Is Tea Good for You? What to Know About Your Daily Chiya

Many Nepalis drink several cups of chiya a day. So it's a fair question: is that good for you? Here's a balanced, practical look. This article is general information, not medical advice; please talk to a doctor about your own health.

What's in a cup of chiya?

A typical Nepali milk tea contains:

• Tea: which naturally contains caffeine and plant compounds
• Milk: adds creaminess, protein and calcium
• Sugar: often quite a lot

The tea itself is generally considered a reasonable everyday drink for most healthy adults. The bigger question is usually how much sugar and how many cups.

Caffeine

Tea has caffeine, though usually less per cup than coffee. Caffeine can help you feel alert, but too much late in the day can affect sleep. If you're sensitive:

• Have your last tea a few hours before bed
• Switch to hot lemon or hot lemon with honey in the evening

Sugar

Sweet chiya tastes great, but sugar adds up across several cups. Simple fixes:

• Ask for "chini kam" (less sugar)
• Choose a cutting (half glass) instead of a full cup
• Try black tea or lemon tea sometimes

Spices

Ginger, cardamom and clove add flavour and warmth, which is why masala chiya feels so comforting in winter. Enjoy them for the taste.

Enjoy it mindfully

The best thing about chiya may not be in the cup at all. It's the pause, the conversation and the company. A slow cup with friends beats rushing through five on your own.

At Chiya Table

You can order any tea with less sugar; just ask. Caffeine-free options include Hot Lemon (Rs. 40) and Hot Lemon with Honey (Rs. 50). See our menu.