Strawberry Matcha Smoothie

Blog by Callie Birtles, RHN in The Clear Skin Solution + Recipe by Katie Stewart, Founder KSW Inc.

In The Clear Skin Solution, our love affair with matcha is no secret. It’s more than just a trend—it’s a lifestyle! Today, we’re mixing things up for our matcha enthusiasts with a smoothie recipe that’s not only delicious but also packed with everything you need for a balanced meal on the go.

We often underestimate the critical role of digestion, especially on those busy days. Racing through meals and not chewing properly can seriously sabotage our digestive health, one of the foundations of clear skin. This can make smoothies like our Strawberry Matcha smoothie, a better option when you’re on the go. With its silky smooth texture, you don’t have to worry about not spending enough time on chewing.

When life’s pace picks up and stress levels climb, our bodies often don’t prioritize digestion effectively. Combined with insufficient chewing, this leads to impaired digestive function. Our stomach then has to work harder to break down larger pieces of food, produce more stomach acid and enzymes, and still may not effectively extract nutrients from what we’ve eaten. This smoothie is the perfect solution, ensuring that even when you’re on the go, your body gets the essentials—protein, fat, and fibre. It’s a deliciously smart way to keep your blood sugar balanced and digestion on track, no matter how hectic your schedule. Ready to dive into some digestive peace with a splash of matcha magic? Let’s get blending!

Benefits of Zucchini

Zucchini in a smoothie might sound unusual, but it’s a fantastic choice for several reasons. This versatile vegetable is not only low in calories but also a powerhouse of essential nutrients that are vital for maintaining healthy skin.

Potassium

Zucchini is rich in potassium, a key mineral that helps maintain skin hydration and firmness. Potassium works by balancing the amount of fluids and electrolytes in your body, ensuring that your cells are well-hydrated. Hydrated cells mean plumper, more elastic skin, that is less prone to overproduction of acne causing sebum.

Magnesium

Another crucial mineral found in zucchini is magnesium. This nutrient plays a significant role in promoting healthy skin cells by combating oxidative stress, which can lead to premature aging. Magnesium also aids in the repair of skin damage, ensuring that your skin remains resilient and vibrant.

Antioxidants

Zucchini is loaded with antioxidants that protect your skin from the damaging effects of free radicals. These unstable molecules can cause cell damage, contributing to aging and disease. Antioxidants help neutralize these harmful particles, promoting healthier, younger-looking skin.

Fibre

The high fibre content of zucchini is excellent for digestion. A well-functioning digestive system is crucial for skin health, as it helps to efficiently eliminate toxins and absorb nutrients that are vital for skin repair and maintenance.

Why We Love Coconut Milk

This creamy luxurious ingredient does more than just enrich the flavor and texture of your smoothie—it’s packed with benefits that can have a direct positive impact on your skin’s health.

Healthy Fats: Coconut milk is rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a type of saturated fat that is metabolized differently from other fats. MCTs are known for their ability to be rapidly absorbed and used for energy, keeping you satiated longer. Beyond energy, these fats help to maintain the skin’s natural barrier, keeping it moisturized, plump, and resilient against environmental stresses.

Anti-inflammatory Properties: Coconut milk contains lauric acid, which has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. This makes it beneficial for reducing inflammation connected to acne breakouts and skin irritations. 

Hemp Hearts: A Nutritional Powerhouse

These tiny treasures pack a serious punch for your skin. 

Protein Power

Containing all nine essential amino acids, hemp seeds are an excellent source of plant based protein. Protein is crucial for the repair and regeneration of skin cells, helping to heal and prevent skin damage. 

Rich in Essential Fatty Acids

Hemp seeds are abundant in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining healthy skin. The balance of these fats in hemp hearts helps to regulate skin oil production, enhance skin hydration, and reduce the inflammation associated with skin conditions like acne.

Mineral-Rich

Hemp hearts are rich in several essential minerals like zinc, magnesium, manganese, and iron,  collectively supporting hormone regulation, which in turn, supports clear skin.

Antioxidant Properties

These seeds are also a good source of vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from oxidative damage caused by free radicals and environmental aggressors. Vitamin E supports skin health by strengthening the skin barrier and improving moisture and elasticity.

Our Matcha Obsession

Why are we obsessed with matcha? Let’s count the ways! Matcha is a powerhouse of antioxidants, particularly catechins, which are not found in other foods. These antioxidants help fight the free radicals that can damage cells and age the skin. Plus, matcha provides a gentle caffeine boost that enhances alertness without the jittery side-effects of coffee. It’s a sustained energy that’s perfect for those busy mornings or mid-afternoon slumps.

Ready to blend up some magic? This smoothie isn’t just a treat for your taste buds; it’s a full package of health benefits, designed to keep you energized, satisfied, and glowing, no matter how hectic your day gets. Grab your blender, and let’s get started!

Looking for more matcha magic?  Give these a try!

How To Make A Matcha Latte
Iced Matcha Latte
Lavender Cream Matcha Latte
Matcha Mint Cookies
Peppermint White Chocolate Matcha

Strawberry Matcha Smoothie

This strawberry matcha smoothie recipe is not only delicious but also packed with everything you need for a balanced meal on the go.

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Ingredients

For the Strawberry Layer:

• 1 ½ cups frozen strawberries
• ½ cup full-fat coconut milk
• ½ cup water (or coconut water)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)

For the Matcha Layer:

• 1 tsp matcha powder (ceremonial grade recommended)
• 1 frozen banana
• ½ zucchini
• ½ cup full-fat coconut milk
• ½ cup water (or coconut water)

Optional Protein Boosters:

• 1 serving collagen powder
• 3 tbsp hemp hearts

Instructions

Prepare the Strawberry Layer:

• Add all the ingredients for the strawberry layer (including optional protein boosters, if using) to a blender.
• Blend on high until smooth.
• Pour the strawberry mixture into a glass, filling it halfway.
• Place the glass in the freezer for 5 minutes to achieve distinct layers.

Prepare the Matcha Layer:

• Rinse the blender.
• Add all the ingredients for the matcha layer to the blender.
• Blend on high until smooth.

Layer the Smoothie:

• Spoon the matcha layer on top of the strawberry layer for a better-layered effect. Alternatively, gently pour it over the back of a spoon onto the strawberry layer.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!