Today I had a really bad day. I lost a document that I had been working on for hours and days! I know that everyone has had this happen to them at least once. I tried to sit at my desk and redo what I had lost but my mojo was gone. What do you do when you are having a bad day? I knew that this was only temporary and in order to clear my head I decided to go out for a walk. Everyday I read about some new product (whether it’s a superfood or a cosmetic product or a new way to exercise) that will make us look and feel better, healthier, younger, stronger and sexier. In my search to feel better I will share one of the secrets to feeling great. It’s a new superfood- it’s Macha!
Matcha tea - literally, "powdered tea" - is a special type of green tea: a precious, jewel-green powder that is whisked with hot water in a bowl to make a frothy beverage of the same name. While other green teas are grown throughout the world, matcha is unique to Japan. It is the heart of the Japanese way of tea and has been celebrated in the traditional Japanese tea ceremony for hundreds of years. A unique, beautiful and richly flavorful drink, matcha tea gives most people a feeling of well-being.
Matcha tea is rich in antioxidants. These compounds offer protection against many kinds of cancer, help prevent cardiovascular disease and slow the aging process. They also reduce harmful cholesterol in the blood, stabilize blood sugar levels, help reduce high blood pressure and enhance the resistance of the body to many toxins. Matcha tea has a significant amount of dietary fiber and practically no calories. Wow, it really is a superfood!
The health benefits of matcha exceed those of other green teas because matcha drinkers ingest the whole leaf, not just the brewed water. One glass of matcha is the equivalent of 10 glasses of green tea in terms of nutritional value and antioxidant content.
Matcha is versatile and flexible. Originally consumed as a tea with water, matcha is now a popular ingredient in mixed beverages such as morning smoothies, green tea lattes and more. You can even add it to your bowl of oatmeal or granola bars or include it in a nut crust for fish or chicken. Have you tried matcha yet? What do you think of this superfood? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
MATCHA CHIA GLOW SMOOTHIE:
(Adapted from Organic Avenue)
INGREDIENTS:
10oz unsweetened almond milk
1 teaspoon of matcha powder
1/2 teaspoon of chia seeds
1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1/2 to 1 teaspoon of coconut palm sugar or agave
INSTRUCTIONS:
Add all ingredients to a shaker or blender and combine and ENJOY!
