From healing powers to less caffeine and stress release, chai has great benefits.
Love coffee? According to recent stats, 62% of Americans drink at least a cup of coffee a day to satisfy those caffeine cravings and keep their motor running. But a steaming hot cup of coffee doesn’t come without its own dose of side effects. From caffeine headaches to dashing to find a bathroom as coffee’s diuretic effect sets in, it’s not always a perfect picture.
Back in the 1970s, it was found that drinking a lot of the dark brew raises you chance of suffering from a heart attack. Many studies have been done since this time. Some highlight the benefits and others focus in on the drawbacks of drinking this multi-faceted drink, but one thing remains for certain: if you drink too much of it, you’ll likely be up too late at night, and you’re probably addicted to it.
Related: Why You Should Make Time for Coffee Naps During Your Day
Alternative hot drinks could be the way to go. If you’re feeling too many of the negative effects when it comes to a hot cup of java, reaching for something like a cup of chai instead could be the answer.
With that in mind, here are 5 benefits of consuming this ancient Indian drink.
1) It Has Less Caffeine
Masala chai is a spiced tea that combines cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, ginger and black pepper with black tea in a delicious fusion. It has considerably less caffeine than coffee, and some say you can drink as much as 3 cups of chai for every single cup of coffee.
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If you’re trying to wean yourself off of coffee, this can lead you down the path of least pain.
You may still get your caffeine cravings, but they might not be so strong.
2) Chai is Healing
With all those spices and black tea, this drink is high in anti-oxidants.
3) It’s an Aphrodisiac
Chai contains cinnamon, which is said to increase your sex drive. In some cultures it’s been used for centuries to treat libido issues in both men and women. Drink up!
4) It’s Not a Diuretic
There’s no arguing it: coffee makes you pee. Any beverage is obviously going to increase your chances of needing a pit stop, but some are more potent than others. Without the diuretic effect of coffee beans, chai is a bit easier on your bladder, in comparison.
Related: How Coffee Can Both Kill You and Make You Live Longer
5) Chai is a Stress-Reliever
Coffee can be extremely energizing, depending on the person. The excess caffeine in it can release cortisol, which causes stress levels to rise.
Chai’s blend of natural spices-notably cardamom and cinnamon- have been shown to do the opposite. They have a calming and clarifying effect on your mind. In world that keeps on turning, having extra peace is a bonus.
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