moment to let the nervous system calm and the mind day dream.
Tea time poem from the Green Witch :)
When the world is all at odds, and the mind is all at sea.
Then cease the useless tedium, and brew a cup of tea.
There is magic in its fragrance, there is solace in its taste.
And the laden moments vanish, somehow into space.
The world becomes a lovely thing, there’s beauty as you’ll see.
All because you briefly stopped to brew a cup of tea.
So my friends enjoy your next pot of chai tea, knowing that you are granting your body a wonderful nutritious gift, and you are keeping good company with a long line of tea connoisseur's.
Much love and blessings, till next we meet.
Hollie x
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