Raspberry Green Tea Coconut Smoothie Plus the Amazing Nutrients in Green Tea

Like many of us, I used to drink a lot of coffee but now I prefer green tea.

In fact, I love green tea so that I have become a big green tea drinker.

On most days I have at least 3 cups of green tea in the morning and sometimes I will have a

cup in the early afternoon.

And for good reason–when it comes to health and fitness, green tea is an absolute powerhouse.

It keeps your blood healthy, it fights cancer, it ensures that your heart is pumping strong and it can even

help you lose weight.

As a result, many people refer to green tea as a super food and believe it has exclusive healing powers.

However, the secret of green tea’s success isn’t some mythical healing powers – it’s good old-fashioned

nutrition.

Green tea is loaded with polyphenols, vitamins and minerals which can all be found in other foods

and drinks.

The difference is that green tea contains an optimal blend of all these nutrients and as a result,

has a much stronger effect on your health than many other foods and drinks.

The History Of Green Tea

Raspberry Green Tea Coconut Smoothie Plus the Amazing Nutrients in Green Tea

Drinking a cup or more of green tea is one of my cherished morning rituals.

 

Green tea is a hot beverage that originally comes from China.

In recent years, it has become increasingly popular in the Western world due to its long list of health

boosting properties.

Today there are many different varieties of green tea available.

You can buy black tea, green tea, oolong tea, white tea and more.

Regardless of the type, all tea is made using the leaves of the Camellia sinensis.

The different types are created when the tea is processed.

However, when green tea was first discovered, the production processes weren’t nearly as advanced

and all tea was green tea.

With Japanese green tea, the oxidation process is stopped with steam which results in a grassy taste

and a bright green color.

Japanese green tea is considered higher grade than Chinese green tea which means it commands

higher prices.

Raspberry Green Tea Coconut Smoothie Plus the Amazing Nutrients in Green Tea

There are a many different types of Japanese green tea but some of the most popular

selections include:
– Bancha
– Genmaicha
– Gyokuro
– Matcha
– Sencha

Lately I have been using green tea as a liquid base for some my smoothies as well.

The ingredients vary according to what organic fruits and vegetables I have on hand in my kitchen.

I found some delicious organic raspberries for a great price at my local farmer’s market, so a grabbed

a few packets and I have been eating them daily.

So today I whipped a Raspberry Green Tea Coconut Smoothie.

Here’s how I made it:

Raspberry Green Tea Coconut Smoothie

Raspberry Green Tea Coconut Smoothie Plus the Amazing Nutrients in Green Tea

Ingredients:

2 cups organic Japanese Green Tea  using pure filtered water (freshly brewed and allowed to cool)

1 cup organic Raspberries

1 cup organic Pineapple (peeled and cut into chunks)

2 organic Bananas

1/2 cup unsweetened Dried Coconut

1 tablespoon organic Coconut oil (optional)

2 tablespoons organic ground Flaxseed Meal

Directions:

Add all of the ingredients to your Vitamix or other high speed blender.

Blend until smooth.

Enjoy!

The Nutrients in Green Tea

Raspberry Green Tea Coconut Smoothie Plus the Amazing Nutrients in Green Tea

Want to know what’s so great about green tea?

Let’s a deeper look at the nutrients that make green tea so special and how each one boosts your health.

Polyphenols In Green Tea

The polyphenols are a group of powerful nutrients that are mainly found in tea.

Green tea contains particularly high levels of polyphenols and these are believed to be the main reason

green tea has such a positive effect on human health.

The list below discusses the main polyphenols that can be found in green tea:

1) Epigallocatechin Gallate:- Epigallocatechin gallate is the most powerful nutrient in green tea.

It’s an effective anti-inflammatory and antioxidant which also protects you from arthritis, cancer, diabetes,

heart disease, high blood pressure and much more.

