This week, I wanted to share one of my favorite super foods, matcha green tea! If you aren’t onto this tea yet, you must check it out and add it into your program!
I am sure you have heard about how powerful green tea can be to your overall health and wellness, but did you know that one cup of matcha green tea’s antioxidant and nutritional content is equivalent to 10 glasses of regular green tea? If you are going to reap all the benefits of green tea, why not gain 10 times the benefit by sipping on matcha green tea? What I love about matcha, aside from all the wonderful health benefits, is how versatile this nutrient-rich ingredient is. I use the powder form of matcha and add it to all types of recipes from smoothies to waffles.
Check out some key benefits of matcha green tea and try two of my favorite recipes!
Heart Health. Studies have shown green tea to be related to long-term heart health because of its ability to lower harmful blood cholesterol, LDL levels. The flavonoids in green tea also relax the blood vessels so blood can flow more easily, which protect the heart for heart attacks!
Antioxidant booster. Green tea is loaded with antioxidants, catechins, polyphenols and especially EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which are free radical fighting substances that help the body fight disease and slow down the aging process. Green tea promotes longevity!
Weight Loss. Green tea has been shown to help with weight loss due to its fat oxidation properties. Studies show that green tea’s polyphenols help increase metabolism and therefore help with fat loss.
Digestive Health. Green tea has been shown to help reduce gas and potentially help with treating inflammation in the gut!
Immunity Booster. With all the powerful antioxidants, green tea is an overall great immune booster, keeping your body strong and helping to reduce chances of catching that everyday cold!
Prevention of Diabetes. Green tea has been shown to help keep blood sugar stable, helping prevent type 1 diabetes or helping diabetic patients manage their blood sugar levels by regulating blood glucose.
Prevention of Arthritis. Green tea has been shown to help decrease inflammation and slow down the breakdown of cartilage in those with arthritis.
Skin Health. Green tea’s powerful antioxidants protect the skin from the harmful effects of free radicals, which helps prevent wrinkles and aging of the skin! Green tea also helps fight against skin cancer!
Stress Reducer. Green tea contains an amino acid L-theanine, which helps decrease stress and anxiety, keeping your mind calm yet sharp!
Energy Booster. Green tea does act as an energy booster and an “afternoon pick-me-up” but without the crash and jitters of coffee. It helps with energy while offering a calming and relaxed feeling. Buddhist monks used to use it to help them focus during meditation!
Detoxifies. Matcha, unlike other green teas, is grown in the shade and therefore is richer in chlorophyll. Chlorophyll helps detoxify the body because it helps shed the body of toxins and waste.
Matcha Green Tea Smoothie
Ingredients:
• 2 teaspoons matcha green tea powder
• 3 tablespoons hot water
• 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
• 1 ripe medium banana
• 2 packets stevia
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup ice
Directions
In a small bowl, stir together the matcha powder with the hot water until completely dissolved. Add all ingredients in a blender, leaving a tablespoon of the shredded coconut aside. Blend well until rich and creamy, pour into glass and top off with remaining shredded coconut
Nutrition Information
Calories: 285
Fat: 10 grams
Carbs: 28 grams
Protein: 25 grams
Sugars: 15 grams
Resources:
http://www.matchasource.com/about-matcha-s/19.htm
http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/green-tea-benefits/
