Orange Ginger Green Tea Smoothie
Ginger is very soothing and combining it with green tea and orange juice yields an extremely refreshing beverage! Making ice cubes out of brewed green tea is an easy way to incorporate the health benefits of green tea into a variety of foods. Pop one into ice water for just a hint of green tea flavor or use the ice cubes along with freshly brewed green tea.
Orange Ginger Green Tea Smoothie
Why is green tea good for you?
- High in antioxidants called polyphenols such as EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate). In animal and cells studies these polyphenols have been shown to have anti-cancer properties in several ways – protecting against cell damage by free radicals, decreasing the growth of tumors and increasing the self-destruction of cancer cells. Human research has been inconclusive but some large population studies, particularly in Asia where intake of tea is very high, have shown a link between green tea consumption and lower risk of certain cancers such as colorectal and lung cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI) some epidemiological studies have linked overall tea consumption to reduced risks of cancers of the colon, breast, ovary, prostate and lung. However, they note that there are inconsistent results likely due to different ways tea is prepared, they type of tea used (green, black or both), what is in the actual tea consumed, and other lifestyle factors that may influence cancer risk such as smoking, alcohol consumption, weight and physical activity. (source: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/diet/tea-fact-sheet)
- Enhances mental alertness due to the caffeine content (although it contains much less than black tea or coffee).
- Improved blood pressure and cholesterol seen in some studies.
Ready-to-drink green tea beverages often have added sugar and are much lower in polyphenols and antioxidants than brewed green tea. Unsweetened versions are still refreshing as a beverage though!
Orange Ginger Green Tea Smoothie
5 green tea bags
2 cups water
1 cup orange juice
1 tsp ginger, minced
1-2 tsp honey, optional
Heat 2 cups water to a boil, remove from heat and sit for 1 minute. Add green tea bags and steep for 3-5 minutes. Remove tea bags and let liquid cool to room temperature. Pour liquid mixture into an ice cube tray and freeze for 2 hours or until frozen.
In a blender combine green tea ice cubes, 1 cup orange juice, 1 tsp minced ginger and honey (if desired). Blend until smooth. Pour into 2 glasses and enjoy!
2 servings