Enjoy the benefits of matcha, without drinking the tea! Instead, add it to this mango matcha smoothie bowl for a filling, energizing way to start your day. Why not every day?
Why Matcha?
Matcha is a powdered form of green tea, noted for its health benefits. Most notably it offers stress reduction, antioxidant protection, and weight loss. All in one leaf!
First, the stress reduction comes courtesy of the compound theanine. Theanine helps reduce anxiety and also boosts memory and brain function. So despite having a small amount of caffeine, matcha tea is calming on the body. (1)
Second, matcha green tea, especially as a powder, provides a nice antioxidant profile. One of the most powerful antioxidants unique to green tea is EGCG. This compound helps reduce inflammation and cut down on free radicals. (2)
And third, everyone’s favorite: weight loss: The same powerful antioxidant, EGCG, that may offer disease prevention also supports a healthy metabolism, which can aid in weight loss. (3)
What About The Mangos?
Mangos offer a delicious, delicate flavor while adding its own nutritious benefits. Known as the king of fruits, the mighty mango offers fiber, Vitamins A and C, as well as beta carotene and essential amino acids. More important, its phytochemicals offer may help prevent cancer. (4)
Here’s the recipe!
Mango Matcha Smoothie Bowl
Ingredients:
1 cup baby spinach or butter lettuce
3 Tbsp. hemp seeds
½ cup coconut water
1 frozen banana
½ avocado
1 cup fresh or frozen mango
juice of 1 lime
2 ice cubes
1 tsp. Matcha powder
1/8 tsp. vanilla
TOPPINGS (Choose 3 favorites)
Sliced strawberries
Blueberries (fresh or frozen)
Blackberries
Diced mango
Sliced banana
Dred coconut flakes
Dried Goji Berries
Cacao Nibs
Nuts
Seeds
Instructions:
Place all superfood smoothie bowl ingredients in a blender, and blend on high until smooth. Pour into a bowl. Top with your favorite toppings.
Get the printable recipe here.
About the Author: Maria Marlowe is an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach who has helped thousands of people improve their health by optimizing their diet. She has created meal plans and programs to help you lose weight, clear up acne, and spend less time in the kitchen yet still eat healthy.
She has been featured in Vogue, The New York Times, NBC, Well + Good, and more. Her first book, The Real Food Grocery Guide, will teach you how to eat healthy without going broke.
Check out her site, www.mariamarlowe.com, or follow her on Instagram @MariaMarlowe and Facebook for more healthy recipes.