The Power of Teas (part one: Matcha)

I could do a whole series on tea, and perhaps I shall. I am tea’s biggest fan. There are so many types and varieties, and flavors, and their purposes are many…Enjoyment? Medicine? Hydration? Calming?

The definition of tea is essentially: the dried and prepared leaves of a shrub, leaves, flowers, or other plants, prepared by infusion in hot water, served hot or iced. Can be intended as a beverage or medicine.

Traditional tea (black, white, green) has the potential to fight cancer and heart disease. It lowers LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. It is packed with powerful antioxidants, called “catechins.” These antioxidants seek out free radical cells in your body that cause chronic disease, repair the damaged cells, and inhibit cancer growth. Green and black tea also has the benefit of having far less caffeine than other caffeinated beverages, so it gives you a mild boost without flooding your body with the addictive and nervous-system disruptive properties of coffee. Finally, tea contains relatively high amounts of vitamins C, D, and K, as well as a number of important minerals such as iron, zinc, calcium and more.

But other teas are as powerful, in different ways. Matcha is a hot trend tea right now, and it lives up to it’s reputation. It may take you awhile to adjust to it’s sea-rich flavor, but once you do, you are likely to become a fan. Matcha tea powder is a green tea that also contains monk fruit. Matcha is high in antioxidants, which means it helps detoxify the body. It is high in EGCG, which is a particular antioxidant that boosts your immune system and may help you lose weight and protect you against some diseases, including cancer. Matcha has also been shown to enhance calm, boost memory and concentration, and increase energy levels and endurance.

We now sell a delicious matcha on Little Green’s site, and there are loads of ways to prepare it. The easiest way is to throw a tsp. into a blender with a cup of nut milk (I like oat or almond, but hemp is also amazing!) You can add a little honey, or a date for sweetness. You can also add other adaptogens or healing herbs.  Experiment and see what makes your taste buds happy.

Our SPRING CLEANSE begins this Sunday, and we offer lots of ways to prepare matcha, tea, and loads of other plant-based foods. We hope you’ll join us, bolster your immunity, take charge of your health, and feel GREAT!!!