L-theanine is an amino acid found mostly in green tea. It is thought to have various therapeutic benefits on the mind and brain, including the ability to alleviate stress and anxiety. However, it is not a common chemical in our everyday diet, so L-theanine health supplements are becoming popular.
What Exactly Is L-Theanine?
L-theanine, also known as N-ethyl-L-glutamine, is a non-protein amino acid with a molecular structure similar to L-glutamic acid. This is why some researchers believe its activity is dependent on glutamate receptor function. It is classed as a phytochemical or a bioactive plant chemical rich in nutrients.
It is not a necessary micronutrient for humans and is not synthesized by the body. There are three ways to acquire L-theanine from artificial sources, which are as follows:
- Extract of green tea leaves
- Biosynthesis
- Synthesis of chemicals
Isolation from green tea leaves has high manufacturing costs and a poor total yield. Chemical synthesis is a low-cost production method.
How Does L-Theanine Function?
Based on animal neurochemistry investigations, researchers have identified many putative effects of L-theanine on the brain and central nervous system. It may boost serotonin, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels while also acting as a neuroprotective agent.
L-theanine can modulate monoamine levels as well as glutamate and glycine transmissions. It also impacts the hippocampus, which helps to lessen the effects of stress and sadness. Beyond that, it may increase activity in the alpha brain waves, resulting in relaxing the mind without creating sleepiness.
Can L-Theanine Help You Lose Weight?
According to certain studies, L-Theanine may aid in weight loss. When combined, L-theanine and caffeine may decrease triglyceride and non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) levels and help minimize cellular fat buildup.
Furthermore, the biochemical actions of L-theanine obtained from green tea or supplementation may suppress appetite and aid in achieving a calorie deficit.
L-theanine may potentially have indirect weight reduction benefits. It may improve exercise performance by increasing energy levels. Because it improves mental concentration, it may also help one concentrate more on workout sessions to attain greater outcomes.
Sleep deprivation may contribute to weight gain and an increase in calorie consumption. L-theanine improves overall sleep quality, which may lead to weight reduction.
L-Theanine Improves Memory in What Way?
To better understand its effects, L-Theanine has been studied in people with mild cognitive impairment. Some examples showed memory-enhancing benefits, but the long-term consequences were uncertain. The findings also revealed an increase in theta wave levels in the brain, which aids in the overall improvement of cognitive alertness.
Based on the placebo-controlled clinical trial results, further research is needed to investigate the possible benefits of L-theanine.
Aside from that, the combination of L-theanine and caffeine increases people’s attention and alertness. However, the good benefits are mostly related to the impact of caffeine consumption. It is plausible that L-theanine and caffeine combine to improve performance during cognitively demanding activities.
Precautions and Cautions
Although L-theanine is generally safe, certain care should be taken when using nootropics for energy or memory improvement.
FAQs
What Happens When You Take L-Theanine?
L-theanine may aid improve brain function, attention, and memory, as well as have anti-obesity properties. It may also assist with illnesses like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and relieve tension and anxiety. Other advantages, according to research, may include the prevention of cancer and hypertension.
How Do You Use Theanine to Treat Anxiety?
It is often taken orally as a supplement. The suggested daily dose ranges from 200 to 400 mg. Green tea is also a good source of L-theanine.
Can L-Theanine Increase Anxiety?
There is currently no such proof. According to studies, L-theanine helps to improve brain alpha wave patterns and functions as a natural sleep aid, which helps reduce stress and anxiety levels.
How Does L-Theanine Influence Serotonin?
Animal neurochemistry studies have shown that L-theanine raises serotonin and dopamine levels. More research is needed to validate the impact on people.
Conclusion
L-theanine is a popular nutritional supplement that contributes to the increased popularity of green tea. It is now included in several nootropic pills due to its broad range of effects.
Keep in mind that there is no solid clinical proof for many of L-beneficial theanine’s benefits. As a result, before beginning any supplement, visit a medical practitioner.
Important Takeaways
- L-Theanine Weight Loss and Memory Enhancement
- L-theanine is a naturally occurring amino acid present in green tea that has several benefits for brain processes. Improved memory, mental clarity, and attention are among them.
- L-theanine is not manufactured by the body and is not easily obtained via food. It may be found in both green and black tea.
- L-theanine has also been proven in studies to improve mental attention and cognitive alertness. The long-term implications are yet unclear.
- L-theanine is generally safe for healthy persons and has few adverse effects. It may, however, interfere with the operation of a few medications.