Green Tea has been well utilized for its health properties for centuries and was widely used medicinally in India and China. Green tea has been reported to contain the highest concentration of powerful antioxidants called polyphenols in comparison to other teas. Antioxidants are known to fight free radicals which are damaging compounds in the body that can change our cell composition, damage DNA, and even cause cell death. Research suggests polyphenols have the ability to neutralize free radicals and may reduce some of the damage they can cause.
In an article from the University of Maryland Medical Center, they discuss the results of various studies showing the connection between green tea and it reducing health concerns and protect against certain diseases. This article also supports the claims from traditional Chinese and Indian medicine, that practitioners used green tea as “a stimulant, a diuretic (to help rid the body of excess fluid), an astringent (to control bleeding and help heal wounds), and to improve heart health. Other traditional uses of green tea include treating gas, regulating body temperature and blood sugar, promoting digestion, and improving mental processes”. Of course one of the most appealing areas of research surrounds green tea and its potential fat burning qualities. Some research suggests that green tea can help boost metabolism and burn fat. This recipe uses matcha powder. Matcha is a where the whole leaves are ground down to an extremely fine green powder which is then dissolved into hot water. Drinking matcha is consuming the whole green tea leaf and not just what is released by brewing the leaves, which is said to have higher antioxidant properties (but also higher caffeine content so it’s not usually a night-time drink).
Goddess Green Tea Latte
Ingredients
- 1 tsp matcha powder
- 3 tbsp boiling water
- 1 cup almond or coconut milk (full fat)
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
Instructions
- Place Matcha and hot water in a glass. If you own a small bamboo whisk that usually accompanies matcha great, if not don't worry about it! Mix the green tea and hot water with a whisk till it dissolves.
- Meanwhile, heat the milk over low heat on the stove and add the sweetener. Stir until well dissolved.
- Using a milk frother you can froth the milk first and add it to the matcha or pour the milk in and froth it together. If you don't have one that's ok, just pour the warm milk in and mix well until you have a consistent, beautiful green color. Enjoy!