Recipe of the Month: Soothing Latte

Connect Healthcare (info@connecthealthcare.ca) By Belinda Morris - Clinical Nutritionist Green tea has long been known to have excellent benefits for weight loss, boosting antioxidants, improve memory, prevent diabetes and insulin resistance, and improve bone health. We’re also told to be wary of our caffeine intake later in the day. So what are we to do for an afternoon pick-me-up without the buzz? Some secret “food as medicine” tricks can help. Matcha green tea is a highly potent type of green tea, with 137 times the antioxidant status of brewed green tea! Green tea also contains a compound called L-theanine, which is used in functional medicine to reduce anxiety and stress while boosting alertness and focus. Matcha can boost levels of serotonin, dopamine and GABA, mood-boosting neurotransmitters. Considering some people can struggle with anxiety from coffee, green tea might be a solution for you. Additionally, cardamom packs its own medicinal punch – it has been shown to prevent colorectal cancer, protect heart health, reduce the incidence of depression, gastrointestinal disorders, inflammation, blood circulation and detoxification. Plus, cardamom neutralizes the stimulating effects of caffeine, making it ideal to add to your afternoon pick-me-up. Ingredients: 1 tsp matcha green tea powder 1 tbsp cardamom (I love the Harmonic Arts Elevate, which also includes lion’s mane mushrooms for cognitive function, lucuma for healthy skin and digestion, and mucuna for mental alertness and is high in dopamine) ½ cup nut milk (I like coconut or cashew to add to the creaminess) ½ cup water 1 tsp coconut oil stevia, raw honey, cinnamon to taste (optional) Directions: Heat ingredients either in a pot on a stovetop, or use boiling water and some cold milk of choice with powdered ingredients in your cup. Add ingredients to a heat-safe blender, or use a small electric milk whisker to combine ingredients. This ensures great blending and gives you a satisfying froth. Optionally top with cinnamon (excellent for blood sugar balance), or enjoy as is!