Cherished for centuries, not only for their aroma and bold flavors, but also for the health benefits they offer, chai spices should be an essential part of every person’s diet. The mixture of these spices into the incredible blend of masala chai promotes the overall well-being.
Whether used for warmth or wellness, masala chai is a timeless favorite across cultures.
The five core chai spices are cloves, cinnamon, ginger, anise, and cardamom.
Cloves
Cloves are the flower buds of the clove tree also known as Syzygium aromaticum.
It is a versatile spice that offers a number of health benefits. Among the rest, cloves are rich in eugenol, oil with strong antioxidant properties. Further, it is rich in vitamins C and K, manganese, as well as small amounts of calcium and magnesium.
Researches suggest that cloves help stabilize blood sugar levels and support the health of the liver.
Besides being rich in antioxidants, the usage of cloves promotes oral health and improves digestion.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon regulates blood sugar and blood pressure. As such, it potentially lowers the risk of diabetes and hypertension, two conditions that contribute to clogged arteries.
This spice is obtained from the inner bark of several tree species from the genus Cinnamomum.
It helps fight inflammation, improves the health of the heart, and protects against infections.
Ginger