
L-Theanine
What is L-Theanine? L-theanine, an amino acid found in green tea, reduces anxiety by blocking excitatory stimuli at glutamate receptors in the brain while stimulating the production of the inhibitory, relaxing neurotransmitter GABA.
There’s a connection between anxiety, reaction to stress, and the brain’s most fundamental function, sustaining cognition. The most recent studies suggest a possible role for L-theanine in supporting cognitive function and preventing its loss.
L-Theanine benefits
- Promotes sleep quality, no drowsiness or impairing motor behaviour side effects
- Can rapidly metabolize, requiring repeat dosing throughout the day to manage stress
- Anti-anxiety and calming effects can prove beneficial in depression or scitzofrenia
- It can be taken in the form of tablets or capsules, its main food source being tea
- Beneficial in weight loss, with positive effects of fat burning
- Cancels caffeine's stimulants, enabling alertness and attentional switching accuracy
L-theanine supports cognitive function and prevents cognitive loss, protecting brain cells, helping prevent strokes and reducing damaging effects after a stroke.
Stress or anxiety drugs can cause sedation and other negative side effects while also being addictive. L-theanine solves this problem, providing continuous L-theanine to help maintain alert but relaxed throughout the day. L-theanine supplementation may also prevent the peak in blood pressure experienced under stress.
L-Theanine and magnesium
This assortment of supplements can help in keeping a chemical balance of GABA and glutamate in the brain in the name of calmness:
- The amino acids taurine, GABA, and L–theanine
- The antioxidants NAC and green tea
- Vitamins B6 and D
- The minerals magnesium and zinc
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Several herbal therapies