Matcha Green Tea, have you heard of it?! 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 1 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 10x 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 2 of my favorite recipes!
Benefits of Matcha Green Tea
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 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 Arthritis
Green tea has been shown to help decrease inflammation and slowdown 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 use 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.
MatchaGreen Tea Smoothie
Ingredients:
-2 teaspoons Matcha Green Tea powder
-3 tablespoons hot water
-1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
-1 scoop Devotion Angel Food Cake protein powder
-1 ripe medium banana
-1 Creme Brulee Flex Flavor
-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

Matcha Green Tea Waffles
Ingredients:
-1 teaspoon Matcha Green Tea powder
-2 tablespoons hot water
-1 ounce almond meal
-1 scoop Devotion Angel Food Cake protein powder
-2 egg whites
-1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
-1 teaspoon coconut oil
-1 Creme Brulee Flex Flavor
Directions:
In a small bowl, stir together the Matcha powder with the hot water until completely dissolved.
Whisk the almond meal, Matcha and protein powder together in a large bowl. Add all other ingredients, except coconut oil, and continue to mix well. Use a paper towel to coat the waffle iron with coconut oil. Pour batter into preheated waffle iron and allow to cook until golden brown.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 400
Fat: 26 grams
Carbs: 9 grams
Protein: 30 grams
Sugars: 3 grams
Sources
http://zeenews.india.com/news/health/healthy-eating/10-reasons-why-you-should-drink-green-tea_19497.html
http://www.matchasource.com/about-matcha-s/19.htm
http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/green-tea-benefits/
http://www.thirdage.com/cholesterol/25-benefits-to-drinking-green-tea?page=1