The innumerable benefits of green tea have been touted for decades, but what’s this talk about l-theanine?
L-theanine is a naturally occurring amino acid found in tea leaves. In recent years it has been pushed to the front of supplement shelves for its ability to promote relaxation and reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. Many are drawn to this supplement for its ability to enable a feeling of calm relaxation without unwanted side effects such as daytime drowsiness.
Benefits of L-Theanine:
- Reduced anxiety
- Antidepressant
- Improved focus
- Improved sleep
- Boosts immune system function
- Overall feeling of calm relaxation
How does it work?
There are a number of proposed mechanisms by which l-theanine acts on the brain to influence the central nervous system. Studies indicate that l-theanine can cross the blood brain barrier, which means it can act directly on the brain, therefore allowing it to easily reach receptors located in the brain related to mood and cognition. Below are some of the ways in which l-theanine may act on the brain to influence mood and cognition.
- L-theanine increases levels of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, therefore promoting a sense of calm and relaxation.
- Studies indicate l-theanine loosely resembles glutamate and is able to bind with these receptors. Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter responsible for aspects of cognition and mood regulation. Therefore, the antidepressant actions of l-theanine may be related to its ability to weakly bind l-glutamate receptors.
- L-theanine with caffeine influences alpha wave activity leading to improved attention.
L-theanine is generally regarded as safe, though it is always recommended to check with your healthcare provider before beginning any new supplements. Your doctor can help you assess if l-theanine is safe for your individual health picture, including diagnoses, medications, supplements, and individual needs.