Have you ever come across chai latte on the menus of a coffee shop? This is a super delicious traditional Indian drink that has been conquering the palate of many people. With striking flavors, chai latte has several health benefits. Curious to know more about this drink? See below the explanation of nutritionist Elaine Costa (CRN 8430) on the subject and check out, at the end of the text, some recipes to try now!
what is chai latte
According to Elaine, chai latte is traditional from India and is a “mixture of black tea with milk and spices”. For her, this combination guarantees an “intense flavor, but at the same time, it is slightly spicy and can be served both hot and cold”. In addition, this drink has several health benefits, check it out in the next topic.
5 benefits of chai latte
Nothing better than consuming a tasty drink and still enjoying its benefits, right? The combination of black tea and spices has good properties that help maintain the body’s health. So, check out the main benefits of chai latte below:
- It favors digestion: according to the nutritionist, the drink enhances the activities of the stomach, “reducing the feeling of bloating and ensuring a more natural digestion”;
- Strengthens the immune system: “the action of antioxidants found in tea and spices are effective in relieving cold symptoms”, explained Elaine;
- It has energetic action: for the nutritionist, “chai latte provides energy and vitality to the body due to the action of theine found in black tea. In this way, during digestion, energy substances are released”;
- Stimulates metabolism: Elaine explained that some spices used in chai, such as cinnamon and cardamom, are able to activate metabolism and, with regular consumption, stimulate “pancreatic enzymes, improving the development of fats”;
- Regulates blood fat levels: this is a great benefit for the health of the cardiovascular system, because “chai latte is rich in polyphenols, which prevents fat from sticking to the walls of the arteries”, added Elaine.
This drink is all good, right? In addition to refreshing in the summer or warming up in the winter, chai latte has excellent properties for the body.
Harms of Chai Latte
Nutritionist Elaine Costa explained that it has no harm or contraindications. For her, the drink “can be taken daily, as long as there is a balance in the daily amount and special attention to the concentration of spices introduced in the drink”. In addition, nutri recommended avoiding consumption during the night period “to avoid episodes of insomnia”, after all, the drink has an energetic action.
Did you feel like trying this drink at home? See, in the next topic, some easy and practical recipes for you to try right now!
chai latte recipes
Check out, below, different recipes for you to make a delicious Indian drink to enjoy all its flavors and benefits:
simple chai latte
This recipe is super simple and is the closest version to the original. First, it is necessary to flavor the milk with the spices, in which cinnamon, cardamom and ginger were used. Then, just add the black tea, let it steep for a few minutes and enjoy! Watch the video to learn more details.
Chai latte with honey
The honey in this recipe makes all the difference, whether to make the drink sweeter or just to add a special flavor. Here, black tea is flavored with spices during infusion. After that, just heat the milk and serve it in a mug, placing equal parts of the tea and the hot milk.
vegan chai latte
It is possible to make a version of this Indian drink without using ingredients of animal origin. To make the drink vegan, just choose the plant-based milk of your choice. In this video, peanut milk was used. The mix of spices in this recipe guarantees a special and well fragrant touch. In addition to the more traditional seasonings, it is worth adding a little cloves, black pepper and nutmeg.
Chai latte with brown sugar
Using brown sugar to make the chai latte can make the drink a more golden color, as well as being a little healthier. This version is very practical and tasty, you will need to boil some water to add the spices, sugar and tea. Then just add the heated milk and enjoy!
Chai Latte with Vanilla
Want a sweeter drink? Then this recipe is for you! In this quick version, you must heat the milk and then flavor it with anise, ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg, finally, just add the black tea bags and wait a few minutes to make the infusion. Serve hot or cold and enjoy!
Did you like these chai latte recipes? Choose your favorite version and enjoy its benefits right now! Surely you have the ingredients in your pantry. Enjoy and discover another tasty drink made with spices, the golden milk.
The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.