Mmmmm.  Matcha.  It seems almost too good to be true, the dizzying amount of health supporting elements available to our bodies in just one steaming cup.  I have been wanting to learn about matcha the last couple of months, because it seems everywhere I turn there is some little mention of it.  So, last week my sister and I ran across a matcha tea set our aunt had from when she lived in Japan.  I could not believe my eyes…..I had been wanting to learn about matcha and also see if I could find an authentic bamboo whisk from Japan.  And, here one was, in my hands…….just like that.  With this discovery of something that had been on my mind, I knew it was time to get to know this astounding antioxidant powerhouse.  Matcha is a special type of green tea leaf that has been mostly shade grown and then stone ground into a very fine powder.  What seperates these tea leaves from all others is their off the charts levels of antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins and minerals.  Definitely a health tonic!  Matcha’s antioxidant levels are far above pomegrantes, blueberries and spinach.  It also has the highest levels of any tea on the market of EGcg which is specific type of antioxidant known for it’s potent cancer fighting properties.   Because matcha contains an amino acid that increases production of serotonin and dopamine while increasing alpha waves in the brain, it gives us an alertness that isn’t jittery.  So, unlike other caffeine containing drinks, matcha will not stress your body by increasing your heart rate or blood pressure.  That’s not all……it also helps to boost metabolism, burn fat, strengthen immunity and lower cholesterol and blood sugar.  It is truly one of the Earth’s treasures that is a gift to our body.  xxo!