Authentic Indian Chai is a staple in Indian households. In India, we drink chai like coffee is drunk in the western world. Chai has many health benefits, and we are happy to see its popularity is rising all over the world. While at the beginning it was just a trendy Starbucks drink, Chai is appearing in more and more cafés who want to honor its tradition and origin.
Born in India, chai was created more than 5,000 years ago, when an Indian king asked for a spiced beverage that could be used in Ayurveda to heal various health problems. The ingredients vary depending on family traditions and taste (for example, our Ami’s Original Chai was created from a recipe that has been handed down from generations). Nowadays the most popular version of chai contains black tea, milk, and sometimes sugar, but these ingredients were actually added in the 19th century, during the British colonization. This means that chai is a highly versatile drink, that you can enjoy with or without milk, and with or without theine.
What are the health benefits of chai?
Chai was originally created with health in mind, and still today it’s a valuable ally to our wellbeing (and heaven for our taste buds). It is full of antioxidants, it boosts immunity…and so much more!
As mentioned before, chai can be made with a variety of spices, but our base recipe contains black Assam tea, cinnamon, green cardamom, black cardamom, and clove. Let’s dive into their benefits!
1. Chai supports blood circulation
Every single ingredient in our Ami’s Original Chai supports blood circulation. Isn’t it fantastic? Different compounds found in cinnamon, clove, cardamom, and black tea relax blood vessels, leading to an improved blood circulation. Having a proper circulation contributes to the well-functioning of organs, heart, and it even improves your skin’s health and appearance.
2. Chai is rich in antioxidants
Cinnamon, black assam tea, and clove all contain antioxidants. Why are they so important? Antioxidants are substances that protect your cells against oxidative stress, which has been linked to heart disease, cancer, arthritis, and other diseases.
3. Chai supports the immune system
We all care about immunity and chai can help us boost it! The antioxidants found in black tea and cardamom help protect our body by making our immune system stronger.
4. Chai contributes to a healthy digestion
If you feel like your digestion could need some help, then chai could be the perfect after-meal drink. Cardamom has been used for thousands of years to relieve an upset stomach, and still nowadays it’s been proven a valuable ally to the digestive system. The same applies to clove, which stimulates the production of enzymes and makes digestion easier and faster.
P.S: This article can in no way substitute the advice of healthcare professionals. If you're concerned about your health, we invite you to contact your doctor!
How to make chai
Making chai can look complicated, but it’s actually very easy once you get the hang of it. Follow the instructions below or watch this video to learn how to make chai.
Instructions (if with (any) milk):
Add 2/2.5 teaspoon of chai to boiling water;
Add your preferred milk;
Let it simmer on slow fire for a few minutes, and take out any foam on top;
Give it one final boil (don’t let it over boil)
Pour the chai into a cup while straining it with a sieve;
Happy sipping!
You can choose to add sugar during the boiling process, after, or not at all.
If you wish to enjoy it without milk, use 1.5 teaspoons instead of 2.5.
Check out our Chai collection to discover all our different types of chai!