The Calming Power of L-Theanine
L-theanine is a natural green tea component responsible for its characteristic taste. L-theanine, is a unique amino acid derived from tea, it has also been discovered as a biologically active green tea constituent that promotes relaxation.
L-theanine has been extensively researched. Research studies include reducing stress and irritability and promoting relaxation, sleep quality, learning, and concentration. L-theanine can be used daily or just when you need to relax.
It is safe to use daily, will not cause drowsiness, and can often moderate the effects of caffeine. This is an excellent product for women who suffer from PMS symptoms, as it helps to calm the mind and nervous system.
In a preliminary non-clinical study, an L-theanine solution enhanced alpha wave production in volunteers’ brains’ occipital and parietal regions. These observed patterns are considered an index of relaxation, and alpha waves were also detected soon after L-theanine was administered. Furthermore, it did so rapidly and without causing drowsiness.
L-theanine enables the body to produce other calming amino acids, such as dopamine, GABA, and tryptophan and helps with concentration, focus, deep muscle relaxation, and improved quality sleep. L-theanine has also been shown to help regulate blood pressure within normal ranges. L-theanine produces beneficial effects on the nervous and cardiovascular systems.
The next time you take a sip of green tea and feel the calming effects from that freshly brewed cup think of L-theanine.
What is L-theanine?
L-theanine is an amino acid found in nature that is not naturally produced by the body but is found in herbs and vegetables, specifically green tea leaves, black tea leaves, and even mushrooms.
You’ll most commonly find L-theanine in the green tea plant Camellia Sinensis. This amino acid is responsible for the unique taste of the tea known as umami. People from Japan have used L-theanine for decades, and it has been touted for its benefits, such as supporting mood, restful sleep, already healthy cortisol levels, and promoting healthy stress levels.
This herb appears to exert calming effects by inducing brainwave patterns similar to those associated with meditation and massage. Once consumed, L-theanine can readily cross into the brain, where its cognitive benefits come into play.
What are the benefits of L-theanine?
The benefits of L-theanine are primarily all in your head—literally! The amino acid provides a calming effect and helps you think more effectively, so you may experience healthy stress management and support for how well you focus. Here’s how L-theanine benefits your brain and the rest of you.
1. Brain-boosting benefits.
Reduces your stress levels and symptoms of anxiety by helping lower cortisol levels in the brain. L-theanine protects cognitive health and boosts functions like reaction time and keeping focus. It also improves sleep quality by helping regulate serotonin levels in the brain.
During the workday, most people turn to a hot cup of coffee to give them the energy to power through, but sometimes that cup of joe can leave you with a crash instead of the boost your brain cells were looking for.
If a cup of green tea isn’t in the cards, but you’re seeking better mental focus and cognitive performance, explore the brain-boosting benefits that L-theanine offers. Research suggests that L-theanine can help improve attention span and overall reaction time—which may help you work smarter, not harder.
2. Calming effects
When you are stressed, your body increases production of certain hormones, which prompt the release of cortisol. Incorporating L-theanine into your wellness routine helps to maintain already healthy cortisol levels, promoting healthy stress levels.
Healthy stress management and better cognitive performance might have different benefits, but they’re closely connected. If you’ve ever felt like you were “too stressed to think clearly,” L-theanine can help you clear away those cobwebs so you can make more thoughtful decisions.
3. Better sleep quality
If dodging sleep difficulty or catching some quality ZZs is on your mind, then the relaxing benefits of L-theanine might be the answer. The soothing benefits of L-theanine help you wind down before hitting the hay so you can fall asleep more easily.
L-theanine signals to your brain cells that it is time for your body to relax and unwind. This calming agent can potentially encourage latency sleep, so if you are searching for better sleep, L-theanine may be your supplement.
4. Promotes a healthy weight
The calming effects of L-theanine play a vital role in the way your body reacts to stress and may even ultimately help you maintain a healthy weight. With benefits like getting better sleep, improved mood, and healthy stress levels, weight will be the last thing you worry about (as long as you adhere to a healthy diet and exercise regimen).
When do I take L-theanine?
L-theanine’s calming and cognitive boosting benefits can be enjoyed any time of day. If you’re looking to gain more alertness and mental focus, incorporating an L-theanine supplement into your morning wellness routine is the right option.
For enhanced sleep support, incorporate L-theanine in the evening at least 40 minutes before sleep to experience its relaxing effects.
Are there any side effects to L-theanine?
There have not been any documented side effects of incorporating L-theanine into wellness routines. It is safe to drink teas and take nutritional supplements that contain L-theanine.