BENEFITS OF HOJICHA
✓ Reduces stress
✓ Antioxidant
✓ Relieves digestive disorders
✓ May aid in weight loss
What is hojicha tea?
The term “hojicha” (ほうじ茶) means “roasted tea” in Japanese. It is a type of green tea obtained through the roasting of leaves from various varieties: Bancha, Sencha, or Kukicha.
The harvest takes place at the end of the season, in October. The leaves are then roasted at a temperature of 200°C. During the process, water evaporates and the leaves take on a nice reddish brown color.
Roasting results in a tea with a woody and roasted flavor. It is considered one of the most refined teas in the world.
One can detect notes of hazelnut, caramel, vanilla, cacao.
This process also modifies the chemical composition of the leaves. Thus, they lose a significant amount of tannins and catechins, which makes the tea less astringent.
The result is a drink low in theine/caffeine, perfect to enjoy in the evening.
Hojicha tea is highly prized by the Japanese. It often accompanies sushi, fish dishes, and cheese. In the traditional Ochazuke recipe, a typical Japanese dish, the brewed green tea is poured directly over rice.
Besides its taste qualities, it has health benefits. Thanks to its relaxing action, it reduces stress and anxiety. It is also antioxidant, relieves digestive disorders, and helps with weight loss. Finally, it is recognized for its potential anti-cancer properties.
Also read | Buyer’s guide to the best natural anti-stress supplements
Nutritional composition
- Amino acids including L-theanine
- Vitamins: A, C, E
- Theine/caffeine (in small amounts)
- Antioxidant compounds: polyphenols (flavonoids), chlorophyll, catechins
The benefits of hojicha tea
🧘🏻♀️ Reduces stress
Hojicha tea has a calming and relaxing effect on the mind. Thus, it helps relieve stress, anxiety, and depression. Moreover, it improves certain brain functions such as memory, learning, or alertness.
Like matcha, it contains theanine. This amino acid contributes to relaxation and stress reduction. Indeed, it can reduce the level of cortisol (or “stress hormone”) as shown by this study.
It also stimulates mental capacity and supports brain function.
🥝 Antioxidant
Like other green teas, it contains antioxidant compounds. Thus, you find polyphenols (flavonoids) and chlorophyll. However, it contains fewer catechins, some of which are destroyed during the roasting process as shown by this study.
However, it remains interesting for fighting against free radicals and their damage. It protects cells from aging.
Finally, the polyphenols and the vitamin C it contains strengthen the immune system.
♻️ Relieves digestive disorders
Because it is low in theine and tannins, it is ideal for sensitive stomachs and people sensitive to caffeine (children, the elderly…). It is very gentle and well tolerated by the body.
Consumed after meals, it aids digestion. It also relieves certain digestive disorders such as bloating or gastric acidity.
It can be consumed at any time of the day and even in the evening, before bed. It is an excellent substitute for coffee or strong teas, which are too rich in tannins.
🏃 May aid in weight loss
Hojicha tea accelerates metabolism and increases the body’s use of lipids. Thus, it reduces storage in adipose tissues and promotes fat burning.
It is an excellent natural fat burner.
By improving digestion and relieving dyspepsia, it also contributes to a flat stomach. Consuming hojicha tea can be beneficial for maintaining a slim figure or losing weight.
Further studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of hojicha tea on weight loss and obesity.
🔬 Potentially Anti-Cancer
Thanks to its antioxidant action, it could help prevent the onset of cancers.
In this study, for instance, it was combined with other green teas (matcha, oolong…) and then administered to patients with bladder cancer.
It proved effective in blocking carcinogenic substances and inhibiting the growth of cancer cells. This is due to the presence of antioxidant agents like polyphenols and flavonoids.
How to consume it?
Opt for organic hojicha tea
We recommend buying tea originating from Japan and organically grown. This ensures a product free of pesticide residues and environmentally friendly farming.
This criterion is especially important as tea leaves are very absorbent. They easily retain soil pollutants and heavy metals like lead.
Hojicha Tea Preparation
To prepare your drink, steep the leaves for 2 to 3 minutes in water heated to 70-85°C. Use a teapot, a tea infuser, or a cotton tea bag.
Use approximately 3 grams of dried leaves per cup.
Like matcha, hojicha tea can be used to prepare lattes, smoothies, ice creams, and pastries. It is also available in powder form, for easier use.
Dosage
It is advised to drink, hot or cold, 2 to 4 cups per day.
Contraindications and Side Effects
At recommended doses, there are no known contraindications or notable side effects. However, excessive consumption may cause diarrhea.
If you experience adverse effects, stop consuming it and consult a doctor.
Sources and scientific studies
Shinsuke Hidese, Shintaro Ogawa, Miho Ota, Ikki Ishida, Zenta Yasukawa, Makoto Ozeki, and Hiroshi Kunugi, 2019. Effects of L-Theanine Administration on Stress-Related Symptoms and Cognitive Functions in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Ryoyasu Saijo, Yoshiyuki Takeda, 1999. HPLC Analysis of Catechins in Various Kinds of Green Teas Produced in Japan and Abroad.
D Sato, 1999. Inhibition of urinary bladder tumors induced by N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)-nitrosamine in rats by green tea.
