As the months get colder and leaves turn orange, many of us opt for pumpkin spiced lattes and other seasonal drinks to warm our bellies and souls with festive spices.
But drinking said options on a regular basis may not be such a win for our health, and Dr. Resham Uttamchandani, founder of Doctor U, told Newsweek masala chai could be a healthier choice.
“Masala chai is a wonderful, healthful alternative to sugary coffee shop drinks like pumpkin spiced lattes or mochas,” said Uttamchandani. “Unlike those options, which often contain high sugar and artificial flavoring, masala chai is naturally sweetened by aromatic spices like cinnamon, cardamom and ginger.
“While both masala chai and pumpkin spice offer cozy, autumn flavors, chai’s ingredients are truly functional and nourishing.”
Jasdeep Chawla, founder and chef at Indian Sweet Master, told Newsweek that masala chai was not just a beverage, but a source of comfort.
“Indians believe that this beverage has soothing properties,” he said. “No matter what you’re going through in your day, a cup of spiced chai can fix it.
“Further, as winter sets in, it is considered a strong immunity booster, thanks to the spice blend in this tea, which includes cloves, cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, anise and peppercorns.”
Uttamchandani added that the drink reminded her of “the warmth of home and family traditions,” explaining that masala chai is a staple in ayurvedic practices where it is believed to warm the body and bring balance during colder months.
She said that many of the spices included in the drink had specific health benefits. For example, ginger, cardamom and black pepper could offer digestive support by stimulating enzymes and reducing bloating.
Indian masala chai in a cup. The warm spiced drink could be a healthful alternative to sugary festive drinks sold at coffee shops.
Svetlana-Cherruty/Getty Images
Uttamchandani said that many of the spices, especially the ginger and cinnamon, had antioxidant properties, meaning they could help calm inflammation in the body.
Cloves, ginger and black pepper, she said, had “antimicrobial and immune-boosting properties” that made them “ideal for seasonal wellness.”
Cinnamon, said Uttamchandani, could help stabilize blood sugar levels, and the caffeine from the black tea leaves could provide “a gentle energy boost.”
“I know I’m getting real health benefits in every sip!” she said.
Chawla told Newsweek that, while many Westerners make chai with syrups and blends, this was not correct.
“Original masala chai must be made from scratch, the way it is done in India,” he said. “When at Indian restaurants, you will often find Indians asking if the chai is made from scratch on the stove or with a machine. The latter is a big no!”
Chawla shared his masala chai recipe, in case readers would like it try making it at home.
How to make masala chai
Recipe by Jasdeep Chawla
Ingredients
Spice mix:
- 4-5 green cardamom pods
- 2-3 whole cloves
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- 1 piece of star anise or a pinch of ground anise
- 1-inch piece of ginger
- Half tsp black peppercorns
- Sugar to taste
Instructions
- In a small pan, add water and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- For the spice mix, lightly crush the cardamon pods and black peppercorns in a bowl, and add the cinnamon stick broken into pieces, along with grated ginger and anise.
- Add the mix to the water with the black tea leaves and bring it to a boil for 4-5 minutes, until the flavors are infused in the water.
- Pour the milk and bring the whole mixture to a boil for another 2-3 minutes until the milk has completely blended into the tea and spice mix.
- Strain the tea with a filter into a cup and sweeten it with sugar. Serve hot!
Do you have a tip on a food story that Newsweek should be covering? Is there a nutrition concern that’s worrying you? Let us know via science@newsweek.com. We can ask experts for advice, and your story could be featured in Newsweek.
