Can a cup of chai make you gain weight? Nutritionist weighs in

In the realm of beverages, few are as globally beloved and culturally significant as chai (tea). While this aromatic concoction has been cherished for centuries for its comforting flavours, a perennial question lingers among health-conscious individuals: Does a cup of chai make you fat?

As the debate continues to swirl around the impact of tea on one’s weight, nutritionist Leema Mahajan, took to Instagram to delve into the nuances behind this argument.

Mahajan noted that a single cup of tea has barely 33-66 calories, depending on the milk’s fat content. “Opting for skimmed milk over full cream cuts the calories in half,” she explained.

However, she pointed out that many individuals add too much sugar in their tea, which can contribute to weight gain. “In 1 tsp of sugar, there are merely 19 calories, with 1 tbsp packing 48 calories. While a 20-calories difference per cup might seem negligible, keep in mind the extra empty calories from each tsp of sugar,” Mahajan cautioned, adding that “it is also recommended to keep the total daily added sugar quantity to 10gms a day.”

Additionally, a lot of Indians also prefer pairing their chai with rusks, biscuits and bhujiya, which all are processed carbs. “100g of rusk delivers 445 calories and 30g of sugar, while 100g of bhujiya can easily surpass 500 calories,” Mahajan said.

Therefore, she warned against their daily consumption as it poses risk to overall health and nutritional balance. “These accompaniments aren’t just calorie-dense; they’re laden with palm oil, refined flour, sugar and trans-fat.”

 

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If you still want to consume tea, the nutritionist mentioned the right way to have it in your diet.

1. To enjoy your cup of tea without the guilt of gaining extra kilos, limit it to 2 cups a day without accompaniments and preferably limit sugar.
2. Avoid pairing tea with meals. If you snack on nuts, maintain a 40-minute to 1-hour gap.
3. If you have anxiety, sleep disorders, or digestion issues, avoid tea close to bedtime.
4. Refrain from having tea on an empty stomach to prevent acidity.
5. Hydrate with a glass of water 30 minutes before and after tea or coffee to dilute acid levels and ward off digestion concerns.

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