L-Theanine is an amino acid (amino acids are colloquially speaking ingredients that build all body proteins). An interesting fact is that L-Theanine is not a typical amino acid, because it does not occur in food protein, as its name suggests - tea, is naturally found in the leaves of green tea as a free amino acid (meaning it is not part of the protein structure), its traces can be found even in mushrooms! An example may be brown bay boletus. Green tea is the second most-consumed drink in the world! (Right after water, of course!). There are many benefits from drinking green tea, all thanks to theanine.
- What are the properties of this amino acid?
- How does it all happen? A bit of biochemistry
- Neuroprotection
- With what potential problems is it worth using L - theanine?
- How L-Theanine works?
- Benefits of L-Theanine - summary
- L-Theanine - dosage
- Perfect for athletes?
- What to combine L-theanine with?
- Pros and attributes of L-theanine:
- L-Theanine - summary
What are the properties of this amino acid?
First of all, its positive features are known and appreciated for a long time. It affects mainly the nervous system, improving concentration and minimizing stress. It has relaxing properties and helps endure nervous tension. In addition, it’s perfect for people working mentally or studying because it supports learning and memorizing processes.
How does it all happen? A bit of biochemistry
This amino acid belongs to the NMDA receptor antagonists, which acts on the secretion of the neurotransmitter glutamate, inhibiting it and, what is more, slightly lowering its level. When it comes to the chemical structure of L-Theanine, it resembles glutamate and GABA in this respect, which are key neurotransmitters. This compound easily crosses the blood-brain barrier, which perfectly and easily affects the nervous system, characterized by the influence on stress reduction, memory, concentration or minimization of nervous tension, as well as increases the activity of alpha waves (α-1: 8-10Hz) in a very short time, only after about 30 minutes, or a maximum of 45 after taking the supplement.
These waves play a very important role in the features described above. They are identified with the state of deep relaxation and the relaxing effect on the human body, so is the so-called selective attention and mental stimulation. Studies have reported that the effect of this relationship on the frequency of brain waves is closely related to properties that significantly support the fight against stress and a noticeable improvement in concentration.
L-Theanine should be taken if we have a problem with excessive stress and we suffer from persistent tension. It’s not enough that this supplement is very effective in combating these types of problems, but it is also a measure that is considered natural and safe!
It affects relaxation and vigilance
A huge plus of theanine is that, despite its relaxing properties, it does not cause drowsiness or dullness, and even, as mentioned, it is effective in improving concentration or enhancing cognitive functions! The nootropic and pro-cognitive properties of l-theanine rely on increasing concentration and attention to the task as well as greater resistance to distraction. The state of relaxation favours the absorption of knowledge and improves cognitive performance
And what about stress?
As previously mentioned, it minimizes it very much and at the same time increases the excessive stimulation which is caused by it and regulates the frequency of heart rate (HR). Moreover, the amount of secretion of salivary immunoglobulins (s-IgA) is also reduced, which are commonly associated with the body's reaction to the threat. L-theanine is sometimes used to reduce the stimulatory effect caused by stimulants.
Neuroprotection
L-theanine prevents the destruction of nerve cells as a result of oxidative stress induced by active oxygen species (oxygen free radicals).
With what potential problems is it worth using L - theanine?
- anxiety
- fear
- states of depressed mood
- depression
- insomnia
- general sleep problems
- problems with the circulatory system
- PMS or premenstrual syndrome
- emotional balance
- improving concentration
- improvement of learning processes
- memory improvement
How L-Theanine works?
It models the activity of some neurotransmitters including:
GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)
Is an amino acid that is responsible for proper regeneration and helps us obtain a state of relaxation, it is also attributed to the reduction of excessive excitability, it also contributes to calming the body. Theanine strengthens the action of gamma-aminobutyric acid.
Dopamine
It’s a hormone that has a very large impact on human emotions, the increased concentration of dopamine affects theanine, which helps achieve a feeling of relaxation. What's more, the combination of dopamine and theanine improves concentration. It also has a significant impact on the positive mood and memory, and at the same time reduces mood decrease, depression or anxiety.
Glycine
An amino acid that has properties that we can compare to those of gamma-aminobutyric acid. It helps us achieve a state of peace and relaxation, which significantly improves our well-being.
