Green Tea, Matcha and Hojicha

The catechin in green tea helps lower cholesterol and prevent cancer

Tea is a much-loved drink all over the world, and popular varieties in Japan include green tea and hojicha. Tea is not only tasty — it's also full of things that are great for the health!

The catechin in green tea in particular has a number of stand-out health benefits: it helps to lower cholesterol, prevent hardening of the arteries and keep cancer at bay.

The brown-hued tea hojicha, known for its delicious aroma, is a light, caffeine-free variety that can be enjoyed at any time of day.

Add matcha and powdered tea to give dessert a healthy twist!

Matcha and powdered tea also belong to the green tea family. They both come in powdered form: matcha is made from the higher grade tea leaves and is used in Japan’s traditional tea ceremony, while powdered tea is coarser in texture but also cheaper.

Both are easy to incorporate into your diet, particularly in the form of dessert! Try mixing them with milk or icecream, or adding them to breads and sweets.

All the constituents of powdered green tea are readily absorbed into the body, making it an ideal source of nutrients such as vitamin C and catechin.

The best way to prepare green tea

Unlike black tea, Japanese green tea is usually prepared without sugar.

Remember that the flavor of green tea varies a lot depending on how it is brewed.

To prepare a delicious and mellow cup of green tea, simply bring tap water to the boil to boil off the chlorine, and then leave to cool a little in a separate cup before pouring into the teapot.

For an even tastier cup, try making your green tea with ice cold water — this releases 50% more theanine, an amino acid that gives that umami taste!

What’s more, preparing green tea cold protects its EGCG, a compound which activates immune cells and boosts your immune system.

Cold green tea is also lower in caffeine, making it a super-healthy option all round!