8 Amazing Health Benefits of Vegan Chai Tea | Plus Recipe!
Do you love the sweet, slightly spicy taste of chai tea? If so, consider switching to vegan chai tea for your next cup.
Not only does this version pack a flavor punch, but it also has multiple health benefits that make it even more appealing.
From anti-inflammatory benefits to helping regulate digestion, vegan chai tea offers plenty of amazing advantages!
Keep reading to learn more about why you should start brewing up some vegan chai tea in your kitchen today, so you can reap all its fantastic benefits. Plus, we’ve included a delicious recipe!
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What is Chai Tea?
Chai tea is a comforting and delicious beverage made of various aromatic spices that you steep in either black or green tea.
You can use either tea bags or loose-leaf tea. The main ingredients commonly used include:
◆ Cardamom
◆ Cinnamon
Cardamom is particularly noteworthy as it contains vitamin C and provides an interesting flavor to the tea.
Chai is unique in containing the amino acid L-theanine, which can provide calming effects.
Chai tea can range from 30 to 50 mg of caffeine per cup. This is much less than other caffeinated beverages, such as coffee. So you don't need to worry about consuming too much caffeine.
Although chai tea and masala tea share similarities, masala chai is a distinct type of chai that uses a unique blend of spices.
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Is Chai Tea Vegan?
Chai tea can be vegan, depending on the ingredients used and how you prepare it.
Traditional versions of chai contain spices such as:
● Cardamom
● Cloves
● Cinnamon
You steep these spices in either black or green tea.
But, if you add cow’s milk to the mixture when preparing chai, it will no longer be vegan. Also, many store-bought chai teas may contain dairy products and other non-vegan ingredients such as honey or gelatin.
How Do You Make Chai Tea Vegan?
Making chai tea vegan is quite simple. It involves using non-dairy milk alternatives such as:
◆ Soy milk
It's also important to be mindful of the other ingredients used in the recipe, like sugar and honey. Instead of refined sugar, consider adding agave nectar or maple syrup, as this is a natural vegan sweetener.
Also, look for organic or all-natural chai teas, as they are free from artificial sweeteners or additives which may not be vegan.
Many grocery stores sell pre-made chai teas labeled vegan. So it's worth checking out the available options.
Can Chai Tea Be Made Without Milk?
You can make chai tea without milk!
You prepare the traditional version of chai by boiling a mixture of aromatic spices such as cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and black peppercorn. These spices give the tea its signature flavor, so no added dairy or sweetness is necessary.
Many people also like to add fruit juices, herbs, and other plant-based ingredients to enhance their flavor even further.
Chai made without milk is delicious and provides just as much warmth as the traditional version.
Which Vegan Milk is Best for Chai?
There are many vegan milk options available. So the best one for chai depends on personal preference and desired flavor.
Unsweetened organic soy milk, unsweetened cashew, and coconut milk are all great vegan options for making chai.
Soy milk is popular as it adds a nice subtle flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
Cashew milk has a velvety texture and offers a smooth, creamy taste that brings out the flavors of the chai spices.
Coconut milk is high in fat, so you should use it in moderation. But it adds a delicious richness that many people love.
Almond, rice, and oat milk are also great plant-based options if you want to try something different. Experiment with these various kinds of milk and see which one you like best!
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8 Health Benefits of Chai Tea
Chai tea is a delicious drink with many positive effects on overall health.
Not only is it delicious, but the powerful spices used in chai tea provide many benefits that can help improve your physical and mental well-being.
Many of the health benefits of chai tea arise from its anti-inflammatory properties, which we will explore in more detail.
Here are a few of the many chai tea health benefits:
1. Helps Boost Your Immune System
Chai tea can be especially beneficial for boosting your immune system.
Due to its high levels of antioxidants, chai tea helps reduce inflammation and fight against free radicals, which can lead to cell damage.
It is also packed with immune-boosting ingredients like ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom.
Drinking chai tea regularly may help support your body's natural defenses by keeping your body better equipped to fight disease.
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2. Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Chai tea has natural anti-inflammatory ingredients. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking to reduce things such as muscle soreness or the effects of chronic inflammation.
Chronic inflammation can lead to a host of health conditions. So reducing it is important for maintaining optimal health and well-being.
