Chai tea is an exotic blend of black tea with spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, ginger and cloves combined with milk and sweeteners such as sugar or honey for a warming and inviting flavor that many find irresistible. Additionally, the beverage provides numerous health benefits; helping with weight loss, cholesterol regulation, heart protection and immunity-building as well as improving overall immunity levels. It has quickly gained in popularity across many cultures around the world.

Chai contains more caffeine than coffee but lacks the same stimulant effects that cause jitters due to being made with whole milk rather than heavy cream, providing ample calcium that may prevent bone fractures and osteoporosis later in life.

Chai tea contains polyphenols, antioxidants that may help lower cancer risks and fight inflammation, while its spices have immune-enhancing effects to combat various illnesses, such as colds, influenza and allergies.

As long as you prepare your chai at home, you have control of how much sugar and fat goes into it – this can be especially important as chai lattes from coffee shops often contain high amounts of sugar that add up to more than 1,000 calories! For maximum healthiness when choosing your concentrate or powder option, look for low-sugar versions to ensure a delicious beverage without increasing calories intake.

Chai contains high levels of L-theanine, an amino acid which improves attention and focus while simultaneously helping you relax, providing stress relief and better sleeping patterns. Some varieties also include turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties which have been known to aid digestion, brain function and enhance the immune system.

While chai tea may contain more calories than black coffee, the type of milk used can significantly change its calorie count. Dairy milk typically has higher fat content which will drive up its caloric count further; to create a healthier version use almond or soy instead.

Chai tea and coffee both offer their own set of health benefits; ultimately the choice lies with personal preference and caffeine tolerance. If you want a beverage low in calories and fat content, black coffee might be best; for maximum benefits from homemade versions of chai tea though, opt for homemade versions and adhere to reasonable portion sizes for maximum benefits. Just be careful that too much caffeine intake could have adverse health consequences.