Chai gives joy and enhances peace of mind. The more we learn about this beverage, the more benefits we find, says Sangeeta Sen
That Sunday morning, on my way to Kurseong, amidst circles of a light blue haze that rolled down the verdant Darjeeling hills, I noticed a group of colourfully-dressed women expertly plucking the finest tea leaves and adding them to the soft piles of Darjeeling Tea accumulating in their bamboo baskets.
A step back in time, dating back to 1841, tells me that Dr A Campbell, a civil surgeon of the Indian Medical Service, cultivated the now world famous Darjeeling Tea plant in his garden at Beechwood using Chinese tea seeds. In fact, he introduced a distinct domain of the most aromatic tea type that soon became popular for tea connoisseurs around the world. Not without reason is Darjeeling Tea considered as ‘champagne of tea’ for its rich flavour and aroma.
Chai has been cherished for centuries in India to preserve health and increase peace of mind. But, the more we learn about this energising brew the more benefits we find. In addition to improving digestion, chai enhances the immune system, fights inflammation and has antioxidant properties. It has also been suggested that chai has antibacterial and anti-cancer effects.
A freshly brewed cup of this famously aromatic beverage is sufficient to revive and restore one's jaded senses after a
long day. In order to get the most benefit out of Darjeeling Tea, it is advised to consume the tea without milk and sugar. Instead, you can use a pinch of lemon juice to enhance the taste of the tea.
More importantly, from the point of view of health, tea is known to possess benefical qualities. For example a hot cup of Darjeeling Black Tea has been shown to improve the functioning of the blood vessels, thereby, reducing the risk of cardio-vascular ailments; stimulate the gamma-delta T-cells that help eliminate viruses causing ailments like flu and even skin infections. In addition, poly-phenols in Darjeeling Black Tea help eliminate the plaque developing on the teeth. Then, amino acids like l-theanine in Darjeeling Black Tea alleviate symptoms of stress. More importantly, scientific research studies have pointed out that crucial compounds like TF-2 in this tea has anti-cancer properties.
A perfect ‘cuppa' would simply require about two teaspoons of Darjeeling Black Tea leaves, a sugar cube, a slice of lemon and water. Yet, another healthy option is the Ayurvedic Chai Tea. A powerful blend of tea, herbs and spices where the tea leaves are combined with cinnamon, green cardamom, fennel seeds (saunf) and ginger for a refreshing and satisfying brew.
According to recent scientific studies, Ayurvedic Chai Tea helps prevent hardening of arteries and controlling blood pressure problems thanks to the presence of high levels of flavonoid anti-oxidants in the Darjeeling Black Tea leaves; while gingerol in ginger of the Chai Tea relieves symptoms of morning sickness. Moreover, high concentrations of the essential cinnamonadehyde oil in the cinnamon constituent of the Chai Tea helps increase the energy levels. Cinnamon lowers blood sugar levels too. Also, the fennel seeds help cure bronchitis infections. The green cardamoms present in the Chai Tea heals problems of inflammation.
The spices in chai have longstanding evidence of supporting various body systems, improving circulation and immune system functioning as well as increasing mental clarity and general mood enhancement. While black tea in chai does contain caffeine, it has much less caffeine than coffee. Hence, Chai Tea is preferred by many as a healthy substitute to coffee and decaf
Then, there's the immune-boosting blend of Darjeeling Tea and honey that helps repair and prevent damage of the body tissues, thereby, protecting the body against various illnesses. A concoction of Darjeeling Tea with mint leaves eases digestion.
Masala chai in its present form has now firmly established itself as a popular beverage, not just outlasting the British Raj but spreading beyond South Asia to the rest of the world. Of course the modern world has elevated the humble chai to new planes of experience — chai ices, milk-shakes, chocolate chai, non-fat, low-calorie sweeteners, decaf, and so on.
All said and done, a cup of Darjeeling Tea truly packs all the ingredients of good health.