Summer is getting closer and afternoons are starting to be really hot, squeezing you out of energy and leaving you constantly craving for ice-cold drinks. These days I only dream of herbal teas on the rocks, ones that can heal my afternoon laziness without pumping sleep-disturbing caffeine into my system. This tropical detox tea was pure heaven for my busy workdays all this week, as it helped me stay focused, hydrated and cooled me enough to fulfil everything I planned without burning out.
The principle behind creating healthy cooling summer drinks is pretty simple – mix herbal infusions, green tea or matcha with fruit juices and superfoods to get fresh enzymes and minerals to replenish your cells after they lost them during the heat stress.
Herbal infusions like chamomile and lavender can calm your mind, while nettle, elderflower, field horsetail or hibiscus boost your liver and kidney natural detoxification function. I had this tea at noon when the heat was at its highest point and my energy levels at their lowest, so I’ve chosen matcha tea to gently stimulate my brain, while providing my cells the antioxidants necessary for fighting against the heat stress.
I always prefer green tea to coffee because of its gentle energy boosting properties, but also because of its catechins antioxidant compounds. Involved in neutralising free radicals, catechins protect the skin from solar radiation, have strong anti-tumour effects, while also being involved into reducing the balancing the blood cholesterol levels.
The L-theanine amino-acid in green tea stimulates the brain waves that affect our mood – the alpha waves, ones that we experience naturally immediately after waking up, responsible for creativity and vigilant relaxation, most probably similar to meditation. I find these properties really appealing, considering that matcha is made from whole ground tea leave, so every cup of matcha provides the protecting green tea effects in a concentrated form.
The green tea and mint combo is a trick I learned during our trip to Malaga a couple of years ago, from a glorious Moroccan restaurant lady-owner, a real character, and it’s originally called Maghrebi or Moorish tea. Mint tea relaxes the digestive system, relieving the heartburn and indigestion, while also having antioxidant properties. I especially love to use fresh mint instead of dried, because of its rich fragrance and taste.
The sweetness and tartness of pineapple blend just perfectly with the earthy bitterness of matcha and the spicy taste of fresh mint. I love the juiciness of a ripe pineapple, bursting of nutrients and enzymes.
Its enzymes have anti-inflammatory and tutor-reducing effects when took in therapeutic doses as concentrated dietary supplements, but the trace minerals like copper and manganese, alongside the vitamin C work their magic after simple consumption of pineapple in its raw form, offering antioxidant protection, stimulating the immune system and the natural detoxification functions and supporting the energy production.
Looking for more inspiring ways to make a healthy upgrade to your usual summer drinks? Check my Cozy Turmeric Lemonade for Digestive Relief, my Matcha Latte with Maca, The Super Healthy Energy Drink, my Coffee Protein Shake on the Rocks or the Fasting Tea with Healing Spices.
Tropical Iced Detox Tea
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp matcha powder
- 1 &1/2 cup boiling hot water
- 1/2 cup ice-cold water
- 4 fresh mint stems
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 2 black peppercorns crushed
- 1 medium pineapple peeled
- 1 lemon peeled
- Ice cubes to serve
Instructions
- Add the mint stems into a kettle, and pour the hot water on top. Cover and let infuse for 7 minutes. Strain and let cool.
- While the mint tea is cooling, juice the pineapple and lemon.
- Add the matcha, turmeric, peppercorns and ice-cold water into a jar with a lid, and shake vigurously for 10-15 seconds.
- In a large glass recipient combine the matcha mixture, mint tea and fruit juice.
- Fill the serving glasses with ice cubes, and evenly pour the tea.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve.
Notes
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