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From Sweet to Scary: How Chai is Hooking India on Sugar
Growing up in a food-forward city like Ulhasnagar, it’s rather surprising to me that I am starting an article with the side effects of Chai on obesity.
When you are introduced to chai in your early teenage years without a lot of self control, you grow up thinking of the sweet brown liquid as a source of energy.
That’s right — a source of energy, because you end up overusing the refreshing drink.
At first, these changes are too subtle to notice. When my chai intake reached 3–4 cups per day, I didn’t think much of it. Why would I? My parents normalized starting and ending your day with chai, including using chai to get to sleep at night.
Chai is addictive yes, but not for the reason you think.
One common ingredient that makes chai so special also defines Diwali (or really — any other festival in India).
And that one ingredient is what makes India the Diabetes Capital of the World!
You guessed it — it’s SUGAR!
We claim we exchange sweets on Diwali — kaju katli, all the barfis and chikkis, and Cadbury’s assorted chocolate packs —you name it, we love it! But in reality all we are gifting is sugar!
