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Home » Nutrition Comparisons: Unveiling the Facts

Published: Mar 30, 2023 · Modified: Sep 19, 2023 by Natalie Perry · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Difference Between Chai vs Chia (Plus Benefits and Uses)

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The differences between Chai vs Chia are actually quite a lot. These two superfoods have very similar spellings, so they can be easily confused. Chai is pronounced (CH-EYE) and Chia is pronounced (CHEE-UH). This is a common typo when the fingers move too fast on the keyboard (or when auto-correct gets the best of us).

Nevertheless, we will break it down for you here in this article. We happen to love Chai and Chia for their many delicious uses and health benefits!

A dark background with a cutting board with several spices including chai and star anise nutmeg and cinnamon surrounding a dark mug of chai tea with a white liquid and spices in the cup including ground cinnamon and two cinnamon sticks. To the top left there is a pile of chia seeds and under that is an orange bowl of yogurt with chia seeds sprinkled on top and a wooden scoop full of chia seeds in it next to the bowl. this …
Jump to:
  • What is Chai?
  • Making a Chai Tea Latte
  • Health Benefits of Chai
  • What is Chia?
  • Proper Preparation of Chia
  • Uses for Chia Seeds
  • Health Benefits of Chia
  • Conclusion
  • Comments

What is Chai?

Chai Tea and Chai Latte are two common menu items that you may be familiar with seeing at your local coffee shop. Chai is a uniquely flavored black tea. The chai flavor comes from its tea leaves being infused with chai spices. Chai is actually derived from the Hindi word Cha which means tea.

a decorative photo of a dark colored chai tea mug with a milky chai tea with spices sprinkled and garnished in it. two cinnamon sticks and star anise within the cup as well as sprinkled around it. Also used as decoration, nutmeg and other various spices around the cup with a dark folded dinner napkin and a wooden plate that the cup is resting on

Masala Chai is the correct term for this deliciously spiced drink. While Chai means Tea, Masala means Spiced. Technically speaking, the Chai Latte alone is black tea and milk, while Masala Chai is the traditional drink with the perfect spice combo.

The sweet spices that make up the Masala Chai are cracked black pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves. Some variations also include additional spices like nutmeg, tulsi, saffron, rose, fennel, or star anise.

Making a Chai Tea Latte

You may use a chai tea bag that is already prepared or infused with spices. There are also loose-leaf chai blends you can purchase.

(We highly advise avoiding commercially bleached tea bags as they can leech chemicals into your tea!)

However, to experience the best quality, the most health benefits, and the authentic aroma of this Indian tea would be to make it fresh with loose-leaf organic black tea leaves and grind your own organic whole spices. You can use an electric spice grinder similar to a coffee bean grinder or a traditional mortar and pestle.

Add the spices to a saucepan and mix with hot water. For best results, be sure to not add actively boiling water as it could cause the tea to become bitter. Add the tea leaves in with the spices and water and let steep for 10 minutes.

Mix it with your milk of choice. In India, the kind of milk traditionally used is whole milk. The more milk you add, the richer the flavor.

For non-dairy milk, consider using almond milk, cashew milk, coconut cream, coconut milk, or oat milk. Bring the milk and tea to a simmer to blend the flavors. Then, mix in your choice of sweetener and give it a good stir. Indian Masala Chai is made using cane sugar (called jaggery).

You can also use coconut sugar, agave nectar, or maple syrup. The avoid spiking blood sugar levels, you can also use a natural sugar free sweetener like stevia or monk fruit. In order to avoid synthetic and unhealthy additives, be sure to read the ingredients on the labels!

Lastly, strain the tea with a fine mesh strainer into a small saucepan and serve. Yum!

Health Benefits of Chai

While enjoying the exotic flavor and aroma of your perfectly prepared cup of deliciousness, you may be delighted to know of its incredible benefits to your health!

Masala Chai is rich in antioxidants that come from its tea leaves as well as its exquisite spices. These antioxidants help to boost heart health, prevent degenerative diseases and cancer, and reverse the signs of aging.

The catechins in tea have antiviral properties while spices like ginger have antimicrobial, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties help to reduce inflammation, fight off infections, and improve immunity and dental health.

There is also a moderate amount of caffeine in Chai that may also help to reduce headaches or migraine pain. That sounds pretty amazing to me! Cheers!

What is Chia?

Chia is a flowering plant in the mint family that comes from central Mexico called Salvia hispanica, or from Southwestern US called Salvia columbariae. The hispanica strain is the one that was used to produce the ever-popular chia pets of the 80s that sprouted through holes in a pet-looking pot.

a bright photo of a clear glass with chia seeds hydrated in milk with various fruits on top of the chia pudding. next to the cup is a white spoon and a yellow dish with a pile of strawberries on it. all of this is on a rustic green board atop a wooden table

In Mayan, Chia means "Strength" because the Mayans warriors would use these seeds as fuel for endurance during battle.

Chia is most widely praised for its seeds which pack a powerful nutritional punch. They make quite a delicious addition to smoothies protein bars and desserts.

Chia seeds have a nutty flavor and are easily digestible when prepared properly.

