In India “masala tea or Chai” is just not a drink, it is something that connects us. I believe it completes almost every occasion, be it a simple get together or a big party. For some a boiling cup with goodness is just to unwind memories and for some it is the gives enough kick to prepare one for some big task.
There are a lot of versions of advises around tea. Some say to drink it and others advise not to drink it. This all only creates clutter in the mind of a genuine “chai lover”.
Here in this we will talk about “Indian masala tea” this is regular Assam or Darjeeling tea infused with goodness of one or more of the following ingredients Clove, Ginger, Cinnamon, Black pepper, Nut meg, Cardmom, etc
Benefits of masala tea- Now let us jointly dig deeper in the topic and explore top 7 benefits we can get from it;
1. Contributes to improve insulin sensitivity: Spices as cinnamon clove and cardamom helps to increase insulin sensitivity and reduces blood sugar level and prevents diabetes.
2. Improves digestion: Ingredients like ginger or dry ginger powder help to improve gut health aids in digestion relieves from gastric problems.
3. Relieves from common cold and flu: Masala tea strengthens immune system and keeps common seasonal infection at bay. Almost everyone of us must have experienced the magic of masala tea while suffering from common cold, how it helps to open our blocked nose and gives a sukoon vali feeling.
4. Relives from aches and pains: Spices in tea can alleviate pains and aches this is because of anti-inflammatory properties of ginger and clove.
5. Reduces nausea: Ginger when added in tea is found to be magical in eliminating the feeling of nausea.
6. Boosts metabolism: As per Ayurveda tea leaves are considered to be heat generating, so it helps to speed up the metabolism. When added with Black pepper, Clove, Cardamom is further enhances the metabolism.
7. Relieves PMS: Various ingredients like ginger, clove, cardamom are natural pain killers. So can be your friend while suffering from premenstrual symptoms.
It is said that tea causes acidity and it is not good for us. It is a partial truth.
When taken in moderation (a couple of cups in a day) it is very beneficial, however excessive intake can cause harm to us.
Considering its acidic nature, we should take care of three very important things-
- One should not take tea on an absolute empty stomach, have something before this. A glass of water will also help.
- Do not replace any of your meal with tea.
- Avoid drinking tea after 4pm that will interrupt with your sleep in the night.
Otherwise two cups a day, as people usually take is quite good.
Now days a common myth is that green tea is better than common tea. It is not true because all variety comes from the same plant “Camellia sinensis” basically offering the same benefits.
Rather “Indian masala tea” when mixed with a variety of good ingredients, such as clove, ginger, cinnamon, black pepper, nutmeg, cardmom, etc enhances its goodness by leaps and bound. These all are well known from Ayurveda for their medicinal properties and goodness.
So for all tea lovers you all have 7 more reasons to enjoy tea in every season…
Keep relishing your “masala tea” with your loved ones… cheers !!!
