Matcha Green Tea Mocha or Latte (Green Tea & Chocolate: The Cancer Slayer Chronicles )

Likely you've heard that green tea is a super hero.

It's true. It's definitely one of the Big Dogs when it comes to antioxidant power.

What I like most is it's easy to come by and anyone can make it. It's as easy as dropping a tea bag in hot water.

But, there are two important tips to keep in mind in order to fully activate green tea's cancer-fighting powers: One must consume enough each day: 2-3 cups a day, and you have to steep your tea long enough for it to release its catechins: 5-10 minutes. (!)

I usually give myself some variety & break up my green tea bag consumption by making a Matcha Latte or Matcha Mocha in the afternoon. Tea Lattes are becoming popular (in coffee houses as mainstream as Starbucks or your corner indie coffee spot), but they tend to be quite sweet as well as pricey (I've paid $5!). Matcha can be bought in bulk at Whole Foods so you can make this at home, cutting the price & the sweetness (if you like).

Matcha Green Tea Mocha

Cancer-fighting powers:

Green tea ~ Rich in polyphenols, including catechins, which reduce the growth of the new vessels needed for tumor growth and metastases. It is also a powerful antioxidant and detoxifier, and it facilitates the death of cancer cells by apoptosis. In the laboratory, it enhances the effects of radiotherapy on cancer cells. Japanese green tea (sencha, gyokuro, matcha) is even richer in catechins than common varieties of Chinese green tea.

Dark chocolate ~ Dark chocolate (more than 70% cocoa) contains a number of antioxidants, proanthocyanidins, and many polyphenols. These molecules slow the growth of cancer cells and limit angiogenesis. It's glycemic index is moderate, distincly lower than that of white bread.*

1 serving, approx. 160 cals (if using coconut milk)

8 oz organic sugar-free vanilla coconut milk (I like So Delicious brand) -- used for low calorie count

1 TBSP organic unsweetended cocoa powder -- used for cancer-fighting power

1 TBPS organic agave syrup -- used for low glycemic index

1 tsp organic matcha green tea powder -- used for cancer-fighting power

Directions:

Heat the coconut milk until it is hotter than you can drink, but not boiling (this is to allow time for the green tea to steep without your drink getting cold while you wait).

Add the cocoa powder and matcha powder. Whisk or stir vigorously until all clumps of powder are incorporated. Let sit at least 5 minutes to allow the green tea to release its catechins.

Add the agave syrup.

Using a milk frother, or a spoon, combine all ingredients.

Enjoy!

(Adjust the agave as needed. Play with your milk types. Making this with soy milk would boost the calories, but would also boost the cancer-fighting properties. Leave the cocoa out for a latte.)