Benefits of L-Theanine - summary
Summing up, the use of this extraordinary supplement that is L-theanine has a huge impact on suppressing the body's excessive reactions, calms down, relaxes, and at the same time helps us maintain perfect memory and concentration.
L-Theanine - dosage
Recommended dosage of L-Theanine is 1 - 2 capsules a day (it equals to 200-400mg of Theanine. Be sure to check how much theanine per capsule your supplement contains)
Perfect for athletes?
Greatly improves regeneration
Above all, it’s also a means that definitely helps us achieve a state of relaxation and minimize the effects of stress. Thanks to these unique features, you will often find it in the composition of products that are dedicated to people who have sleep problems and need something that will improve their sleep quality. Regeneration is important for everyone, regardless of whether you are active or physically active, but it’s especially important when you are training or want to lose weight. You cannot do it without proper regeneration, remember this!
Sleep, very important!
Many people have problems not only with sleeping, but generally falling asleep, and even when they manage to fall asleep, they often wake up at night. They are so sleepy, nervous, and irritable. Sleep is really one process in which full regeneration is possible, that's why its quality is so important and that's why we should look after it. Sleep must be a rest, not a race of thoughts that makes it difficult. It should be associated with calmness and relaxation. This is how L-theanine supplementation works, which is a completely natural and safe means.
What to combine L-theanine with?
The perfect combination for L-theanine is caffeine. Although it may seem a bit unbelievable after the previous paragraph. Why is the combination of the associated ingredient as a remedy for sleep, sedation and tranquillity to be an ideal combination with the stimulant associated with caffeine? This is a very different property of L-theanine, namely the use of weight loss (slimming) and fat burning. It turns out that the combination of L-theanine and caffeine gives excellent results supporting fat burning!!! Caffeine as mentioned above affects the maintenance of quite strong stimulation of the human body, thanks to it is a great relationship that can be used before training and who will fulfil its task perfectly, which is why it is a very common component of a pre-workout. In addition, it’s a great thermogenic compound that increases body temperature, causing a so-called thermogenesis of the body. This influences the enforcement and intensification of many metabolic changes to a large extent, and results in the expected combustion of fatty acids.
But what about the L-theanine?
L-theanine strengthens the action of caffeine, intensifying the above-described processes. Therefore, both components are very often found in the composition of products called "fat burners", dedicated to people who seek reduction support and strive for weight loss.
This combination actually helps in weight reduction, but not only that. Used before training, it supports the quality of training and can contribute to better training effects. Studies have reported that the combination of l-theanine and caffeine increases previously mentioned memory, concentration and the ability to focus. Thanks to caffeine, this action is even better. What else do the studies show? Interestingly, also that they shorten the reaction time, reflexes. These are extremely valuable features when shaping strength and speed. It’s excellent for physically active people and athletes as previously mentioned also because of the reduction of fatigue and increased response to stimuli.
L-theanine is really an amazing substance. It affects many systems (systemic effect) and has a really positive effect on the body, remaining a safe and natural means, having a good and effective effect on health. You can use it to develop different types of effects, depending on what you want to achieve. It has a positive effect on both health and physical exercise.
Pros and attributes of L-theanine:
- organic chemical compound
- non-protein amino acid
- glutamine derivative
- occurs as an enantiomer in green tea leaves
- it easily overcomes the blood-brain barrier
- psychoactive relationship
- calming effect
- action to minimize stress
- reduces anxiety
- stabilizes the mood
- normalizes anxiety
- used in depression
- increases the intensity of alpha waves in the brain
- improves work efficiency
- affects the effectiveness of learning
- increases concentration
- it’s a nootrope
- safe relationship
- natural substance
- effects on the whole organism and its systems (systemic action)
- influences the neurotransmitter's economy
- improves cognitive skills
- increases resistance to stress and reduces it
- has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the circulatory system
- good effect on the liver
- positively and effectively works on the immune system (immune)
- perfect for learners or working intellectually
- great before exams by improving memory and minimizing stress
- improvement of the overall health condition
- supports fat burning
- it improves the regeneration ability
- recommended to athletes and physically active people
- supports weight reduction (cooling down)
- in combination with caffeine, it improves metabolic processes
- in combination with caffeine, it improves the quality of training
L-Theanine - summary
Every one of us can reach for this supplement. It’s dedicated to all kinds of problems, therefore everyone will find "something for themselves" and L-theanine will certainly help achieve the desired effect.
