Give Yourself A Health Boost; The Best Ingredients To Add To Your Morning Smoothie

Matcha

Matcha is a powdered form of green tea used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, and in the past few years has seemingly been taking over the Western world. Like other forms of green tea, matcha contains high amounts of antioxidants. However, since matcha uses the whole plant, it has a higher antioxidant value than other green teas. This improves the health benefits typically gained from antioxidants, such as reducing and preventing cell damage and reducing the risk of chronic disease by stabilizing harmful free radicals in the body.

Matcha contains high amounts of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which is a catechin known to possess anti-cancer properties. It also reduces LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, which as previously mentioned, help prevent heart disease. Like other green teas, matcha is known to help assist in weight loss when combined with moderate-intensity exercise given its ability to boost metabolism, improve cognitive performance, and reduce liver enzyme levels (elevated levels indicate liver damage).

Cinnamon

There are two main types of cinnamon: Ceylon and cassia. The former is considered true cinnamon, though the most common is cassia. For the best health benefits, it is much better to add Ceylon cinnamon when possible to smoothies. What kind of health benefits can individuals expect? Ceylon cinnamon has benefits individuals will be familiar with now, such as powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Some studies show cinnamon can help lower blood pressure, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol, and boost high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, which when combined promote heart health, including reducing the risk of heart disease.

Some research suggests cinnamon can also help manage cancer, reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease, and even help with HIV, although this evidence remains contentious. Regardless, cinnamon is an excellent way to boost health in familiar ways with its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Besides which, it also adds a delicious flavor to smoothies without increasing sugar.