Check out this article on super seeds hemp vs chia vs flax seeds.

Proper Preparation of Chia

While you can eat whole, dried chia seeds, it is advisable to prepare them. by hydrating them. This little seed can hold up to 12 times its weight in water. When you soak your seeds the "sprout". A gel-like substance surrounds the seed as it sprouts. The enzymes that protect the seed are released which improves digestibility as well as absorption.

The protection of seeds are anti-nutrients that protect them from the elements during growth. When consumed these antinutrients may also prevent the absorption of vital nutrients which is one of the main reasons it is always best to soak.

Another reason is the incredibly healthy fats that soaked chia provides.

To soak your seeds, mix 1 & ½ TBS of seeds with 1 cup of liquid. You can use purified water, juice, or milk depending on your purposes for the seeds. Let them soak for ½-2 hours at least and use as desired.

Uses for Chia Seeds

Chia seeds can be made into a drink, jelly, pudding, or mixed into protein bars for an extra nutritional boost! Interestingly, hydrated chia seeds also work as a vegan egg alternative in recipes. No kidding!

Chia seeds can also be ground into a powder and used as a gluten-free flour substitute for baked goods like pancakes or muffins. The culinary uses and possibilities are many!

Add hydrated chia seeds to your Chocolate Avocado Pudding for a deliciously healthy nutritional boost!

Health Benefits of Chia

These powerful seeds have high fiber content which aids in digestive health and weight loss. Like, Chai, Chia is rich in antioxidants and helps protect against cardiovascular disease.

Most famously, chia is so rich in omega-3 fatty acids that it has even more than salmon. These healthy fats improve the brain, skin, and heart health.

It contains a nutrient called Alpha-linoleic acid which has been shown to play a role in balancing blood sugar levels.

Just as it was popular with the Mayans, it can help to increase energy, strength, and exercise performance and recovery due to its high protein, vitamin, and mineral content. Naturally, these minerals also improve bone and dental health among many other critical processes in the body.

Infographic wth cream background and Black text. At the top left is a photo of chia seeds in a wooden spoon and at the top right is a photo of chai tea latte with spices around it. Under the chia photo is print that says Benefits of Chia Seeds and 5 orange circles with white numbers 1-5 in each itemizing the 5 ; listed benefits. 1. increased blood levels of omega-3. 2. Improved blood sugar control. 3. Lower Blood Pressure. 4. Increased fiber intake 5. High in protein. at the bottom of the page says MindfullyHealthLiving.com. Under the Chai, photo says Benefits of Chai Tea with 4 small orange circle and white numbers 1-4 inside of the circle. 1. Improved Heart Health. 2. Chai contains antioxidants 3. Prevent degenerative diseases. 4. Improves dental health

Conclusion

As you can see, these two similarly spelled superfoods have many differences but a few things in common. The incredible health benefits. Chia has many culinary and medicinal uses that have each been utilized around the world for centuries!

Do you use Chai or Chia in your daily routine? How have you experienced their benefits? Let us know in the comments below!

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Hello there! My name is Natalie. My passion is creating and sharing healthy recipes, tips, and affirmations for a healthy mind and body. I am a wife, mom, certified holistic nutrition specialist, hypnotherapist, reiki master, and healthy food blogger! I enjoy learning, creating, and sharing healthy recipes that the whole family will love.

Since 2005 I began studying yoga, natural and holistic healing, nutrition, energy work, subconscious work, and more. I attended Southwest Institute for Healing Arts in Tempe, Arizona, and received several certifications as well as a Mind Body Wellness Practitioner Diploma in 2017. I spent many years looking for solutions for pain, stress, illness, and fatigue. I found that prescriptions, poor lifestyle and food choices, and negative self-talk were causing me to stay stuck. Throughout my studies, I transformed my life. It has become my passion to share what I learned in hopes of helping others to heal themselves.

Over the years, I have discovered firsthand the impact of food choices on health, energy, pain, and more. I am here to share how impactful it is to eat clean, natural, nutrient-dense foods. I have spent several years learning and experimenting with healthier cooking and eating, and it feels amazing!

When learning new ways to eat, I found it often required reprogramming outdated thoughts and beliefs to succeed.

Meditation, guided imagery, affirmations, and setting intentions are powerful tools I incorporate into my recipes and blogs. I will often share suggested affirmations or intentions within my recipes that will help you to amplify your healthy eating experience if you choose!

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Infographic wth cream background and Black text. At the top left is a photo of chia seeds in a wooden spoon and at the top right is a photo of chai tea latte with spices around it. Under the chia photo is print that says Benefits of Chia Seeds and 5 orange circles with white numbers 1-5 in each itemizing the 5 ; listed benefits. 1. increased blood levels of omega-3. 2. Improved blood sugar control. 3. Lower Blood Pressure. 4. Increased fiber intake 5. High in protein. at the bottom of the page says MindfullyHealthLiving.com. Under the Chai, photo says Benefits of Chai Tea with 4 small orange circle and white numbers 1-4 inside of the circle. 1. Improved Heart Health. 2. Chai contains antioxidants 3. Prevent degenerative diseases. 4. Improves dental health