Mint Matcha Power Smoothie
What's all the buzz and so special about Matcha? Well, for one, if you're not drinking it yet, you're behind the times! Get with the program and try this metabolism-enhancing, stress-reducing, immune-boosting, cholesterol-lowering, super cancer fighter!
Matcha tea is a high-quality green tea that is covered before picking to accentuate the color, then stone-ground after being picked and before being sealed into small tins. The health benefits exceed simple green tea because when you drink Matcha you ingest the whole leaf, not just brewed water. Instead of throwing away the leaves, you ingest all their antioxidant powers. Matcha tea is enjoyed in many ways. In Japan it is a very important part of the tea ceremony, and in both Asia and the West, people drink it because they like the taste and the ritual. Now some people are drinking it because of the health benefits.
Health Benefits Of Matcha
One cup of Matcha tea has 10x the antioxidants of green or black tea, and gram for gram, matcha has 10-20x the antioxidant power of blueberries, acai, or pomegranates.
Matcha is rich in nutrients, antioxidants, fiber, and chlorophyll.
Matcha green tea has L-Theanine, a unique Amino Acid which helps promote a calm and focused mind and lessens the caffeine spike so you get a more sustained energy boost. It enhances mood and aids in concentration.
Cancer Preventer- The Catechin EGCg Matchas Incredible Cancer-Fighting Antioxidant (epigallocatechin gallate) provides potent cancer-fighting properties. Most importantly, EGCg and other catechins counteract the effects of free radicals from the likes of pollution, UV rays, radiation, and chemicals, which can lead to cell and DNA damage.
Anti-Ager by removing free radicals. Catechins as metnioned for the cancer fighting properties are natural phenol antioxidants, occuring mainly in green tea leaves, can protect against oxidative free-radicals that cause aging and wrinkles. Through the donation of their own electrons which work to de-activate any 'active' oxygen in the body.
Heart Disease Preventer- Green tea is studied to be rich in powerful antioxidants called flavonoids that can help protect the heart. Matcha green tea is much higher in flavonoids than extracted green tea, regular consumption of green Matcha tea can be immensely helpful in keeping your heart healthy than regular green tea.
Lowers LDL "Bad" Cholesterol and Blood Sugar and does not raise insulin levels
Weight Loss Aid- Boost metabolism and burns calories
Matcha helps to safely cleanse and purge the body of harmful elements. Chlorophyll the element that gives green tea and other plants their signature verdant color is also a powerful detoxifier, helping to eliminate both chemicals and heavy metals from the body. And because matcha is carefully shade-grown, it is substantially richer in chlorophyll than other green teas, making it a superior daily detox.
Mint Matcha Power Smoothie
Ingredients:
1 cup Almond Milk (unsweetened)
1-2 Tbsp of Matcha PowderHandful Of Kale
1/2 or 1/4 Avocado (depending on how fluffy you like your smoothie)
1/2 Ripe Banana1 Pear1 spoonful of Coconut Manna
Handful of Mint Leaves
Options: 1/2 Tbsp Of Maca Powder, 1/2 tsp of lucuma powder or coconut sugar (or any alternative sweetener), 1/2 inch slice of fresh ginger grated.
Simple Matcha Green Tea Latte
Ingredients:
2 teaspoons of Matcha Powder
2 tablespoons of hot water
1/2 cup of hot milk (your choice of dairy free milk )
1 teaspoon of coconut sugar (or as desired of any alternative sweetener)
Instructions:
Sift the matcha powder so that it is easier to mix it with water and to prevent lumps.
First, mix the matcha powder with hot water to make a paste and whisk away!
Once the paste is ready, pour hot milk and stir well.
Add sugar as desired and enjoy!
Get creative and experiment with Matcha smoothies and tea lattes and enjoy all the health benefits today!!
Note: All ingredient measurements are approximate and should be adjusted to personal taste.
XO
Claudia