Chai Is Healthy and Tasty
By Paul RothbartChai is a spiced tea that originated in India and spread worldwide. It is an often consumed beverage all over the globe, second only to water. The base of chai is black tea and it is flavored with many other spices such as ginger, black pepper, cardamom, and cinnamon. It's usually served with milk and sometimes sugar. It has a unique and bold flavor, which is why it is so popular.
Not to be undersold, drinking chai also has many health benefits.
Relieves Nausea
There are a number of ways that a person can become nauseous. It could be because of a tainted ingredient in a meal, a mild infection in the gastrointestinal system, or vertigo. Then there's morning sickness which often afflicts pregnant women in their first trimester. The ginger in chai can help relieve nausea. Studies have found that ginger is more effective than a placebo at easing nausea and stopping vomiting.
Lowering the Risk of Cognitive Decline
As you age, the processing speed of the brain tends to slow. In the worst cases, this can lead to Alzheimer's or dementia. Research has suggested there may be a link between drinking tea and a reduced risk of these diseases. For people at higher risk of Alzheimer's, drinking chai daily may help prevent them from getting it. It may also lower the risk of Parkinson's disease.
Antioxidants
Chai, like other teas, is rich in antioxidants. These powerful compounds help protect the body from chronic disease. Harmful compounds called free radicals can enter the body through chemicals used in foods or in the air. They attack cells and damage them. This can cause mutations that may lead to cancer and other diseases. Antioxidants fight free radicals and destroy, protecting the body's cells and reducing the risk of disease.
Liver Detoxification
When the liver processes toxic substances such as alcohol, it can become damaged. Liver diseases are extremely damaging as you cannot live without a healthy liver. The cardamom in chai can soothe the digestive system and help detoxify the liver, keeping it healthy. Cardamom has also been shown to help prevent kidney disease as well as symptoms of toothaches.
Stress Relief
Chai often contains nutmeg, a spice that research has shown may have an antidepressant effect on the body in which it triggers the production of dopamine and serotonin. It can help relieve stress and anxiety and help you maintain a positive attitude. If you work in a stressful job or are prone to anxiety, drinking a cup of chai every day is a good idea.
Tea is one of the most commonly consumed beverages in the world and chai is among the most popular varieties. It also can aid your health in several ways. The next time you need a pick-me-up beverage, grab a cup of chai.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Derby, Kans.