What is L-theanine?
L-theanine was firstly discovered by Japanese scientists in the middle of the previous century. This chemical compound came from nature, to be more specific, from tea leaves mostly and certain mushrooms. The chemical structure can be very similar to naturally occurring neurotransmitter glutamine.
Another way to explain what is L-theanine could be a definition of amino acid. Even this substance cannot be produced in our body, still, the properties of it might be more than useful to people’s minds and bodies.
According to research, L-theanine affects the human brain by regulating dopamine and serotonin levels. Users claim that L-theanine enhances mood, sleeping condition, overall wellbeing. Let’s go through its benefits with more details. Already searching for an L-theanine supplement?
How does it work?
We have already mentioned the similarity to glutamine, but do you know what glutamine does? Actually, it’s working process reminds L-theanine’s working basis. Amino acids help to send nerve signals into a brain, so L-theanine has an influence on certain neurotransmitters. Among those can be mentioned GABA or Gamma-aminobutyric acid, a neurotransmitter which decreases the activity of the nerve system, or to put it in other words, lessens stress.
Some of the studies claim L-theanine’s feature to stimulate alpha waves and ensure the maintenance of the mental condition. Moreover, this compound increases levels of serotonin and dopamine, which are responsible for emotional life, the calmness and clarity of mind.
Benefits of L-theanine
- Cognitive improvement
The key phrase of describing L-theanine without a doubt is “alert calmness”. This condition, provided by L-theanine, already is a signature of this supplement. L-theanine ensures that during the day you will be focused and active without some anxious feeling. Because of this feature, L-theanine supplement is very liked by people who are facing mentally demanding tasks and need to be focused without a disturbing thrill. Want to find out more? Visit this article.
Memory improvement also can be noticed, but just after a month or two of usage. Although, temporary enlightenment of memory occurs just after taking L-theanine supplement. To boost the effect of L-theanine, try to combine it with Caffeine, this combination enhances productivity even more.
- Sleep regulation
Despite mental focus improvement, L-theanine might regulate your sleeping cycle also. By consuming L-theanine supplement, you will notice that falling asleep can actually be easy and without any distractions. According to users, sleep quality gets better as L-theanine ensures tranquillity during the night.
- Stress reduction and ADHD
Another feature of L-theanine is anxiolytic, the definition stands for anxiety and stress reduction. We have already mentioned that this compound affects certain neurotransmitters such as GABA, serotonin or dopamine. This synergetic ensures user calmness and peacefulness of mind during stressful situations or even experiencing certain anxiety-related disorders such as ADHD or schizophrenia. According to studies, L-theanine reduced usual anxiety levels in patients with previous diseases. Such an effect ensures not only a calmer condition but also a better sleep.
- Immune system improvement
Some research was made regarding L-theanine’s benefits on the human body and immune system. The findings confirmed L-theanine’s feature to protect some of the organs from inflammation and infections, among those can be mentioned upper respiratory tract and intestinal tract. However, users hardly notice such effects.
- Weight loss
This benefit is related to L-theanine that appears in green tea. Consuming this low-calorie beverage might help to reduce unwanted kilograms. How does it work? Well, green tea leaves a certain savoury taste that naturally reduces appetite. Sometimes green tea can be even a key to protecting people from obesity, so consuming this beverage can be more beneficial than you thought.
- Cancer prevention
Even no evidence is found about L-theanine’s antioxidant properties, this substance has a beneficial effect on cancer treatment. Some users claim that consuming L-theanine or more specifically, a green tea, together with chemotherapy drugs can boost efficiency. The benefits of green tea are obvious, so if you do not like this beverage yet, we recommend you to like it now.
- Blood pressure regulation
It is good news for people suffering from hypertension or high blood pressure from time to time. L-theanine might decrease raised pressure, especially in stressful situations. But if you are experiencing lower blood pressure, bear in mind that L-theanine may worsen your situation.
Side effects of L-theanine
L-theanine is among those nootropics, which has a low risk of side effects appearing. Even so, you have to be aware of the possible ones to ensure the maintenance of your health. Firstly, we will mention the risk of lower blood pressure again. If you’re suffering hypotension, do not take L-theanine to avoid worsening. For those who experienced lower blood pressure or have a family member with diagnosed hypotension, we recommend consulting the doctor before starting to use L-theanine.
L-theanine can interact with other medications, sometimes the interaction can be harmful, so always consult the doctor before starting to use L-theanine. Also, it is not recommended to take L-theanine for pregnant or breast-feeding women, also for kids.
Sometimes other side effects can appear, such as stomach ache, nausea or anxiety.
Dosage of L-theanine
The daily dosage of L-theanine varies from 100 mg to 400 mg, but if you tend to combine it with Caffeine, the dose should be much smaller, about 12-100 mg of L-theanine and 30-100mg of Caffeine. We recommend you to follow the instructions of usage, some of the nootropics should be limited, so if you cannot find such information, always make an inquiry to the manufacturer.
If you are planning to start using L-theanine, begin with the lowest recommended dosage and then gradually raise it. In that way, you will notice what dosage fits you and how your immune system or brain reacts.
For the end
L-theanine, as well as most of the nootropics, can be found in a form of tablet or powder, so you can choose the way of consumption. If your condition does not let you try L-theanine in the form of a supplement, you can always add more green tea to your daily routine.
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