A special tea masala by grinding the spices into a powder.
Kickstarting the day with a steaming cup of tea is a daily ritual for many, particularly during the winter season. Whether it's black tea, masala tea, green tea, or milk tea, people choose their brew based on personal preferences. Masala tea, infused with an array of whole spices like ginger, basil, cinnamon stick, small cardamom, black cardamom, and black pepper, takes centre stage during the colder months. While the rich flavour of masala tea is undeniably delightful, it's crucial to understand the potential health impacts of an excess of spices, making it essential to strike a balance.
What is Masala Tea?
Masala tea, a popular beverage in India, involves adding whole spices to the brewing process alongside traditional elements like tea leaves, sweeteners, and milk. Some enthusiasts opt for a milk-free version, while others create a special tea masala by grinding the spices into a powder. The consumption of masala tea in winter is believed to boost immunity, but excessive intake can tip the scales towards adverse health effects.
The spices inherent to masala tea, such as cinnamon, black pepper, and black cardamom, possess warming properties. While moderate consumption aligns with potential health benefits, an excess of masala tea may lead to various health issues that demand attention.
6 Disadvantages of Having Too Much Masala Tea:
1. Digestive Discomfort
Overindulgence in whole spices can result in stomach aches, constipation, and flatulence. It's advised to use them in moderation to prevent digestive issues.
2. Caffeine Concerns
Masala tea contains a notable amount of caffeine, and excessive consumption may not be suitable for everyone. Individuals prone to stress or anxiety should be cautious about their caffeine intake.
3. Allergic Reactions
Some individuals may have allergies to specific spices. Those with known spice allergies should exercise caution and refrain from consuming masala tea.
4. Blood Pressure Impact
The richness of spices in masala tea can contribute to elevated blood pressure levels. Individuals with hypertension are advised to avoid excessive consumption.
5. Heartburn Risks
The abundance of spices can sometimes lead to heartburn. It is recommended to limit consumption to prevent this discomfort.
6. Eye Irritation and Allergies
Black pepper in masala tea may cause eye irritation, and pregnant women may be susceptible to allergies. Care should be taken, and excessive consumption should be avoided during pregnancy.
In essence, moderation is key when enjoying masala tea or any beverage. While the blend of whole spices can enhance flavour and offer potential health benefits, excessive consumption may lead to undesirable consequences. Striking a balance ensures that the comforting ritual of sipping masala tea remains a positive experience for health-conscious individuals.
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
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FAQs
The aroma of masala chai can have a calming effect on the mind and body. The spices in masala chai, particularly ginger and cardamom, have been shown to have anxiolytic properties that can help reduce stress and anxiety. By sipping on a cup of masala chai, you can soothe your nerves and promote a sense of well-being.
What does masala tea do to the body? ›
The aroma of masala chai can have a calming effect on the mind and body. The spices in masala chai, particularly ginger and cardamom, have been shown to have anxiolytic properties that can help reduce stress and anxiety. By sipping on a cup of masala chai, you can soothe your nerves and promote a sense of well-being.
What happens if you drink chai tea every day? ›
Chai tea has more polyphenols than most fruits and vegetables, meaning that drinking chai tea on a daily basis can help protect overall cell health. Clove and cinnamon are ranked among the herbs with highest antioxidant levels and chai tea contains both of these spices.
Who should not drink chai tea? ›
If you are sensitive to caffeine, it is important to limit your intake of chai tea. Additionally, chai tea contains a compound called tannins. Tannins in Tea can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. If you are sensitive to tannins, it is important to limit your intake of chai tea.
Is masala chai unhealthy? ›
Masala chai is a great source of nutrients, such as antioxidants such as catechins and theaflavins. These antioxidants can fight oxidative stress, prevent cancer, and improve several conditions, according to Surabhi Sharma, Head Of Department of Dietetics and Nutrition at Max Hospital.
What are the effects of too much masala? ›
The side effects of eating masala:
- Allergic reactions to certain spices.
- Skin rash.
- Diarrhoea because of an overdose of spices.
- Asthma because of spice inhalation.
- Haemorrhoids because of some spices.
- Salmonella contamination.
-> Reduced Inflammation and the risk of diseases such as arthritis and even help manage symptoms. -> Cloves may also promote better liver function and reduce signs of liver cirrhosis and fatty liver disease.
What are the side effects of chai spice tea? ›
Side Effects of Chai Tea
- Headaches.
- Jitters.
- Sleeplessness.
- Upset stomach.
Can you drink tea when you have kidney stones? Tea should be avoided when suffering from kidney stones. While the most common cause of kidney stones is simply not drinking enough water, tea contains oxalates, the key chemical that also play a role in the formation of kidney stones.
Is it bad to drink chai tea before bed? ›
It's recommended to drink chai tea at least a few hours before bedtime to allow your body to process the caffeine. Overall, drinking chai tea in the evening is great to unwind and relax after a long day, as long as you keep in mind the caffeine content and timing of consumption.
When it comes to chai tea, there is no clear consensus on whether it has a laxative effect. Some people report that drinking chai tea can help to stimulate bowel movements and relieve constipation. This may be due to the caffeine content of black tea, which is a mild stimulant that can help to increase bowel activity.
Why we should not drink water after chai? ›
There is no scientific evidence that drinking water after drinking tea is harmful to your health. However, it is believed that drinking water immediately after drinking hot beverages like tea can lead to pyorrhea and digestive problems like acidity or pain.
Can chai tea raise blood pressure? ›
Chai tea could be fantastic for your heart's wellbeing. Animal studies have shown that cinnamon, a major ingredient in chai tea, can improve blood pressure. Most research has found that consuming four or more cups of black tea a day, can slightly lower blood pressure.
Can you have too much masala chai? ›
Side effects of Masala Tea
With black tea as its base, it has caffeine that may have a negative impact on the body when consumed in large amounts. It can lead to nausea and restlessness. You can always reduce the caffeine intake by opting for decaffeinated masala tea.
Is masala bad for you? ›
Garam masala may cause some side effects, when an ingredient like pepper is added in large quantity. In some people, it may cause itching of the skin, while in others, it may cause rashes. There are cases when there is burning sensation in the mouth. In some people, garam masala leads to diarrhoea and vomiting.
When to drink masala tea? ›
Mornings are when you need some caffeine to help you become awake and alert. Therefore, it is a great time to have a good cup of clear masala tea with or without sugar. The combined forces of caffeine and spices will give you the kick you need to start your day.
Is masala healthy or unhealthy? ›
The potent anti-inflammatory property of khada masala helps in lowering cholesterol levels and maintain HDL cholesterol. Cardamom in garam masala aids in controlling blood pressure and lowers the risk of stroke. Reap the wellness incentives of garam masala by relishing masala tea to restore heart health.
How often should you drink masala tea? ›
You can have masala chai every day, as it is good for your health. There's no room for side effects when all ingredients are natural and safe for consumption. In fact, Masala chai is one of the best ways to start a day, as it can even reduce the risk of deadly diseases like cancer.
Does masala tea make you sleepy? ›
Masala chai contains L-theanine, which has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety. Combine that with cardamom and ginger which are known to reduce cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress, further promoting a calm and relaxed state conducive to better sleep.
