Benefits of Hojicha and 8 Hojicha Drinks from Popular Cafes

Due to the growing health awareness and Japanese food trend in foreign countries, matcha and other teas are very popular. Among teas, hojicha drinks comes second to matcha in terms of popularity among Japanese people, and recently they are popular among foreigners as well. The hojicha drink discussed in this article can be found at Starbucks, Tully's, and Doutor, and is now one of the most popular menu items at cafes. In this article, we will introduce the effects of hojicha on the body and beauty, as well as eight popular hojicha drinks at Starbucks, Tully's, and Doutor.

Benefits of Hojicha

1. Reduction of blood cholesterol, body fat, and blood sugar

Catechins in hojicha suppress the absorption of dietary sugar and fat and increase their elimination, thereby reducing body fat. In addition, pyrazine, a component of hojicha, has been shown to prevent blood clots and is expected to prevent cerebral and myocardial infarctions.

2. Inhibition of blood pressure increase

Catechins in hojicha are said to lower blood pressure by regulating vasoconstrictors and strengthening the endothelial function of the walls of blood vessels.
Saponin is an ingredient found in all teas and has a strong bitter and acrid taste. It has the effect of lowering blood pressure.

3.  Cancer prevention

Catechins contained in hojicha  are said to prevent canceration of cells.

4. Antioxidant action

The catechins, vitamin C, and vitamin E in hojicha have antioxidant properties.
Just as metal oxidizes over time and rusts to a brownish color, the human body also oxidizes. When these oxidants accumulate in the body, they tend to cause various problems in our body, such as aging of blood vessels, aging of the skin, and triggering lifestyle-related diseases and cancer. Antioxidant action refers to the action of removing these oxidants. Catechins have antioxidant properties that remove reactive oxygen species (or free radicals) in the body. Antioxidant properties help prevent the aging of various body tissues and the development of cancer, lifestyle-related diseases, and diabetes.

5. Skin whitening effect

Hojicha is a water-soluble vitamin that is necessary for the production of collagen in the skin and also has antioxidant properties. Vitamin C is known to be a very good nutrient for the body, but it is also known to be very good for beauty. Vitamin C prevents the deposition of melanin pigment, which is the source of blemishes, and thus can be expected to prevent the development of blemishes. It also has an anti-oxidant effect, and can be expected to have anti-aging and whitening effects by removing oxidants that tend to accumulate in the skin. Vitamin B2 contained in hojicha is one of the water-soluble vitamins, which helps cell regeneration and maintains healthy skin, mucous membranes, hair, and nails.

6. Relaxing action

It is known that the aroma of pyrazine contained in hojicha  increases gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA, in the brain. Hojicha contains a relaxant called theanine, and drinking hojicha can be expected to have a relaxing effect due to the synergistic effects of theanine and pyrazine.

7. Prevention of tooth decay

The catechins contained in hojicha tea inhibit the formation of dental plaque and the production of acid by cavity-causing bacteria, thereby halting the progression of tooth decay. Fluoride in green tea also strengthens the teeth and makes them resistant to cavities.

8. Prevention of bad breath (deodorizing action)

The catechins in hojicha inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause tooth decay and periodontal disease, thus preventing cavities. 
The chlorophyll contained in hojicha has deodorant and sterilizing effects, and is said to be effective in preventing halitosis by inhibiting the growth of bacteria that cause bad breath in the mouth.

9. Awakening effect (removal of fatigue and drowsiness)

Caffeine in tea has an excitatory effect on the cerebrum and other central nerves, enhancing intellectual work capacity and athletic performance.
It has an awakening effect that makes you clear-headed. It is effective for gaining concentration and improving memory.

Starbucks popular hojicha drinks

TEAVANA Houjicha Tea Latte

Hojicha and milk go very well together. The sweet aroma of milk is accompanied by the savory aroma of hojicha.

TEAVANA Hojicha

This is standard hojicha, but you can also enjoy it at Starbucks.

Wasanmitsu Hojicha FrappuccinoR (Japanese Sanmitsu Hojicha)

This Frappuccino combines hojicha tea, milk, and Japanese honey sugar. The "Wasan Mitsugar" is a blend of two types of sugar: domestic raw sugar and Wasanbon white molasses sugar, both made from domestic ingredients. The harmony of Japanese harmony is the best in this product.

Starbucks Via Tea Essence Houjicha 5-pack

You can enjoy the taste of Hojicha Tea Latte at home. It is a stick type with milk added.

Tully's popular hojicha drinks

Hojicha Resta

This hojicha is roasted twice (double roasting) to find the temperature at which it is most fragrant and tasty. The surface is covered with couverture chocolate.

Hojicha Latte

This latte has a very soft taste, with a hint of roasted tea while suppressing bitterness.

Hojicha Latte with Delicious Roasted Tea 5 packs of sticks

It uses "Itoen hojicha" (roasted green tea). It is a blend of three types of hojicha with different degrees of roasting and types, so you may enjoy a slightly different taste from other products.

Doutor popular hojicha drinks

Rich hojicha latte with first flush from Kyoto

It is made with hojicha, the first tea produced in Kyoto Prefecture. The mild taste of milk is complemented by the savory aroma of hojicha.

Conclusion

In this article, we have explained the benefits of hojicha tea, which are not well known. Tea is becoming very popular in foreign countries due to the growing health awareness and the trend in Japanese food. Among teas, hojicha drinks and hojicha sweets are very popular as well as matcha and green tea. Familiar cafes such as Starbucks, Doutor, and Tully's all offer hojicha drinks. I recommend everyone to try adding hojicha to their daily drink routine. I hope this article will be helpful when you enjoy hojicha.