Growing up in a Japanese household, matcha was a staple item. We had it in the form of green tea each night with our dinner. The green tea powder is also used as flavoring in a lot of our pastries such as matcha cookies, cakes, and rice cakes with red bean filling—my fave!
With the Japanese having the longest life expectancy, you know there’s bound to be something in the matcha! So here 10 great reasons to eat the green stuff:
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Contains antioxidants, which keeps us looking young and protects us from damaging effects of UV radiation
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Contains vitamin C, selenium, chromium, zinc and magnesium
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It’s low-calorie–great for those who are watching their weight
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Boosts metabolism and burns calories
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Contains chlorophyll, which in conjunction with fiber, acts as a detoxifying agent (Chlorophyll is what gives matcha its green hue!)
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It has a calming effect
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Lowers cholesterol and blood sugar
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Fights against bacteria and viruses, helping to keep our immune system running strong!
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Contains L-Theanine, which promotes dopamine and serotonin production. These chemicals enhance our mood and improves memory and concentration.
- Its detoxifying properties helps remove heavy metals and toxins from our body
For me, it tastes great and it gives me a taste of home! There’s lots you can do with matcha powder, but have you heard of matcha granola bars? Packed with oats, nuts and seeds, these bars are full of protein and fiber. They’re great as a breakfast bar or a post-workout energy-booster!
Serving Size: 12 bars
Ingredients:
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1.5 cups gluten-free rolled oats
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½ cup almonds, blended
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1 tbs flaxseed, grounded
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1 tbs chia seeds
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¾ cup raisins (soaked in a small pot of warm water for 10-15 minutes)
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1 pinch of salt
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1 tbs & 1 tsp matcha powder
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1 tbs + 1 tsp canola oil
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3 tbs honey
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½ stick unsalted butter
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2 eggs
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Place almonds in the blender and blend for 5 seconds or until crushed.
3. Ground the flax seed. If you have a high-power blender you can use that, but for us old-fashioned folks, we’ll have to manually ground it—it’s not that bad!
4. Mix dry ingredients together: rolled oats, almonds, flax seeds, chia seeds, salt, raisins, matcha powder
5. Melt the butter in the microwave. In a separate bowl, mix the butter, 1 tablespoon of canola oil, eggs and honey. (This will ensure that the honey gets evenly distributed into the dry mix.)
6. Mix together the dry and wet ingredients.
7. Spread 1 teaspoon of canola oil onto the baking tray. Lay the granola mixture evenly into the tray and press firmly.
8. Place it in the oven for 35-40 minutes.
9. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes.
10. Cut the large chunk into small rectangles and… voila! You’ve got yourself a protein-rich snack or breakfast!
