Matcha Heaven

Have you guys heard of Matcha?  Well, if you haven't-- I am here to tell you all about it!  Matcha is a green tea that is grown exclusively in Japan:

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 wavesan excited, more agitated stateL-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. As an additional benefit, L-Theanine may help memory and learning and ability all the while inhibiting any possible side-effects from caffeine, a natural component of green tea. Therefore, a bowl of matcha promotes concentration and clarity of mind without any of the nervous energy found in coffee. 

It's as amazing as it sounds.  I have been drinking it everyday-- and I am in love with it.  It's one of those things that invigorates your body... I feel my senses heighten when it enters my systema and I feel better when I'm done with it.  Matcha also:

• Is packed with antioxidantsincluding the powerful EGCg
• Boosts metabolism and burns calories
• Detoxifies effectively and naturally
• Calms and relaxes
• Enhances mood and aids in concentration
• Provides vitamin C, selenium, chromium, zinc and magnesium
• Fights against viruses and bacteria
• Is rich in fiber
• Lowers cholesterol and blood sugar
• Does not raise insulin levels

You can use Matcha powder in many ways-- traditionally the ground powder is whisked into a few ounces of warm water and drank as a warm tea.  I've been drinking the Morning Matcha this way.

You can also use Matcha in cooking, beverages and smoothies.  Today, I wanted to share with you guys a few drinks that I've been using the Gotcha Matcha in-- you will *love* them!

Perfect for a cold day, morning pick me up, or afternoon boost!

:Ingredients:

1 Tbsp. Gotcha Matcha

1/4 cup hot water

1 cup steamed almond milk (Or milk of your choice)

:Directions:

Sift 1Tbsp. Gotcha Matcha into a mug filled with 1/4 cup hot water.  Whisk until thoroughly blended.

Add 1 cup steamed almond milk and mix together.  Shake a bit of Gotcha Matcha on top.

Drink up!

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If you like ice cold, not overly sweetened beverages- this is perfect for you.  This beverage is incredibly refreshing!  A great afternoon-evening pick-me-up.

:Ingredients:

1 Tbsp. Gotcha Matcha

1/4 cup hot water

1/2 dropper of NuNaturals Lemon Stevia

6-8 Ice Cubes

Cold Water

:Directions:

Blend Tbsp. of Gotcha Matcha with 1/4 cup of hot water.  Add 1/2 dropper of NuNaturals Lemon Stevia.  Mix well.  Add ice cubes to mixture and then top with cold water, blending well.

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Similar to the Matcha Latte-- but sweetened and iced!

:Ingredients:

+ 1/4 cup of hot water

+6-8 Ice Cubes

:Directions:

Mix 1 Tbsp. Gotcha Matcha with a 1/4 cup of hot water.  Whisk until blended thoroughly.  Add 1/2 dropper of Vanilla Stevia.  Top with 6-8 ice cubes and add Almond Coconut Milk (or your choice of milk.)

I've found that the vanilla and coconut flavors really compliment the full-bodied, nutty flavor of the Matcha.  This drink is absolutely satisfying!

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The Matcha Monster Smoothie is a total powerhouse of good, body fueling energy!

:Ingredients:

1 Tbsp. Gotcha Matcha

4 Ice Cubes

1 Frozen Banana- sliced

1 Tbsp. Peanut Butter

1/2 cup Almond Milk

1 tsp. cinnamon

2 cups of Spinach

:Directions:

To a blender, add all ingredients but the spinach.  Top the blender off with spinach so that it's completely full (but not packed down.)  Blend thoroughly and enjoy!

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Do any of you drink Matcha?  What's your favorite recipe?