Mint Matcha Green Superfood Smoothie

This mint matcha superfood smoothie defines refreshing. I get so excited to make it each summer! As soon as the mint in our backyard has enough leaves, this smoothie becomes a regular on our menu.

In fact, I’ve made this smoothie so much that I’ve made a few tweaks to the recipe over the years. The updated recipe that I’m sharing with you today still has the same robust, refreshing flavor, but now the texture is more consistent and the recipe is packed full of even more nutritious ingredients. Not only is it a green smoothie, it’s a superfood smoothie that is so satisfying it can stand in for a meal!

How will the ingredients in this smoothie boost mood and brain function?

Calculated using the tool at https://tools.myfooddata.com/recipe-nutrition-calculator.php. These totals are subject to human and computer error and should be verified before being used for medical meal planning purposes.

This mint matcha smoothie is packed full of nutrients that support mood and brain function.

• Nutrients to Make Neurotransmitters: Vitamins C, B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6, B12, and folate as well as the minerals zinc, iron and magnesium are all required for the body to make neurotransmitters, the tiny substances that are responsible for our emotions, focus, learning and motivation [source].
• Nutrients to Make Energy: Vitamins B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid) and the minerals zinc, magnesium and manganese are all needed for the brain to make energy so it can make neurotransmitters and act as our body’s central computer [source].
• Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) Provide an Alternative Source of Energy: The body converts MCTs from coconut oil to ketones, which can be used by the brain as an alternative source of fuel. Research shows that ketones can improve brain function in people with impaired cognitive functioning [source].
• L-Theanine Creates a Feeling of Focused Relaxation: Release of the feel-good neurotransmitters GABA, serotonin and dopamine are influenced by L-theanine. Research also shows that L-theanine increases alpha waves in the brain, the same brain waves produced by meditation that are responsible for a feeling of “relaxed wakefulness” [Sahley, B. and Birkner, S., 2008].
• Antioxidants and Healthy Fats Fight Inflammation: Research has connected inflammation to a higher risk of mood disorders and cognitive decline [source]. A substantial amount of research shows that EGCG, the powerful antioxidant in matcha and green tea, has anti-inflammatory properties [source]. The antioxidants in spinach and healthy monounsaturated fat in avocado help to fight inflammation, as well [source, source].

Green Tea vs. Matcha – What’s the Difference?

Both matcha and green tea come from the same plant - Camellia sinensis – and both have a grassy, earthy flavor. However, the strength of flavor is a big difference between matcha and green tea. According to The Republic of Tea, “green tea is light, delicate and fresh” while matcha has a “richer, more intense flavor” [source].

Matcha and green tea are also grown and prepared differently. Green tea is grown in the sun and the leaves are dried to preserve the natural flavors. Camellia sinensis plants used to make matcha, however, are grown in the shade before harvest to increase chlorophyll content. The harvested leaves are then quickly steamed to maximize the brilliant green color before they are stone ground into a powder [source].

Health Benefits of Matcha vs. Green Tea

The different growing and harvesting methods used to make matcha and green tea gives each different properties. Both contain the amino acid L-theanine and powerful antioxidant EGCG, but matcha contains significantly more L-theanine and EGCG as well as more caffeine than regular green tea [source].

I prefer the taste of matcha in this recipe, but you can use either one. Just be sure to read the recipe notes if you choose to use green tea instead of matcha.

Tips, Tools & Ingredients

Links to products are included below. Some of them are affiliate links, which means that I may receive a small commission if you purchase a product through one of my links. Don’t worry, it doesn’t change the price you pay. Thank you for supporting Neurons and Nourishment!

Blender: I don't use a Vitamix to make this mint matcha smoothie. It's just not in my blood to spend $400 on a blender. Instead, I use my trusty Ninja Master Prep that I've had for several years. It grinds up ice and spinach like a champ and it's less than $50! A great smoothie and $350 saved. That's my kind of gadget!

Avocado: I recently discovered frozen cubed avocado and it has been a gamechanger! Frozen avocado is often less expensive, and it is so much more convenient since it will keep in the freezer for months. If you can’t find frozen avocado, don’t worry. Fresh or frozen avocado will work for this recipe.

Matcha can be found in most grocery stores or it can be purchased online at retailers like VitaCost or Amazon (see below).

Mint Matcha Green Superfood Smoothie

I use the term “superfood” to describe this smoothie because it includes so many nutritious ingredients to boost your mood and brain function. It does all of this while remaining Paleo and vegan and being so refreshing and satisfying that you will crave it all summer!

I hope you enjoy this mint matcha green superfood smoothie as much as I do. If you make it, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Mint Matcha Green Superfood Smoothie

This robustly flavorful mint matcha superfood smoothie is packed with refreshing, nutritious ingredients to boost your mood and brain power! Make it once and you’ll crave this fun combination of flavors all summer.

Course Breakfast, smoothie, Snack

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Servings 2 smoothies

Calories 580 kcal

Author Laura Duffy

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups frozen pineapple chunks
• 1 cup avocado, fresh or frozen (about 1 medium-large avocado)
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach
• ¼ cup fresh mint leaves (about 15-20 leaves)
• 1 can coconut milk (about 14 ounces)
• 8 oz water (see notes if using green tea instead of matcha powder)
• 1 Tbsp lime juice
• 1 Tbsp local honey (use agave syrup for vegan option)
• 2 tsp matcha powder (see notes if using green tea instead)

Instructions

1. Place all ingredients in your blender or Ninja Master Prep, with the spinach and mint leaves at the bottom and avocado, frozen pineapple and remaining ingredients on top. Blend 1-2 minutes, or until smooth.

Recipe Notes

½ cup brewed green tea can be used instead of matcha powder. Just be sure to reduce the water by half to 4 ounces.

Nutrition Facts

Mint Matcha Green Superfood Smoothie

Amount Per Serving

Calories 580 Calories from Fat 369

% Daily Value*

Fat 41g63%

Saturated Fat 27g169%

Trans Fat 1g

Sodium 102mg4%

Potassium 1338mg38%

Carbohydrates 47g16%

Fiber 9g38%

Sugar 32g36%

Protein 8g16%

Vitamin A 3481IU70%

Vitamin C 128mg155%

Calcium 82mg8%

Iron 17mg94%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.