Matcha Love
Matcha is the sweet darling on the nutritional stage. As the wellness movement continues to explode, we are all discovering the vast amount of amazing benefits matcha has to offer. Adding it to your life can be as simple as a cup of tea, a morning smoothie or a matcha berry breakfast bowl. (See recipes below.) Each day is an opportunity for greater health. It's the simple steps we take each day that create the BIG results we crave.
Today I’m sharing 3 Reasons why I LOVE Matcha and WHY you should too!
1. Matcha has powerful healing properties and life-changing health benefits. It’s comprised of the entire plant and contains 10 – 15 times the overall nutrients and 100 times more antioxidants than traditional green, white, black, rooibos and yerba mate teas. Matcha also contains a high concentration of polyphenols, which protect against heart disease, certain forms of cancer (especially breast cancer), regulate blood sugar and decrease blood pressure.
2. Matcha strengthens the immune system, alkalizes your body and helps detoxify the blood. It’s loaded with powerful EGCg’s, known for boosting metabolism (better fat burning & weight loss), helps to slow down damage from chronic inflammation, increases energy and reduces stress. Who wouldn’t like less stress??!!!
3. Matcha produces a calming effect on the brain while improving mental cognition, focus and mood. It’s chock full of L-theanine, an amino acid with psychoactive properties, capable of inducing alpha wave activity in the brain, which induces relaxation without the nervous energy that many other caffeinated beverages may activate.
Including just a small dose of matcha in your morning routine can make an incredible and noticeable difference in your life.
Here are some of my favorite recipes for the brain, body, and better beauty.
Marlyn’s Matcha Beauty Smoothie
Ingredients:
8oz of unsweetened almond milk (or other plant-based milk)
1 tsp. of matcha green tea powder
1/2 cup of frozen banana (or berries of choice)
1-2 tsp of MCT oil or coconut oil
dash of cinnamon to taste
2-3 ice cubes (for extra cold, creaminess)
*Option: 1-2 scoops of vanilla plant-based protein powder or collagen peptides. (helps balance blood sugar, if using for meal replacement)
Blend all ingredients in high-speed blender.
Sip, savor & enjoy!
Chia-Berry Valentine Overnight Oats
(serves 5-6)
Ingredients:
3 cups of almond milk (or other plant-based milk)
2 cups of gluten-free rolled oats
2 TBS of chia seeds
2 TBS of 100% pure maple syrup
2 TBS of unsweetened shredded coconut
2 TBS of pumpkin seeds
1-2 tsp of matcha green tea
cinnamon to taste
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix. Place mixture in the refrigerator overnight. (I like to store in mason jars.) Serve the next morning with some extra milk and nuts if desired. Top with fresh berries and enjoy!