Matcha Green Smoothie

MATCHA GREEN SMOOTHIE

FOOD AS MEDICINE:

Matcha is a powdered form of a Japanese green tea that is grown in shade to increase levels of medicinal properties and make the taste more smooth with a less astringent aftertaste. Matcha is a ground powder of the entire leaf of tea, which is consumed whole rather than steeping the leaf and discarding, allowing for about 10 times the antioxidant boost. The use of shade in the growing process increases production of caffeine and L-theanine, a natural mood stabilizer. Matcha can be a therapeutic intervention for depression, anxiety, and adrenal fatigue as well as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and more. L-theanine is a modulator for neurotransmitters, aiding to promote production of those that are low while supporting excretion to those that are elevated. It supports the alpha brain waves which are seen during REM cycles of sleep, meditation, creative process, and concentration.

INGREDIENTS:

1 teaspoon matcha

8 ounces non-dairy milk of choice

1⁄4-inch fresh ginger root

1 frozen banana

2 cups leafy greens of choice, the darker the better

1⁄2 avocado, cubed

1 scoop grass-fed whey protein powder or 2 scoops Pure Collagen

DIRECTIONS:

In a blender, mix the matcha, milk of choice, ginger, and banana. Blend in the leafy greens. Once incorporated, add avocado to create a creamy finish. If desired, add in protein powder at the end, with just a brief mix so as not to over-fluff.