Chai tea contains potent spices like ginger and cardamom, which can help fight inflammation and decrease swelling.
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3. Helps Reduce Free Radicals in the Body
Chai tea has high levels of antioxidants, making it a great choice to help reduce free radicals in the body.
Antioxidants are compounds that can neutralize damaging molecules known as free radicals before they can cause oxidative stress.
The natural ingredients in chai tea, such as ginger and cardamom, are rich in antioxidants. These antioxidants can help protect your cells from damage from these harmful molecules.
Drinking chai tea regularly may reduce the number of free radicals in your body. This can decrease the risk of developing chronic diseases and keep you healthier.
4. May Help Control Blood Sugar Levels
Chai tea is an excellent choice for those looking to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
The natural ingredients in this flavorful beverage, such as ginger and cinnamon, can help control insulin resistance and regulate glucose metabolism.
Ginger can slow down the absorption of glucose in your bloodstream. Cinnamon can help in managing blood sugar levels by increasing insulin sensitivity.
Regular consumption of chai tea can help decrease blood sugar levels, reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and keep your body healthy.
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5. May Lower the Risk of Heart Disease
Chai tea is beneficial to heart health, as it may help lower the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
The natural ingredients in chai tea, such as cardamom and ginger, have anti-inflammatory properties that can help lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol levels.
Regular consumption of chai tea may help keep your heart healthy by reducing high blood pressure and protecting against heart disease.
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6. Can Help Relieve an Upset Stomach
Chai tea is an excellent remedy for an upset stomach. The natural ingredients in it can help relieve indigestion and reduce inflammation.
Ginger, one of the key ingredients found in chai tea, promotes digestion and can provide relief from nausea.
Combining spices like cardamom and cinnamon can help reduce abdominal pain, bloating, and heartburn.
7. Good for Your Digestive System
Chai tea is an excellent choice for improving digestive health.
Spices in chai tea, such as ginger, cardamom, and cinnamon, can help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract. Many of these spices also have anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties that aid digestion.
Drinking a cup of chai tea can also aid in better absorption of food and nutrients by the body, helping improve digestive health.
Regular consumption of chai tea may also help reduce bloating and indigestion while aiding regular bowel movements.
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8. Increases Energy
Chai tea is an excellent choice for a morning pick-me-up, as it can help increase energy levels throughout the day.
Ingredients in chai tea, including ginger, cardamom, and cinnamon, provide antioxidants that can help boost energy levels.
The caffeine in the black or green tea used in chai tea recipes can also assist with alertness and help reduce fatigue.
Also, consuming chai tea can promote better overall health, which may lead to increased energy levels.
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Delicious Vegan Chai Latte Recipe
If you're looking for something different than your usual cup of coffee from local coffee shops, try making a delicious vegan chai tea latte!
Combining ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, and other spices provides an aromatic and flavorful balance that makes this latte stand out.
Not only is it delicious, but it's also vegan and may help promote digestive health with its natural ingredients.
So say goodbye to your usual cup of joe and try this delicious vegan chai tea latte!
Vegan Chai Latte Recipe
Servings: 2
Ingredients:
2 cups of water
1 cup of unsweetened plant-based milk, such as soy, almond, or coconut (or to taste)
1 Tbsp of loose-leaf black tea leaves (you can also use green tea leaves)
Maple syrup, agave, or preferred sweetener (To taste. If it tastes too spicy, add more sweetener.)
Chai blend spices (adjust amounts to taste):
1 tsp ginger powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp cardamom
1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
1. Add tea, water, and spices to a small pot. Put it on high heat and bring it to a boil. Lower the temperature to a low setting. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
2. Remove the pot from the heat. Add your plant-based milk of choice and sweetener, then stir. Let the pot sit for about 2 minutes off the heat. Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into two mugs for serving.
3. Taste your tea. You can adjust the seasonings and sweetener as needed. If it tastes too spicy, add more sweetener. For a stronger sense of warmth, add more cinnamon.
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Conclusion
Vegan chai tea can be a great morning pick-me-up, boosting energy, providing antioxidants, and improving overall health.
Not only is it delicious, but it may help promote digestive health with its natural ingredients.
Before you go, download our FREE Vegan Shopping List below to make your next grocery trip a breeze!
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References:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24972454/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4003790/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4277626/
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/ginger-benefits