8 health benefits of Hojicha

With its fragrant aroma and woody flavor, Hojicha roasted green tea (also known as houjicha) is a popular tea that has many health benefits. In Japan, the popularity of hojicha is due to the fact that this roasted green tea is soothing and low in caffeine. Although it has a distinct and particularly pleasant taste, it is its health benefits that make this green tea a staple in many homes.

1. Ideal for people sensitive to caffeine

While other traditional Japanese sencha green teas are only steamed after being harvested, hojicha green tea leaves go through an additional stage in which they are roasted at a high temperature. All green teas are steamed to prevent oxidation of the leaves. This allows the tea leaves to retain their natural green color, fragrance and nutrients, a process essential for the production of sencha green tea. The additional roasting of the leaves creates the warm brown hue and toasted aroma of Hojicha roasted green tea.

The roasting process does not affect the health benefits of tea, but removes bitterness and caffeine. Roasted green tea is wonderful to drink after meals or in the evening. Hojicha is also popular with children and the elderly, who tend to be sensitive to caffeine.

2. Relieves stressful days in the office or at home

Like many other green teas such as genmaicha, hojicha provides a feeling of relaxation and contributes to physical and mental health. While the warmth and savory aroma are soothing, it is the presence of L-Theanine that contributes to the relaxing effects of hojicha. L-theanine is an amino acid found in green tea that can alleviate symptoms of stress, depression, and anxiety.

3. Preserves the clarity and youthfulness of your skin

The vitamin C in hojicha roasted green tea helps to lighten dark spots on the skin caused by acne scars and to repair damage to the skin. Vitamin C can also lighten dark spots caused by aging, as well as prevent wrinkles and restore skin elasticity that is lost over time.

4. Fights colds and keeps your immune system strong

Japanese green tea is known to strengthen the immune system. The polyphenols in green tea have antiviral properties that help kill bacteria. Hojicha roasted green tea also contains vitamins (Vitamin A, C, and E) which are known to fight colds, regulate the immune system, and even reverse the effects of a weakened immune system. Studies have also found that hojicha may reduce the risk of cancer by blocking carcinogens and inhibiting the growth of cancer cells.

5. Promotes a happy and healthy heart

The benefits of roasted green tea hojicha are many thanks to the natural compounds found in tea that keep the body happy and healthy, including the circulatory system. As with gyokuro, the catechins in green tea help regulate blood pressure and cholesterol. This reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, strokes, and inflammation of the main arteries. But that's not all: Green tea also contains vitamin E, an important component, which helps prevent blood clots from forming.

6. Boosts your metabolism while aiding digestion

The catechins in Hojicha roasted green tea stimulate the body's metabolism, which promotes weight loss and increases the body's use of calories, which helps burn fat.

Hojicha roasted green tea is also an excellent tea for promoting good digestion. With more healthy fiber than other teas, hojicha can keep your colon healthy while reducing the absorption of fat by the body.

7. Protects your teeth

Like green tea Gyokuro Grown in the shade, hojicha is also known to help improve oral health thanks to the polyphenols contained in its leaves. The antioxidant EGCG, found in all green teas, helps prevent cavities and bad breath. The polyphenols in green tea reduce the onset of gingivitis and gum disease.

8. Reduce (and prevent!) Arthritis pain

The same polyphenols that prevent inflammatory gum disease can also help those with arthritis pain. Hojicha roasted green tea will not only decrease joint inflammation, but also prevent further damage to these joints.

Thanks to its many health benefits, roasted green tea hojicha should really be a staple in everyone's pantry. Whether you want to relieve joint pain, fight a cold, or just enjoy its soothing, toasted and delicious taste, hojicha is the perfect tea for everyone.

(Obviously, this is on a long-term consumption basis.)