I'm on a mission to get everyone consuming Matcha Green Tea and these Green Matcha Monster Energy Balls are a great start!
Matcha is powdered green tea leaves, however, you would have to drink 3 cups of steeped green tea to get all the medicinal components Matcha can offer, in just one cup.
Matcha's deep, earthy green flavor is something I have become addicted to, and I think you should too. Why?
Matcha is a potent antioxidant, more so than any other super food!
We should be consuming ample amounts of antioxidant rich foods because of their ability to get rid of free radicals that our cells have accumulated over time, or through an unhealthy lifestyle (ie. too much sun exposure, unhealthy eating habits, living in a polluted city, smoking etc.)
Antioxidants work to fight and prevent illness and promote a healthy body, inside and out. Healthy cells make for healthy organs and healthy organs make for beautiful skin (bonus!).
Other benefits of Matcha Green Tea include:
Matcha famously contains a high concentration of catechin EGCG, which is most widely recognized for its anti-cancer benefits.
Matcha boosts metabolism and burns fat.
It detoxifies the blood because of its high chlorophyll content. This allows for heavy metal detoxification.
It calms the mind and relaxes the body because it contains amino acid L-Theanine. L-Theanine boosts relaxation by encouraging alpha waves in the brain.
It enhances mood and aids in concentration again, because of L-Theanine which boosts dopamine and serotonin levels.
It lowers cholesterol and blood sugar.
It provides vitamin C, selenium, chromium, zinc and magnesium.
It does contain caffeine, but because of L-Theanine, it offers sustained energy, instead of the usually jolt of energy coffee provides (See below for Matcha Latte Recipe). If you do suffer from anxiety however, all forms of caffeine should be eliminated while you are rebalancing your adrenals. Instead opt for my Healing Golden Turmeric Elixir - energizing and caffeine free!
These Green Monster Matcha Energy Balls are just that. Energizing! They are refined sugar-free, grain free and vegan. If you prefer a nut-free version, swap out cashews for sunflower seeds.
Green Monster Matcha Energy Balls Recipe:
1 cup raw cashew, soaked overnight in water
3/4 cup pitted dates, soaked in warm water for a few minutes to plump up
3/4 cup shredded unsweetened unsulfured coconut, more for rolling
1 tbsp organic Matcha powder
Blend all ingredients in a high speed blender until fully combined and almost smooth in consistency. Roll into 1 tbsp balls. Place in refrigerator for 1 hr to set. These can keep in the freezer for up to 3 months for future snacking.
These Green Monster Energy Balls are a great morning or afternoon snack alongside your morning coffee. Or you may want to consider swapping out that morning coffee for a Matcha Green Tea Latte instead. Here is how I make mine:
Matcha Green Tea Latte Recipe:
Combine 1/2-1 teaspoon of organic matcha powder to 1/4 cup of nearly boiled water.
Whisk in a "W" formation with a bamboo whisk like this one until fully dissolved. You can also give it a few pulses in your blender if you do not have a whisk.
Add your favorite non-dairy steamed milk and enjoy.
If you are brand new to Matcha, you may wish to add 1 tsp of raw honey or real maple syrup to taste.
Enjoy
xoxox
