Dear Joyous Reader,
The beautiful green powder above is called matcha. You've probably heard of it before, maybe even tried it! Matcha is a total superfood heavyweight. You may have noticed on instagram that I love making matcha lattes by warming almond or coconut milk and then combining it with some honey and matcha.
Matcha has a variety of health benefits making it a superfood heavyweight:
FAT BURNING: Increases thermogenesis (the body's own rate of burning calories) and fat oxidation according to a study featured in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. In fact, it was demonstrated that exercising immediately after drinking matcha green tea resulted in 25% more fat burning during exercise!
ANTI-CANCER FOOD: EGCG is the active catechin in matcha (and green tea) and it is a very powerful antioxidant and free radical scavenger. In fact, 1 cup of matcha has 137 times the amount of EGCG compared to a conventional cup of green tea.
DETOX: High quality matcha will be grown in the shade which is why it's richer in blood cleansing chlorophyll, much more so than other green tea. Chlorophyll is a potent detoxifying compound.
CHILL OUT: Matcha contains a very special amino acid called L-theanine (5 X more than green tea). L-theanine helps to relieve stress, lower blood pressure and counterbalance the effects of caffeine.
Health studies aside, I personally love matcha because it gives me a sense of alertness and energy without the negative affects of the jitters and anxiety that caffeine from coffee gives me.
Here's my super yummy smoothie recipe with matcha!
Enjoy!
Joy
Great recipe idea! Do you have any brands that you recommend for Matcha? I've been wanting to try it but I've heard that there is a huge range in quality. I'd love to hear your thoughts!
ReplyYes, I love Tealish: http://www.tealish.com/
Wonderful article and recipe! Where can we find some high quality matcha tea in Toronto?
ReplyI really love the Tealish brand of matcha, plus it's certified organic and has a really nice flavour.
I was going to ask the same thing :) Thanks for the info, I can't wait to try this stuff!
ReplyYou're welcome, enjoy!
What is a good brand for a plant base protein powder and where to buy?
ReplyI love Genuine Health's Vegan Vanilla Protein or if you want something unflavoured then Sunwarrior's Warrior Blend is also great. Hope that helps!
Is it safe during pregnancy?
ReplyI was wondering what brand is a good one for the Matcha? Thanks so much, Janet
ReplySorry just read above and found out...
What brand of matcha powder do you use?
ReplyHi Thanks for all the great smoothie recipes. I will try them all. My question is what is a good substitute for the banana. I have never been able to eat bananas. I get a very painful feeling in my stomach and sore back whenever I try ( my mother has the same problem). So, what is a good substitute to ensure I get all the benefits of the smoothie. Thanks Kim
ReplyIt's possible you have a food allergy to bananas if you get that reaction. Avocados provide a wonderful texture instead of bananas and dates add a natural sweetness. Hope that helps!
Has anyone tried the matcha green tea from David's Tea store? I'm in Western Canada and not much other choices that I'm aware of!
ReplyWonderful recipe!!! Nommm.... Matcha I always wondered, how long can I keep smoothies in the fridge for before drinking? If I were to make a smoothie tonight and have it as a pick me up snack tomorrow afternoon, would the enzymes and nutrients stay intact? Thanks!
ReplyYes and no. It's always best to eat/drink a smoothie right away but if you make it the night before and eat the next morning for convenience that's fine. You're not losing everything but yes, enzymes will likely die.
Thanks for the recipe! I like the idea of adding pure vanilla. I've found the nicest matcha is at Matcha Pure Tea www.matchapuretea.com It isn't bitter like some of the others I've tried and it's organic which I prefer :)
ReplyHey Sarah! That's great - happy you found one that you enjoy :) Rachel - Joyous Health Team
Great Post..
ReplyThanks so much Susan! So glad you enjoyed it :) Rachel - Joyous Health Team
I have a couple questions one is do you have a matcha tea that you would recommend that I can get in the US. I would love to try the one you suggested but it cost almost $9. to ship it. Then the second one is I have a 16 year old son who lifts weights and is wanting a protein powder or supplements? What would you recommend for me to give him to help him in gaining muscle and maintaining weight.
ReplyMatcha lasts a long time because you use so little with each cup so even if the shipping is $9 if you find a brand you really it's probably worth it. I like Matcha Ninja and Do Matcha. As for protein power, I recommend fermented and organic protein powder for best bioavailability. This is the one I use: https://www.genuinehealth.com/en-ca/products/fermented-proteins/