What are the health benefits of roasted green tea? It also improves blood circulation and sleep quality!

Introduction

Hojicha gets its name from the fact that it is made by roasting tea such as sencha or bancha at high temperatures.

Hojicha, which has a nostalgic, distinctive fragrant aroma and a light taste, is written in kanji as "hojicha" and is made by roasting tea such as sencha or bancha over high heat until it turns golden brown.

It is loved by many people for its fragrant aroma and gentle taste, but did you know that it is also a drink that can have some wonderful health and beauty benefits?

In this article, we will introduce in detail the health benefits of roasted green tea.

Pyrazine, the aromatic component of roasted green tea

Have you ever felt relaxed and at ease when you smell the fragrant aroma of roasted green tea?

In fact, the source of this pleasant aroma is an aromatic compound produced by the reaction of sugar with amino acids called "pyrazines" produced during roasting.

Pyrazines not only produce the distinctive aroma of roasted green tea, but are also expected to have a variety of positive effects on our minds and bodies.

Three health benefits of pyrazine

1. Relaxation

Pyrazine is also thought to have the effect of balancing the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. By making the parasympathetic nervous system dominant, pyrazine calms our minds and has a relaxing effect.

This is because the ingredient "pyrazine," explained above, has the effect of relaxing the brain.

It is believed that pyrazine promotes the secretion of a neurotransmitter called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) in the brain, thereby enhancing the relaxing effect and helping to relieve stress.

2. Improves blood flow

It has been suggested that the pyrazines contained in roasted green tea have the effect of dilating blood vessels.

When blood vessels expand, blood flows more smoothly and blood circulation is improved. It is believed that improved blood circulation makes it easier for oxygen and nutrients to reach every corner of the body, which leads to improvements in poor circulation and fatigue.

Hojicha is recommended for those who have poor circulation or for taking care of the body after exercise. Drinking hot Hojicha warms the body from the core and has a relaxing effect.

3. Improved sleep quality

Pyrazine, the source of roasted green tea's fragrant aroma, is expected to be effective in improving sleep quality.

Pyrazines have the effect of relaxing the brain and it has been pointed out that they may promote the secretion of the neurotransmitter GABA.

GABA has a relaxing effect, calming an excited brain and helping to induce sleep.

In addition, pyrazine has been shown to have the effect of balancing the autonomic nervous system.

When you sleep, the parasympathetic nervous system becomes dominant, allowing you to get high-quality sleep.

For these reasons, it is believed that drinking roasted green tea before going to sleep at night will increase the relaxing effect, help you fall asleep more easily, and allow you to wake up refreshed the next morning.

In addition, roasted green tea contains theanine, a substance that gives it umami and sweetness.

Not only pyrazine but also theanine has the effect of enhancing relaxation, which has been shown to improve sleep quality and reduce fatigue upon waking.

In recent years, this ingredient has also been included in functional foods such as drinks and supplements that claim to "improve sleep quality."

However, roasted green tea does contain caffeine, so drinking large amounts can cause insomnia.

Although it contains less caffeine than coffee, it is recommended to be mindful of the amount you consume, and if you drink it before bedtime, limit yourself to about one teacup.

Contains ingredients with antioxidant properties

Another noteworthy substance contained in roasted green tea is melanoidin.

Melanoidin, which is produced during the roasting process of tea leaves, has extremely strong antioxidant properties and is known to remove active oxygen that has adverse effects in the body.

In addition to preventing arteriosclerosis, which is a cause of aging and lifestyle-related diseases, it also works similarly to dietary fiber, lowering cholesterol levels and slowing the rise in blood sugar levels.

In addition, it is said that improving the intestinal environment helps prevent constipation.

The secret to less bitterness in roasted green tea

Hojicha has a refreshing taste with little bitterness, and the secret lies in the roasting process of the tea leaves.

Roasting causes some of the caffeine, which gives the coffee its bitter taste, to evaporate.

Furthermore, catechin, the bitter and astringent component, is also changed by heat and becomes a water-insoluble component.

For these reasons, Hojicha has a mellow flavor that is easy to drink for small children and those who do not like the bitterness of tea.

Finally

What do you think? Pyrazine, the aromatic component of roasted green tea, may have various health benefits, such as a relaxing effect, improved blood flow, and improved quality of sleep.

It also contains a wealth of other beneficial ingredients, such as theanine and melanoidin.

For modern people who lead busy lives, roasted green tea is a way to take a break and relax at the end of the day.

Why not try enjoying some quality time with roasted green tea starting today?