The other day I was shopping at Whole Foods Market and came across a “sampling” table of this delicious and healthy drink-Motto Sparkling Matcha Tea. Since I love to try new things I gave it a shot!  I found it surprisingly delicious with that refreshing sparkling water and more interesting than just plain tea. Now, I love tea, both hot and iced but I never had it in sparkling water. As I was sipping this green tea I thought to myself, I normally do not like green tea because for some reason it just does not agree with me. But this one did not make me nauseous, it actually made me feel a bit better, more refreshed and rejuvenated from a long day.

We have all heard of the wonderful benefits green tea provides for our bodies. But because matcha is straight, stone-ground tea leaves, matcha provides you with green teas powerful arsenal of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids in a way no other green tea can.

Matcha tea contains a unique, potent class of antioxidant known as catechins, which aren’t found in other foods. In particular, the catechin EGCg (epigallocatechin gallate) provides potent cancer-fighting properties.

Most importantly, EGCg and other catechins counteract the effects of free radicals from the likes of pollution, UV rays, radiation, and chemicals, which can lead to cell and DNA damage. Since over 60% of the catechins in matcha are actually EGCg, a daily matcha regimen can help restore and preserve the body’s integral well-being and balance.

We can all learn from the past. Over a thousand years ago, matcha came to Japan as an aid to meditation practice. During long hours of sitting, monks would drink matcha to remain alert yet calm. Modern science has recently confirmed the lessons of centuries of tradition. Matcha is rich in L-Theanine, a rare amino acid that actually promotes a state of relaxation and well-being by acting upon the brains functioning. While stress can induce beta waves an excited, more agitated state, L-Theanine creates alpha waves, which lead to a state of relaxed alertness. And while L-Theanine is common in all tea, matcha may contain up to five times more of this amino acid than common black and green teas. With matcha you are receiving the benefits of the entire green teas leave, therefore providing all the benefits of the tea.

So, if you enjoy drinking tea, especially green tea give this sparkling version a try for a refreshing and nutritious drink. Go onto their website http:// www.drinkmotto.com or go to your local Whole Foods Market and see if they have some in stock.

As always, Enjoy and a “Cheers” to your health!