2) Epicatechin Gallate:- Epicatechin gallate is another potent polyphenol that can be found in every cup

of green tea. Not only is it a powerful antioxidant but it also protects your skin from ultraviolet damage

and prevents cancer.

3) Gallocatechol:- Gallocatechol is a powerful antioxidant in green tea.

Research on this nutrient is still in the early stages but initial studies suggest it may be able to strengthen

your immune system and protect against a range of health disorders including arthritis, cancer and heart disease.

4) Epicatechin:- Epicatechin is a health boosting antioxidant which can strengthen your heart, keep

your blood glucose levels stable and help diabetics manage their condition.

5) Catechin:- Catechin is a powerful antioxidant that acts in a protective capacity and keeps you safe from

Alzheimer’s disease, cancer and hepatitis.

6) Thearubigins:- Thearubigins are potent antioxidants that keep your body safe from dangerous free radicals.

Provisional evidence suggests they may also fight cancer and treat diabetes.

Vitamins In Green Tea

Vitamins are essential nutrients that your body needs to survive.

They boost your immune system, keep your vital organs healthy, protect against chronic diseases

and much more.

Green tea contains a number of vitamins which further enhance its health boosting properties.

The list below highlights the vitamins that can be found in green tea:

1) Vitamin A:- Like the polyphenols, vitamin A is also a powerful antioxidant.

Its main role is to support healthy vision but it also strengthens the immune system, helps you grow, boosts

the reproductive system and much more.

2) Vitamin B5:- Vitamin B5’s main function in the body is to break down food for energy.

In addition to this, it promotes proper wound healing, helps your body produce red blood cells, keeps your

cholesterol levels under control and much more.

3) Vitamin C:- Vitamin C is probably the most famous of the 13 vitamins.

It’s an extremely powerful antioxidant and its main role is to help your body produce collagen.

It also has further health benefits such as protecting against cancer, strengthening your eyes, boosting

your immune system and much more.

4) Vitamin D:- Vitamin D is often referred to as the sunshine vitamin because unlike most other vitamins,

your body can produce it when exposed to sunlight.

Its main function is to build strong bones and teeth by helping your body absorb calcium and phosphorus.

5) Vitamin E:- Vitamin E is another seriously powerful antioxidant which acts in a protective capacity

throughout your body.

It keeps you safe from chronic disease, protects your vital organs and much more.

6) Vitamin K:- Vitamin K’s main role in the body is to assist blood clotting and it is an essential part of the

wound healing process.

Minerals In Green Tea

Minerals are another group of essential nutrients that provide further support to your body.

Their roles include keeping fluid levels balanced, helping your body absorb minerals, removing waste

materials and much more.

The list below outlines the minerals that can be found in green tea:

1) Chromium:- Chromium has a range of positive effects in the human body.

It boosts your metabolism, keeps your immune system strong, helps diabetics control their condition

(by regulating blood glucose and insulin levels) and much more.

2) Manganese:- Manganese’s main role in the body is to activate enzymes and allow them to function properly.

It also supports healthy digestion, boosts your nervous system, keeps your reproductive system healthy

and much more.

3) Selenium:- Selenium is another powerful antioxidant which also has a long list of health benefits in humans.

It enhances your immune system, prevents cancer, keeps your heart healthy and early studies suggest it

may even be able to prevent HIV.

4) Zinc:- Zinc is a powerful antioxidant that supports all round good health.

Some of its many benefits include promoting proper digestion, protecting against cancer, boosting your brain,

strengthening your bones and brightening your skin.

I hope this has given you a deeper understanding of how green tea boosts your health.

While it’s definitely good for you and something you should be drinking every day, there’s nothing secret

or magical about it.

Polyphenols, vitamins and minerals all support good health.

Green tea contains an optimal mix of these nutrients, gives you all the benefits and supercharges your health.

Now you know why I love green tea and why it’s become a healthy, daily ritual for me.

Do you drink green tea?

How do you feel about it?

Share your thoughts and comments with us.

 

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