Chef Ellen

Is Matcha For You?

How About a Mushroom/Matcha Blend?

It’s a double superfood powerhouse, so let’s explore why and consider if this combination could be for you.
 
The following were questions I posed several weeks ago when I decided to give coffee a break. I have always enjoyed a cup of coffee (years ago, more than one) in the morning, and I did eliminate the beverage when I went through my 3-week Reset some time ago. I reintroduced but cut back considerably deciding that one a day was perfect for me.
 

It’s more a ritual I look forward to and the boost of caffeine is the daily jump-start we all need, right? Preferably without the jitters, and lately I’ve been feeling a little too anxious and unsettled so while reading about the benefits of matcha and being immersed in a podcast about the medicinal benefits of mushrooms, I decided to give into the curiosity.

Could one experience a noticeable mood-boost from ditching the java and transitioning to matcha/mushroom blend? Could this potent blend of antioxidants provide a long list of health benefits, sans the jitters? Could this tasty new blend deliver abundant healing properties that blow a good old cup of joe out of the water?
 

I’m excited that the answer is YES, yes, and yes!

The 101 on matcha/mushroom blends is as follows:
 
  • Matcha is a fine powder made from green tea leaves. The dark green tea contains high levels of chlorophyll, caffeine and L-theanine. Since matcha is a much more concentrated form as opposed to green tea leaves, its antioxidant content is much higher. Of course, the caffeine content is higher, but you experience the boost of energy without the jitters often associated with coffee. The lack of jitters comes from the L-theanine. The combination of the caffeine (energy) and L-theanine (calm) work together to improve cognitive function and boost brain power.

  • Flavonoids in matcha reduce inflammation, promote healthy gums, and limit the growth of bacteria in your mouth.

  • Matcha is also touted for immune health, glowing skin, longevity, heart health and improved digestion.

The basics on the healing benefits of mushroom blends goes on and on:
 
  • Mushrooms contain potent antioxidants with copious benefits such as enriching liver health, sleep, enhanced memory, focus and concentration. These blends protect gut health and promote healthy digestion in addition to fighting inflammation and boosting immunity.

Below are two brands (Click Link) I have tried and happily I look forward to the new earthy blend as I walk buy the coffee pot in the morning. Dark blends of coffee are still sitting in my pantry, but honestly when I look at the abundant healing values associated with this elixir, I’m more than happy to keep it in my rotation.
 

Eco Taste

 
Also included are two fun recipes I’m sharing using my Matcha/Mushroom Latte
 

Matcha Mushroom Latte

½ cup water ½ cup plant-based milk 1 teaspoon matcha powder or matcha/mushroom blend 1 teaspoon maple syrup (optional)
 

Warm: Combine water and milk and heat till hot. Pour over matcha powder and maple syrup and serve. If you have a milk froth, use this to create a café-style latte and save some serious $

 

Cold: Make your latte and serve over ice!

Matcha Mushroom Latte Oatmeal
 
1 serving matcha/mushroom latte (above) 1/3 cup of oatmeal
 

Make your latte (above), add to saucepan and when it starts to boil, add oatmeal (cook according to directions)

You may want to add a little more (or less milk) depending on your preferred creaminess/thickness.

Serve with fresh blueberries or fruit of choice.