Matcha Bar with Brazil Nuts ~coconut oil superfood

These morning (or anytime treats) are a staple for me because they are organic, high fiber, antioxidant rich, and medium chain fatty acid dense. Matcha Bar with Brazil Nuts ~coconut oil superfood is a delicious way to start the day and so easy to make with all organic ingredients. Use my guidelines below, but fine tune to your taste. Replace matcha with cocoa powder for a chocolate treat. Add optional cocoa nibs, sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, orange zest, cardamon, cinnamon, or other spices. Get creative!

In a large bowl combine 1 heaping tablespoon culinary grade matcha green tea powder. 2-3 tsp. raw coconut sugar. A couple of drops of high quality stevia liquid extract or powder to taste. Stir to dissolve. Add 2-3 large heaping tablespoons of raw coconut oil to create a thick paste. Stir in coarse and finely chopped Brazil nuts. Scoop mixture onto parchment paper and form into a long. Roll parchment paper to smooth and elongate mixture. Place in freezer for 10-15 minutes or chill in refrigerator for longer. Remove, peel away parchment, and cut with sharp knife into bite size pieces and refrigerate.

Matcha, a powdered green tea, may have several health benefits, including:

• Brain health: Matcha may improve cognitive health in older women and provide a temporary boost to brain function. 

• Heart health: Matcha may lower the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and atherosclerosis. 

• Gut health: Matcha may improve gut function and modify the immune system. 

• Liver health: Matcha may prevent liver damage and decrease the risk of liver disease. 

• Stress: Matcha may decrease stress. 

• Energy: Matcha may provide a stable and extended boost of energy without the jitters or side effects of coffee and energy drinks. 

• Weight loss: Matcha may help with weight loss by enhancing the thermogenic fat burning process. 

Brazil nuts have several antioxidants, including vitamin E and phenols. Antioxidants can help to fight free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in your body. Lowering inflammation can help to reduce your risk of various health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

Health benefits of Brazil nuts include:

• Rich in the mineral selenium.

• Source of mono-unsaturated fat.

• Good for the brain.

• May support healthy cholesterol levels.

• Good for thyroid health.

• Strong anti-inflammatory properties.

• May support mood balance.

• May support the immune system.

Coconut oil may have several health benefits, including: 

• Skin and hair health: Coconut oil may help treat skin conditions and protect hair from damage. It may also condition the scalp and make hair look smoother and gentler. 

• Oral health: Coconut oil may help prevent cavities and reduce oral infections. 

• Immune system: Coconut oil may help boost the immune system by fighting harmful bacteria, parasites, viruses, and fungi. 

• Brain function: Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which may support brain function and focus. 

• Weight loss: Coconut oil may help people lose weight and burn fat in the abdominal area. 

• Blood sugar: Coconut oil may help control blood sugar. 

• Epilepsy: The MCTs in coconut oil may help relieve seizures and epilepsy. 

Raw coconut sugar has many potential health benefits, including:

• Low glycemic index

  Coconut sugar has a low glycemic index, which means it doesn't cause blood sugar levels to spike. This is because it contains inulin, a soluble fiber and prebiotic that's also good for gut health. 

• Nutrient rich

  Coconut sugar is a natural sweetener that contains many nutrients, including potassium, magnesium, zinc, iron, calcium, and antioxidants. 

• Antioxidants

  Antioxidants in coconut sugar can help protect the body from free radical damage and reduce inflammation. 

• Improved digestion

  Coconut sugar is high in fiber, which can help with bowel regularity and maintain a healthy digestive tract. 

• Weight management

  Coconut sugar contains the satiety hormone, which can help you feel full for longer. 

• Heart health

  Some research suggests that coconut sugar can help control cardiovascular diseases. 

Coconut sugar is made from dehydrated coconut sap, so it's considered a raw food and retains many of the antioxidants from the coconut. However, like any sweetener, it should be consumed in moderation.

Stevia, a plant-derived sweetener, has many health benefits, including:

• Blood sugar management

  Stevia can help lower blood sugar levels and improve satiety. It can also help control blood sugar after meals and while fasting. 

• Weight control

  Stevia can help with weight control by increasing urine output and sodium excretion. 

• Oral hygiene

  Stevia extracts can help prevent cavities and tooth decay by inhibiting bacteria that cause plaque. 

• Cholesterol management

  Stevia can help lower total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides, while increasing HDL. 

• Antioxidant properties

  Stevia contains antioxidant compounds like kaempferol, which may reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer. 

• Anti-inflammatory properties

  Stevia can reduce inflammation by inhibiting the release of proinflammatory cytokines. 

• Anticancer properties

  Stevia contains a glycoside called stevioside, which can help boost cancer cell death and decrease mitochondrial pathways that help cancer grow. 

• Zero calories

  Stevia contains no carbohydrates or calories, making it a healthy replacement for sugar. 

Himalayan salt is often considered a healthy salt due to its mineral content and lack of iodine and other additives found in table salt. Some say that Himalayan salt can have a number of health benefits, including: 

• Improved digestion: Himalayan salt can help the body absorb nutrients better, which can improve digestion and metabolism. 

• Stable blood sugar: Himalayan salt can help promote stable blood sugar levels. 

• Reduced muscle cramps: Himalayan salt can help reduce muscle cramps. 

• Improved circulation: Himalayan salt can help improve circulation. 

• Reduced stress: Himalayan salt can help reduce stress and improve mood. 

• Bone health: Himalayan salt can help support bone health. 

• Clearer skin: The minerals in Himalayan salt may help clear the skin. 

• Electrolyte balance: Himalayan salt can help restore electrolyte levels. 

• Improved sleep: Himalayan salt can help promote better sleep. 

• Improved air quality: Some claim that pink salt lamps can improve air quality and reduce asthma and allergy symptoms. 

Optional instead of matcha:

Cocoa powder contains flavonoids and polyphenols, which may have a number of health benefits, including:

• Heart health

  Cocoa powder can help lower blood pressure, improve blood flow, and prevent cell damage. It can also help prevent blood clots that can lead to severe cardiac problems. 

• Brain health

  Cocoa powder contains flavonoids, which can help protect and enhance brain function, and create new neurons. 

• Mood enhancement

  Cocoa powder may help reduce mental fatigue and improve calmness. It may also lead to the production of serotonin, a hormone that improves mood. 

• Blood sugar balance

  The natural sugar in cocoa powder can help stabilize blood sugar levels. 

• Immune system

  Cocoa powder contains vitamins and minerals that can help strengthen the immune system and ward off infections. 

• Anti-inflammatory

  Cocoa powder contains anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce inflammation in the body. 

• Cancer prevention

  Cocoa powder may help prevent the development of cancer cells and protect the growth of healthy cells.