Easy Tweaks To Make Your Matcha Gut-Healing, Blood-Sugar-Balancing & Stress-Relieving

If you're reading mindbodygreen, you've likely already tried matcha, the powdered, whole-leaf green tea that's taken the wellness world by storm. While green tea has a number of health benefits, including boosting the metabolism, improving brain function, and decreasing cancer growth, matcha kicks even these up a notch; according to mbg collective member Will Cole, D.C, "Matcha actually has quite a bit higher levels of EGCG [epigallocatechin gallate, an epic antioxidant] than other green teas—compared to the highest levels of EGCG in regular green tea reported in the medical literature, one study1 found that matcha had up to three times more EGCG!"

While that's all fairly impressive, here at mbg, we thought we could take those benefits up even more. We concocted three easy upgrades to a basic matcha recipe designed for specific benefits: gut-healing, blood-sugar-balancing, and stress-relieving.

The Minted Collagen Matcha uses gut-soothing peppermint extract to help relax the intestinal tract2, soothing bloat and relieving cramping. The collagen adds protein, viscosity, and "contains healing properties for the gut that help 'seal' and heal the gut. This is especially helpful for people suffering from leaky gut or other digestive disorders," explains Diana Rodgers, R.D. "Supplementing with collagen can help keep your intestines working well, which means better nutrient absorption."

The Blood-Sugar Balancing Coconut Cinnamon Matcha adds fiber by way of coconut manna, a butter made of coconut flesh (it's different from the oil, which is just the pressed fat). Cinnamon has been shown in a number of studies to balance blood sugar and boost metabolism, and it adds a spicy warm flavor that perfectly complements the creaminess of the manna.