What is not to like about tea? Tea and especially chai tea help prevent and fight many different kinds of cancer, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and may reduce the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

The fact is - every ingredient in chai tea is good for you, and when you put them all together they pack a powerful punch for your immune system.

Chai is a great alternative to your morning cup of coffee - a 5 ounce cup of coffee contains 200 mg of caffeine and black tea contains half that.

In the winter, after a long day of playing out in the snow, it's nice to come home, take a hot shower and curl up on the couch with a steaming cup of chai tea. Of course you can buy chai tea packets, but nothing compares to making it yourself.

Want to see my recipe? Then read more

Masala Chai Tea (serves 4)

• 3 cups water
• 1/2 cups milk (good source of calcium and protein)
• 2 packets of black tea (full of healthy antioxidants, that may help prevent everything from heart disease to strokes to cancer)
• 4 whole cloves (believed to invigorate and restore energy; helps generate heat in the body; useful during the cold and flu season)
• 1 cinnamon stick, broken into pieces (is a stimulant to other herbs enabling them to work faster)
• 2 cardamon pods (stimulates the mind and gives clarity)
• 1/4 tsp dried ginger (believed to strengthen and heal the digestive and respiratory system, as well as to fight off colds and flu; removes congestion, soothes sore throats, and relieves body aches; recent studies have shown it to be effective in preventing motion sickness)
• 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper (warms the body)
• 2 Tbsp honey (for sweetness and soothing qualities - adjust amount to your liking)

1. In a mortar, crush the cloves, cardamom pods, and cinnamon.
2. In a saucepan, add the mixture to the water, ginger, and pepper, and bring to a boil.
3. Remove the pan from the heat, cover and let steep for 5 minutes.
4. Add the milk and honey to the pan and bring to a boil.
5. Remove from the heat and add the black tea. Cover and let steep for 3 minutes.
6. Stir the chai, then strain it into a warmed teapot or directly into teacups.

Mmmm. I'm going to make some right now.