Guest Post // Our Must-Try, Sugar-Free, and Energy- Boosting Iced Matcha Tea Recipe*

There’s nothing more refreshing than a delicious glass of iced tea on a hot day. However, did you know that many store-bought iced teas actually contain more sugar than soft drinks?  

This iced tea recipe is free from refined sugars and packed with health benefits due to the star ingredient matcha green tea.

Matcha is a fantastic superfood that many people are now making a part of their daily diet.

Matcha tea is made by grinding the whole tea leaf into a fine powder, which preserves all the goodness in the leaf. This is why it contains 137 X the antioxidants found in a standard green tea, and provides amazing health benefits such as;

• Boosts energy levels: Matcha contains a small amount of caffeine which is released into the body slowly (over a period of 6-8 hours) which help keep energy levels up over a sustained period of time. (1)
• Prevents disease: Matcha contains the highest natural concentration of the antioxidant, Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) . This has been found to reduce inflammation, prevent heart disease and help rid the body of dangerous cancer causing, free radicals. (2)
• Improves concentration and mood: Matcha also contains the amino acid, l-theanine, which helps to boost your mood and improve focus and concentration levels. (1)
• Aids in weight-loss:  Matcha is not only a zero calorie, chemical-free, sugar-free healthy drink option but it also helps you lose weight by naturally boosting metabolism and burning fat. (3)

You can read more about the matcha health benefits here.  

Ingredients:

Makes 1 Jug (1 litre)

• 1 jug (1 litre) water (sparkling, still or tap)
• 1 tsp matcha powder
• 1 fresh lemon, sliced
• 1 apple, sliced
• 1-3 tsp high quality natural maple syrup (adjust based on preferred sweetness)
• 1 handful of fresh mint leaves

Directions

1. Dissolve the matcha powder into half a cup of hot water. Mix thoroughly to dissolve.
2. Stir your teaspoon/s of pure maple syrup into your cup.
3. Pour the tea into a jug half full of water. Stir to mix, and add ice.
4. Add the apple, lemon and mint leaves. Stir and enjoy!

Note: Be sure to buy matcha that is high quality so you receive the full health benefits. High quality matcha is from Japan, premium grade or higher, and should be a vibrant green colour. You can learn more about matcha at Zen Green Matcha Tea.

Author Bio
Erin Young is a health writer and a tea expert. She owns two tea brands; Evergreen Matcha in the USA and Zen Green Tea Matcha in Australia. She partners with sustainable tea farms in Kyoto, Japan to source her premium matcha powder.