7 Surprising Health Benefits of Hojicha

Hojicha, a roasted tea beloved by the Japanese, is increasingly winning over tea lovers around the world thanks to its pleasant aroma and mild tea flavor.

More than just a delicious drink, hojicha also offers many outstanding health benefits, making it a worthy choice for tea lovers as well as those interested in a healthy lifestyle.

Here are 7 surprising health benefits of hojicha and why this unique tea should be a part of your health routine.

Rich in antioxidants

Despite its special roasting process, hojicha is still a rich source of antioxidants. This tea contains catechins - a type of antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals, reduce oxidative stress and prevent many chronic diseases.

A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that roasting hojicha changes the structure of catechins, but does not significantly reduce their antioxidant effects.

Specifically, roasted green teas like Hojicha retain significant amounts of epicatechin and epigallocatechin, two powerful antioxidants. These results suggest that Hojicha not only provides a relaxing feeling, but also has the potential to support longevity and vitality.

Low caffeine content

One of the most popular benefits of hojicha is its very low caffeine content. Unlike most other green teas, the roasting process of hojicha significantly reduces the caffeine content, making it an ideal evening beverage.

Typically, a cup of green tea contains about 30-50mg of caffeine, while coffee ranges from 95-200mg.

In contrast, hojicha contains only about 7–20 mg per cup — a significant reduction thanks to the high-temperature roasting process that helps break down the caffeine.

Therefore, hojicha is very suitable for people who are sensitive to caffeine or are looking for an option that does not cause insomnia but still brings a warm, relaxing feeling.

Digestive support

Hojicha also helps with digestion. The roasting process not only gives it its distinctive flavor, but it also helps reduce the acidity of the tea, making it gentler on the stomach.

In Japan, it is customary to drink a cup of Hojicha after a meal to aid digestion and bring about a feeling of well-being. This tradition is also popular in Japanese restaurants around the world, where Hojicha is often served after dinner to bring a soothing end to the meal.

Many people also share that drinking hojicha after meals helps reduce feelings of fullness or indigestion, thanks to which this tea is gradually being recognized globally as an effective digestive aid drink.

The roasting process not only creates a distinctive flavor, but also helps reduce the acidity of the tea, making it gentler on the stomach. (Source: o5tea)

Good for the heart

According to a study published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, antioxidants in green tea such as catechins have the ability to reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and improve blood vessel function.

They help reduce arterial stiffness — a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke — and boost nitric oxide production, which helps dilate blood vessels, improve circulation and lower blood pressure.

Thanks to these mechanisms, hojicha is not only delicious but also a heart-friendly companion, contributing to the protection of cardiovascular health.

Reduce stress, increase clarity

Hojicha contains L-theanine - an amino acid that has a calming effect, helping to reduce stress and increase alertness.

Thanks to its combination of low caffeine and high L-theanine, hojicha strikes a unique balance: increased focus without causing jitters.

L-theanine content: A cup of hojicha (about 240ml) usually contains 5-8 mg of L-theanine, which helps relax the mind while maintaining alertness.

Comparing caffeine to other teas: hojicha contains about 7-20mg of caffeine/cup, while matcha contains 30-70mg and sencha about 20-30mg.

Therefore, hojicha is an ideal choice for relaxation without affecting sleep.

Ideal drinking time: hojicha should be drunk in the afternoon or evening to help you relax after a long day and prepare for a good night's sleep.

Weight management support

Hojicha may play a positive role in weight control due to its ability to boost metabolism and aid in fat burning.

Boost metabolism: The catechins in hojicha, especially EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), help stimulate thermogenesis — the process by which the body burns calories for energy.

Supports fat breakdown: Enzymes activated by catechins help break down fat tissue and release fatty acids as an energy source, thereby reducing fat accumulation.

These mechanisms make hojicha an ideal tea for a diet that aids in weight loss or maintaining a healthy figure.