Winters and chai!! What a perfect amalgamation. Right?
Chai has been one of the most loved beverages for ages. Be it India or the United States, a cup of hot tea in winters is bliss. The warmth and snugness that this beverage provides in winters is inexplicable.
Although the word chai in western countries usually implies black tea with spices, milk, and sugar, the real chai is made pure–with no spices. The spiced version is called Masala Chai, which translates into Spiced Tea. Spiced or not, there are no doubts that Chai is delicious, soothing, and one of the best milk teas in the world.
While Chai can offer many benefits, it can create major health issues if it’s consumption is not regulated.
Hogging on chai in winters can go wrong. Here are the side effects of chai that will compel you to drop your cup:
Heartburn:
The caffeine can lead to heartburn or can also aggravate acid reflux symptoms, as per Healthline. As per research, caffeine may also contribute to an increase in total stomach acid production.
Anxiety and stress:
Tea leaves contain caffeine which also impacts our mood if overconsumed. Caffeine has a mood-enhancing drug, which somehow triggers anxiety, caffeine disrupts sleep, and increases restlessness and heart rate too.
Constipation:
A chemical present in the tea called Theophylline can hurt your digestive system which can lead to constipation. Many of us start our day with tea as it helps in clear bowel movement but consuming a lot of it can lead you to constipation.
Unsafe for Pregnant Women:
Consuming ginger tea beyond the prescribed quantity (1500 mg) per day increases the chances of miscarriage. Thus, to be on the safer side, experts suggest avoiding too much ginger during pregnancy and have it only after consulting your doctor.
Prostate Cancer:
Heavy tea drinkers are at a higher risk of getting prostate cancer as compared to those who don’t. This is the worst side effect of drinking too much tea.
