If you follow me on instagram @realistic.holistic, you know that I’ve been on a bit of a matcha kick lately. I’ve loved a good matcha latte for ages but I got some matcha ninja in my stocking this Christmas – THANKS MOM! – and now I can’t stop adding it to everything!

 

I don’t feel bad about it because matcha is damn good for you! Here are a few reasons why:

 

1)   Full of Potent Antioxidants

Matcha green tea is rated the highest by the ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) method of grading foods for their antioxidant properties. Matcha scores particularly high due to its makeup of catechins, the most potent and beneficial of antioxidants. A specific catchin called epigallocatchin gallate (EGCg)  makes up 60% of the catechins in Matcha. EGCg is the most well regarded antioxidant for its cancer fighting properties.

 

2)   Keeps you Calm

Matcha green tea contains a significant amount of the amino acid L-Theanine, which promotes the production of alpha waes in the brain to induce relaxation without causing drowsiness.

 

3)   Enhances Brain Power

That same amino acid, L-Theanine, also aids in the production of dopamine and serotonin. These important neurotransmitters help to boost mood, enhance memory and improve concentration.

 

4)   Boosts Energy & Endurance

Matcha contains the highest about of caffeine of any green tea, so naturally that will provide a bit of a kick, but it is particularly good for endurance because of L-Theanine helps to stabilize that energy and combat any of the negative side effects of caffeine.

 

5)   Aids in Detoxification

Have you every noticed how crazy green the stuff is? That’s because it has super high levels of chlorophyll, which is naturally detoxifying in our bodies as it helps to remove heavy metals and chemical toxins from the body.

 

6)   Strengthens the Immune System

Here’s where those catechins come into play again! Studies have shown that the catechins in Matcha actually have antibiotic properties, helping to stave off that bug that’s going around. Plus! You’re getting a ton of potassium, vitamins A & C, iron and calcium from your daily cup, all contributing to overall health.

 

7)   Boosts Metabolism

Studies show that matcha has the ability to boost metabolism and help burn fat at about four times the average rate! Not too shabby!

 

8)   It Tastes Damn Good

Let food be thy medicine… unless it actually tastes like medicine. This has a leg up on Robitussin; it tastes great AND it works! It generally makes it much easier to consume on a regular basis when you can actually enjoy it. Drink up, enjoy, and reap all the benefits!

 

Now do you understand why I’m so obsessed!? Well, if the facts haven’t convinced you maybe this matcha treat will.

 

This is a recipe I developed as I’ve been trying out the Bulletproof Diet – more to come on that another time – so I have tailored it to be full of healthy fats with absolutely no sugar… but you can add some if you like. It is an awesome “tide me over so I don’t get all hangry up in here before my next meal” kind of treat! Check it out!

 

Big Phat Matcha Balls

 INGREDIENTS

½ cup pecans

½ tbsp matcha

¼ cup coconut butter

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp maple syrup (optional!)

 

DIRECTIONS

1.     Place all ingredients in blender and blend until cohensive

2.     Scoop small bits out and roll into small balls

3.     Place in fridge for at least 30 mins

4.     ENJOY!

If you make this recipe, don’t forget to take a pic and tag me on instagram @realistic.holistic and use #realisticholistic - show me how you’re incorporating real health into your real life!