Food as Medicine: Matcha Chia Oatmeal

Matcha tea has many benefits backed by modern day science. During the growing process, the shading of the tea bushes is known to increase biologically active compounds. Health-promoting properties of matcha green tea include:

• Increased cognitive functions

• Increased memory

• Increased neuroprotection

• Increased strength of blood vessels

• Increased apoptosis of cancer cells

• Regulation of insulin secretion

• Decreased gluconeogenesis

• Decreased development of hepatitis

• Decreased tumor growth factors and angiogenesis

• Decreased stress

• Decreased oxidative stress

• Decreased aging process

• Decreased glucose and lipids absorption

• Decreased inflammation

Matcha also contains high levels of L-theanine, an amino acid found primarily in the green tea plant, which studies show to improve attention and focus while also reducing anxiety. As such, matcha offers a natural way to treat ADHD.

Next time you choose a beverage, consider matcha over coffee or black tea. Please see below for our Matcha Oatmeal recipe!

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Quick Matcha Chia Oatmeal

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats

• 1-2 tsp matcha powder

• 2 tsp chia seeds

• 2-3 cups of almond milk, or milk of your choice

• Optional:

  • 2 tbsp of honey

  • Toasted nuts or fresh berries

Directions:

• Bring 2.5 cups of milk to a boil over high heat.

• Stir in the rolled oats and chia seeds and reduce heat to a low simmer.

• Simmer oatmeal for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.

• Add extra milk to adjust oatmeal consistency as needed.

• Remove hot oatmeal from stove.

• Sift the matcha powder into the pot with a tea strainer to eliminate clumps.

• Stir until matcha is dissolved.

• Add optional toppings and serve hot!

Enjoy the healthy breakfast or snack!

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References:

Kochman, J., Jakubczyk, K., Antoniewicz, J., Mruk, H., & Janda, K. (2020). Health Benefits and Chemical Composition of Matcha Green Tea: A Review. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 26(1), 85. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26010085

White DJ, de Klerk S, Woods W, Gondalia S, Noonan C, Scholey AB. Anti-Stress, Behavioural and Magnetoencephalography Effects of an L-Theanine-Based Nutrient Drink: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Trial. Nutrients. 2016;8(1):53. Published 2016 Jan 19. doi:10.3390/nu8010053

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This website provides general information only. Content does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for medical guidance.