Make this Ayurveda-approved chai masala to boost your immunity and accelerate weight loss

Coronavirus pandemic has changed the face of the whole world in unprecedented ways as countries across the globe continue to grapple with the havoc wreaked by the novel coronavirus. In these difficult circumstances, it has become all the more essential to take good care of our health and pay close attention to our dietary habits.

It is important to note that even with stern lockdown and social distancing measures, more and more people around the world continue to get infected with SARS-CoV-2 virus. The toll of the positive coronavirus cases has touched a whopping 4.63 million cases globally and has resulted in more than 3 lakhs deaths.

These figures are a reminder that we need to actively take care of our physical and mental health, something which has taken a hit ever since we have been cooped up inside our house. As the option of sweating it out in the gym or attending fitness classes have been ruled out, it is time to take matters in our own hands and head to the kitchen to make an immunity-boosting chai.

The best part? This tea will not only help in kickstarting your immune system, but it will also accelerate your weight loss journey, which may have taken a hit due to the sedentary lifestyle at home. So, take a break from your work from home routine and make this ‘kadak’ chai loaded with immunity-boosting spices.

Whether you like it green or black, with or without milk, with ginger or with elachi or even with a dash of lemon juice, there is no denying that chai is the go-to beverage for Indians. While we all have different methods and preferences of brewing a perfect cup of hot tea, we can agree to the fact that there is no better pick-me-up than the soothing fragrance of a kadak chai!

However, the best part is that you can take the health-factor in your tea a notch up with the addition of Ayurveda-approved spices. You can certainly mix up with the choice of spices, but here is what you will need to make a potent immunity booster spice mix! You just have to make it once and it can be used every time you brew yourself a cup of tea. You will need cloves (laung), cardamom (elachi), cinnamon (dalchini), black pepper (kali mirch), turmeric (Haldi), star anise (chakraphool), tulsi, and honey.

In addition to its rich fragrant flavour that it lends to a variety of cuisines, cloves are also packed with a host of medicinal benefits. They are the flower buds of the clove tree and have been used as a home remedy since time immemorial. They are rich in antioxidants and contain a compound known as ‘eugenol’ which is known to be a natural antioxidant.

This powerful anti-inflammatory agent has shown to lower pro-inflammatory cytokines in animal studies. This fragrant spice also contains vitamins and minerals which can help in improving your overall health. Various studies have shown that cloves also boast of antiviral, antibacterial, anti-fungal and antiseptic properties, making it a storehouse of health benefits.

Cardamom is a slightly sweet flavoured spice, which is largely known for its antioxidant properties. These antioxidants compounds have shown to have anti-inflammatory properties which protect against cell damage and chronic inflammation in the body.

Some studies also shed light on cardamom’s impact on markers that contribute to metabolic syndromes such as high blood pressure and diabetes. A study conducted for the same showed that women who consumed cardamom for 8 weeks had lower levels of C-reactive protein (a marker of

The myriad of health benefits of the potent cinnamon needs no introduction. It has been regarded as one of the healthiest spices in Ayurveda and now modern science has also accepted the medicinal properties of dalchini. This spice is made from the inner bark of trees known as Cinnamomum. Its distinct flavour and fragrance come from the compound cinnamaldehyde. Cinnamon is loaded with antioxidants including the highly potent polyphenol. The antioxidants present in this spice protect the body from the oxidative damage and also helps in lowering the chances of chronic diseases by fighting inflammation.

Black pepper is regarded as one of the most potent spices as per Ayurveda and has amazing antioxidant properties. This strong-flavoured spice is mildly spicy and often finds its place in a variety of Indian cuisines. Thanks to active compound piperine, this spice is loaded with anti-inflammatory properties. This bioactive compound also increases the body’s ability to absorb curcumin, which is found in the turmeric root.

Black pepper is also known to alleviate chest congestion and blocked nose as it is rich in Vitamin C as well.

This golden spice probably needs no introduction as the tales of its health benefits have reached the Western world in the form of ‘turmeric latte.’ Haldi wala doodh has been an Indian staple drink before hitting the sheets and is loaded with compounds known as curcuminoids, specifically curcumin.

Curcumin is well known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which when consumed with black pepper (piperine compound) is absorbed in the bloodstream. What’s more, this golden spice is also linked with improving brain function and lowering the risk of brain diseases.

The age-old spice has not only been used in masala chai recipe for ages but is also a storehouse of antioxidants and vitamin A and C. This star-shaped spice helps in fighting the free radicals which threaten to damage the body and are responsible for early ageing. It contains some of the major health-promoting flavonoids and polyphenolic compounds including Quercetin and Linalool.

In addition to being our go-to recipe for a concoction for a sore throat, the magical Tulsi is also known to lower blood pressure and regulate the cortisol levels in the body. Additionally, holy basil is loaded with nutrients as it contains vitamin A and C, calcium, zinc and Iron. Due to its high antioxidant properties, it may also help in protecting your body against toxic chemicals and infections. Several studies have shown that it can also alleviate symptoms of diabetes such as weight gain, high blood sugar and insulin resistance.

Honey is known for its antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps in soothing sore throat and cure persistent cough.

Let the spices sundry for 15-20 minutes and grind them all together (except honey). Store the chai-mix powder in a dry, air-tight jar.

Make your tea as usual and add a teaspoon of this chai mix when the water is boiling. Strain the tea using a tea strainer and transfer the blend to a cup and add honey.