L-Theanine
l-Theanine is an amino acid analogue of l-glutamate combined with l-glutamine, found mostly in plants, in particular in tea (Camellia sinensis). It has a taste known as “umami” (the savoury taste typical of meat-based broth). Similar to the compound it is derived from, glutamate, it has properties of an excitatory neurotransmitter which may explain some of the benefits in Green and Black Tea.
Benefits:
- Helps to relieve anxiety and stress.
- Clinically shown to relax without drowsy side-effects.
- Increases production of serotonin to aid relaxation.
- Increases levels of dopamine to improve memory and mood.
Did you know…
Theanine can directly cross the blood-brain-barrier, which is part of the reason it is so effective in imparting a positive effect on mood?
When our nerves are over-excited and we are stressed, it is often caused by an amino acid called glutamate stimulating the nerves in excess. Theanine can block this stimulation leading to a calming of the nerve function and improvement in relaxation, mood and cognitive performance.
May Help To: