L-Theanine Benefits

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Originally Posted On: https://mindzymes.com/l-theanine/ In 1949, Japanese scientists identified l-theanine benefits while studying green tea leaves. Their actual purpose in doing this research was to find a source of umami… In 1949, Japanese scientists identified l-theanine benefits while studying green tea leaves. Their actual purpose in doing this research was to find a source of umami found in other foods such as fish, mushrooms, some vegetables, and some meats. They discovered that l-theanine is the source of the umami, which is the savory, frothy flavor found in Earl Grey Tea.

However, in searching for umami, they made some other interesting discoveries. They believe umami to be instrumental in decreasing the risk of obesity in some people. Additionally, it stimulates the metabolism while giving a feeling of being full. Moreover, the time before the sensation of hunger returns lengthens considerably.

Interestingly, their findings also indicate that when you drink tea with l-theanine, it might change your taste buds, in that it diminishes bitterness in foods like grapefruit or dark chocolate.

Ayurvedic medicine uses green tea for its abundant antioxidant qualities, but the caffeine in green tea is not good for everyone. This practice also believes that green tea balances out stimulants and stress.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) uses green tea to improve many illnesses, including; alertness, ability to support immunity, balance body fluids, and can promote healthy digestion.

L-threonine is an amino acid that affects the release of neurotransmitters in the brain, including GABA. The effectiveness of this supplement includes its ability to quickly cross over the brain barrier, and carries with it proven neuroprotective qualities. Incidentally, this compound can be found not only from tea leaves, but you will also find it in some types of mushrooms.

L-theanine benefits include a reduction in anxiety, hyperactivity, and sleep-related issues. You will also see reference to it as theanine or r-glutamyl-ethyl amide. Interestingly, it works by impacting nerve impulses in the human brain with the release of neurotransmitters, one of which is GABA .

Furthermore, l-theanine is a natural anxiolytic, which means that it not only delivers a calming effect, but it also does it without the side effect of drowsiness.

Unlike other amino acids, it doesn’t form protein in the body, and it doesn’t contribute to enzyme production. Additionally, it isn’t available in most of the foods that people normally eat. Unfortunately, that means many people have unhealthy levels of l-theanine in their bodies.

The most readily available sources of l-theanine are green, black, and white teas. However, supplements are also available, and effective, in reducing stress, supporting good heart health, and protecting the brain.

Its relaxing qualities come from its ability to inhibit, or block, cortical neuron excitation. More specifically, it affects the two areas of the brain, the amygdala, and the hippocampus, that control memory and responses to fear.

Alpha brain waves are what the brain produces when you meditate or reach a certain state, during aerobic exercise. Because l-theanine promotes a healthy, relaxed state of mind, some believe that it also aids in the production of alpha brain waves for deep relaxation, and meditation.

One of the best l-theanine benefits is its antioxidant effects. As an antioxidant, it prevents oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. This gives excellent protection for the cardiovascular system.

A lot of research is available showing l-theanine’s ability to relieve stress, and improve relaxation. You won’t feel tired or lethargic from taking this supplement, but you will enjoy relaxing, while remaining alert.

If you suffer from stress issues, such as anxiety and depression, this supplement is worth further research. That’s because l-theanine reduces stress-related blood pressure spikes. However, it’s not suggested for the treatment of extreme anxiety or depression.

As mentioned before, l-theanine is also found in some types of mushrooms. In one study with the Bay Bolete mushroom, when used in combination with certain chemotherapy drugs, it worked to increase their effectiveness. These findings also give researchers hope that l-theanine might also improve chemotherapy drugs’ ability to fight cancer.

Another study performed in China, showed greater longevity of life for women with ovarian cancer, who drink at least one cup of green tea per day.

Additionally, a study that compares tea drinkers, to non-tea drinkers, showed a 37 percent less chance of developing pancreatic cancer among the tea drinkers.

The number one source of l-theanine is green tea, and research shows that it greatly reduces inflammation, and supports good heart health. Interestingly, experts attribute this protection to theanine, rather than catechins or theaflavins found in green tea.

Additionally, stroke victims may also get great l-theanine benefits. A study on rats suggests that subjects given l-theanine, 12 to 24 hours after a stroke, showed damage reduction.

Amazingly, in a study that used roundworms, it’s shown to increase the longevity of life, when exposed to high concentrations of l-theanine. However, an increase in thiamine did provide more benefits, while a lower dosage was found to be the most effective.

If your immune system is showing signs of damage due to stress, you might find yourself getting sick more often. That’s because stress affects immune cells, and activates others. However, l-theanine gives a big boost to immune system cells.

Research also suggests the improvement of the body’s immune system. A study showed that upper respiratory tract infections decreased with the use of l-theanine.

In another study , patients were given a combination of green tea extract and theanine (LGNC-07). The results indicated that memory and recognition were improved, with no negative side effects on visual-spatial working memory.

It’s no secret that many people drink green, or black tea, to boost their mental focus. In fact, a study done in 2012, showed evidence of this. One group who took 100 mg of l-theanine, they found better focus and fewer errors.Additionally, in that same study, focus showed improvement when drinking 50 mg of caffeine, and when taking a combination of caffeine and l-theanine.But, there’s another way this supplement helps protect the brain. Interestingly, it prevents glutamate over-stimulation of brain cells, also known as excitotoxicity.Sadly, excitotoxicity is associated with schizophrenia, stroke, and other neurodegenerative disorders. The good news […]

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