WHY IS CHAI SO GOOD FOR YOU COMPARED TO PLAIN BLACK TEA OR COFFEE?

There are many variants of chai but essentially, it’s comprised of black tea or rooibos base with added spices. The most common ingredients include ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, cloves, fennel and cardamom.

Not all Chai mixes are created equally - some mixes cut corners but not us we use high quality ingredients to make the best Chai for you. Just by swapping one of your usual or adding a Chai you may experience some of the benefits listed below!

So lets break down the ingredients in The Chai Stand Chai mixes which contain some organic elements where possible.

Black Tea in The Chai Stand Solar Power Masala Chai 

Black tea full of antioxidants. These are known to remove free radicals and decrease cell damage in the body caused by aging. The family of antioxidants found in black tea are called polyphenols and studies have indicated that these can reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

Black tea does contain caffeine, which may assist in improving memory, decreasing fatigue and improve mental cognition.

Rooibos in The Chai Stand Oasis Refresh Masala Chai

Rooibos is a caffeine-free red tea that originates in South Africa. It has a full-bodied, rich, earthy-sweet flavour. It is low in tannins and may have health benefits which come from the high levels of antioxidants in the tea.

Cinnamon in The Chai Stand Chai Mixes

Cinnamon is a spice made from the inner bark of the cinnamon trees, of which there are many varieties. This certified organic Cinnamomum Zeylanicum (known as true or Ceylon cinnamon) has a sweeter, more delicate flavour than cassia.

The use of cinnamon as an aromatic spice can be dated to as far back as ancient Egypt. Popular in spice mixes, sweet or savoury recipes, and hot or cold beverages.

Cardamom

Cardamom pods are used for both culinary and therapeutic purposes. They're native to southern India and have been used for thousands of years to assist digestion.

Benefits include; appetiser, carminative, stimulant, stomachic.

Cardamon is very strong and aromatic, with a spicy, herbal, citrusy character that pairs very well with other aromatic spices and citrus.

Benefits of Star Anise in The Chai Stand Chai blends

Star Anise is the pod which houses the famous aniseed. Famous for its taste, it’s also used to sweeten the taste of other herbal medicines and teas while also stimulating appetite, relieving gut troubles and common colds. 

Benefits of Fennel

Fennel seeds are a circulatory tonic with estrogenic effects. They are also diuretic, expectorant, antioxidant, carminative and anti-inflammatory. Common medicinal uses include: to relieve digestive issues and gas, to improve the absorption of nutrients, for sore throats and gum disorders, to fight urinary tract infections, to relieve chest congestion and flush toxins. 

Often used in cooking as an aromatic, anise-flavoured spice. Fennel symbolises longevity, courage and strength. In addition to its use as medicine, fennel has many beneficial nutrients, essential compounds, dietary fibre, minerals and vitamins.

Heart warming Ginger 

Perhaps ginger’s greatest claim to fame is as a remedy to nausea and as a digestive aid. It also has anti-inflammatory benefits that can help muscle soreness. Moreover, ginger has gut-boosting properties, which bolster our defences against colds and other common viruses.

Ginger is antispasmodic, antiseptic and carminative. 

Common medicinal uses include: to increase blood flow and circulation, alleviate nausea, lower blood pressure, has an overall calming effect, stimulates digestive enzymes.

Cloves – not just for Christmas

Cloves have a strong and pungent flavour and aroma. They can be used whole or ground. Whole cloves are shaped like a small spike, usually around one centimetre in length with a bulbous top.

Popular in the kitchen, they are often used to flavour sauces, soups and rice dishes. Medicinally, cloves can aid in the relief of a wide variety of ailments, both internal and external. These include quieting an upset stomach and general digestion enhancement, reducing the severity of coughs, clearing sinuses and providing effective relief from tooth pain due to analgesic properties.

It has also been touted as an antimicrobial agent, with the ability to relieve excessive gas bloating. When the oil is applied topically, it can help relieve pain from rheumatism, arthritis, or other inflammation-based pain.

Coriander Seed

While leafy coriander and coriander seeds come from the same plant, their aroma and flavour differs.

The seed is sweet and toasty with a warm aroma and flavour; a favourite in Middle Eastern cuisine. Medicinal properties include: alterative, diaphoretic, diuretic, carminative, stimulant, good for digestive and urinary tract complaints.

Nutmeg

Nutmeg is a spice made from the seed of the nutmeg tree. This native Indonesian evergreen tree is the source of two popular spices; nutmeg and mace.

Nutmeg has a warm, spicy flavour that is used in both sweet and savoury dishes. Nutmeg is also used in a variety of beverages, such as eggnog, chai and mulled wine.

Nutmeg can be used to flavour meats, and in spice and tea blends.

Like most spices, it also has a list of health benefits, including: to relieve pain, soothe indigestion, improve cognitive function, detoxify the body, boost skin quality, reduce insomnia, strengthen the immune system and improve blood circulation. Used topically as a ground up scrub, nutmeg can help with acne and smoothing skin.

Black Pepper

One of the world’s most popular spices for cooking, black pepper has a sharp, pungent aroma and flavour. Black pepper is one of the most powerful digestive stimulants.

Black peppercorns are the dried fruit of the pepper plant. Medicinal properties include: stimulant, expectorant, carminative, febrifuge, anthelmintic.

Indications include: chronic indigestion, toxins in the colon, obesity, sinus congestion, fever.

With all these beautiful ingredients in The Chai Stand Chai tea blends just imagine adding one cupful into your daily routine! All the benefits in one relaxing and revitalising cup of Chai.

Click here to shop The Chai Stand Chai tea range:
Solar Power Assam Masala Chai
Oasis Refresh Rooibos Masala Chai