It’s tea time! Green tea is one of my favourite superfoods – it’s energizing yet calming – the “zen” option in the caffeinated world – antioxidant, antiaging, and even has antiviral properties. That’s right, regular green tea drinkers are at a lower risk of coming down with seasonal flu and other viral infections. It’s effective for infection prevention in kids, although you may want to choose a decaffeinated option for your little ones. Clinically, we suggest green tea as an affordable health-booster and we also use ECGC (a constituent of green tea) as a detox- and weight loss-support.

Recently, we’re experimenting with matcha, a beautiful bright green powder made from grinding green tea on a stone mill. It’s a superfood that adds a rejuvenating dose of antioxidants plus a calming dose of theanine to recipes from smoothies to (coconut milk-based, sugar-free, of course…) ice cream. It adds a richer flavour than regular green tea.

Either way you brew it, choose organic green tea products wherever possible. Tea plantations remain one of the most pesticide-sprayed places (unless they’re organic).

Dr. Alaina created this recipe and we’re sure you’ll like it. This refreshing, hydrating beverage is both awakening and calming due to the small amount of caffeine balanced by the relaxing theanine from the green tea matcha. Try it after a workout, when you’re craving an afternoon pick-me-up, or even when you’re convalescing after feeling under the weather.

INGREDIENTS:

1½ cups coconut water

2 cups baby spinach

1 frozen banana

2 teaspoons matcha green tea powder

2 tablespoons hemp hearts

2 tablespoons chia seeds

Blend all ingredients until smooth. Serves 2.

Refreshing, right?

Read more about the health benefits of green tea in this full article, Green Tea: Antiviral Effects, published in Integrated Health Practitioners.

How do you do your green tea brew?