What is L-theanine?
L-theanine is an amino acid often associated with relaxing and calming properties. Discovered in 1949 by Japanese scientist Sakato, theanine is found in tea leaves, particularly green tea. It is the main amino acid in tea (accounting for 1-2% of the total weight of the leaves)!
L-theanine should not be confused with theine, which is simply another name for caffeine.
What are the benefits of L-theanine?
Although the supposed benefits of L-theanine remain to be proven, recent studies seem to demonstrate the virtues of theanine in reducing anxiety, reducing stress, and promoting relaxation. It is considered "safe" by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and has no particular side effects beyond a certain dosage.
Improved focus and alertness
Several studies have suggested that L-theanine may promote an increase in alpha waves in the brain. This increase in alpha waves is often associated with a feeling of relaxation and calm, without causing drowsiness.
When consumed in combination with caffeine, as occurs naturally in tea, L-theanine may mitigate the undesirable effects of caffeine-related excitement. Caffeine generally stimulates beta brain waves, which are associated with wakefulness and mental activity. L-theanine may modulate these effects by promoting alpha waves, which can contribute to a state of "energized calm."
Reducing stress and anxiety
L-theanine is also believed to have relaxing and calming effects. These effects are attributed in part to L-theanine's ability to increase levels of certain neurotransmitters, including GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), which has calming properties on the central nervous system.
Improving mood
Some studies report an improvement in mood associated with taking L-theanine. This substance can influence the production of certain neurotransmitters, particularly GABA, as we have seen, but also serotonin and dopamine. These neurotransmitters are involved in regulating mood and emotional wellbeing.
It should be noted that while L-theanine does not specifically promote sleep, the state of relaxation it provides could contribute to improving sleep quality.
Discover our blog items on the benefits of matcha:
- What are the benefits of matcha tea?
- The benefits of matcha for hair
- The benefits of matcha for the skin
- Matcha and digestion: a natural ally
- Matcha flavonoids and cognitive decline
- Matcha catechins and their benefits
- L-theanine: an asset of matcha for relaxation
Can theanine promote weight loss?
To date, no studies have proven a direct cause-and-effect relationship between L-theanine and weight loss.
However, reducing stress levels is a key factor in weight gain. Stress causes hormonal changes, particularly increased cortisol production. An increase in this hormone can cause weight gain, often around the abdomen.
In addition, stress can cause changes in eating habits, either by suppressing appetite or by making food a source of comfort, which insidiously leads to weight gain.
Consuming L-theanine, by improving stress management, could therefore potentially help you limit the damage caused by emotional eating.
How to incorporate the effects of L-theanine into your daily routine
Dietary supplements
A simple and effective way to enjoy the calming effects of L-theanine is to take supplements that help you get the benefits, in capsule form. The recommended dosage is 2 to 3 tablets per day, containing 50 to 200 mg of L-theanine.
Green tea
But the best thing is still... to drink green tea directly, to enjoy all the benefits of this beverage. What better way to do this than with matcha, which, in its powdered form, allows you to consume the entire tea leaf and enjoy an exceptional concentration of catechins and L-theanine?
