We've been rather sick the past few days at our house. As in, we've watched a good half a season each of Buffy and Angel in bed kind of sick (oh it has been soooo horrible...). Consequently, we have also been living off of popsicles and smoothies to try and soothe our sore throats and with luck and a good witch doctor, boost our bodies' natural immune systems (again with the torture). This green tea smoothie has been a product of such a weekend, and it is absolutely marvelous. So much I am drinking my third batch right now.
There is so much packed into this little treat, it's no surprise you'll feel a little burst of energy and just a sprinkle of happiness as you sip it. Whether you're feeling under the weather, need to cool off during this late-summer heat wave, or just want a damn good smoothie, this will be in your hand and down your throat faster than you can say Starbucks drive-thru.
First boil one cup of water and steep 2-3 greet tea bags. You want the tea to be strong, but "strong" is different for everyone.
Green tea is one of those health miracles that you have always just known about. But don't worry, everything you know is true, and then some. This long list of how green tea benefits you include: it increases metabolism, prevents cancer and heart disease, reduces cholesterol and blood pressure, improves skin, helps combat depression, relieves stress and anxiety, helps with asthma as well as allergies, and is both anti-viral and anti-bacterial. Above all, and why I am drinking it now, is it's miraculous ability to boost and strengthen one's immune system. This is because of the high potency of active antioxidants it contains.
Also, you want your green tea chilled. This is how I do it when I'm being impatient.
You are also going to need a cup of frozen almond milk. I usually keep an ice tray of milk in the freezer stocked and ready. You never know when you'll want a smoothie, and freezing stuff takes forever. Apparently, 3D printable guns are a higher priority on the technological advancement list than freeze-rays.
Additionally, you need 1 cup, tightly packed baby spinach and 2 frozen bananas. The best way to store frozen bananas is to un-peel and wrap individually with saran wrap. The last time I went shopping, however, I guess I was too lazy and just threw them in the freezer. In this case, cut the bananas into fours still peeled, then use the knife to separate the skin from the fruit. It should just come right off, but sometimes you have to actually cut it off. Your fingers are at this point going to be frozen. So don't be lazy and take two minutes to saran wrap the whole bunch instead.
Lastly, the maca powder. You will need 1 tbsp. Technically, this is TOTALLY optional as it doesn't improve the taste or anything, but it dramatically improves the health benefits of the smoothie overall.
Maca powder is easy enough to find- most health food stores carry it. It is, however, on the pricey side. I got my bag from Sprouts for almost $20. But it does last quite a while, since each serving is only 1 tsp - 1 tbsp. And it is useful because you can put it in tons of things, from yogurt to salad dressings to smoothies. Here is why it is such a rewarding investment:
Maca is a root from Peru, and has been deemed a "superfood". This means there several health benefits found in many other foods, is contained all within this one substance. The way I initially discovered maca root was actually through my younger brother, who was blending the powder in his pre and post-work out protein shakes for an added boost- maca increases energy and endurance, as well as helps to build muscle. Tastes better than steroids, too. Once I tasted his chocolate shake with this magic stuff hidden deliciously inside (that recipe will come very, very soon), I had to know more. My own health battles include warfare on my hormones and is one of the many reasons I finally went vegan. Guess what? Maca aids in hormonal balance. It also: treats thyroid disorders, helps with bone and tooth health, enhances libido, regulates menstrual cycles, improves overall stamina, alleviates depression and mood swings, reduces anemia, assists the circulatory system, reduces anxiety and stress, enhances memory and mental function, improves skin health, is an antioxidant, anti-carcinogen, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial, stimulates appetite, aids in digestion, fights cancer, strengthens overall immunity, and acts as a pain reliever, expectorant, and sedative. Whoo! That was the abbreviated list.
All these benefits are due largely in part to the potent amounts of calcium, phosphorus, vitamins B1, B2 and B12, C,E, calcium, zinc, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, amino acids, fatty acids, sterols, alkaloids, fiber and protein that the maca root contains.
Totally worth that $20.
So you throw all those whole five or six ingredients in your blender and...well, blend.
Tada. Tasty magic green smoothie.
Green Tea Smoothie
Makes 2 smoothies
1 c. chilled green tea
Juice of 2 oranges (approx. 1/2 cup)
1 c. frozen almond milk (sweetened)
2 frozen bananas
1 c. baby spinach (packed tightly)
1 tbsp. maca powder
Blend all ingredients until smooth.
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