What is L-theanine?
One of the many supplements in Neuro Drinks is L-theanine. This compound occurs naturally in green and black teas. According to the Neuro Drinks team, researchers have found L-theanine offers a range of health benefits, including better mental focus and improved sleep quality.
L-theanine is an amino acid that isn’t produced by the human body. It is, however, naturally found in green tea, black tea, and certain types of mushrooms. In addition, L-theanine is also available in supplement form. The team at Neuro Drinks explains that L-theanine affects the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, namely dopamine and serotonin. These chemicals affect sleep, mood, and emotional regulation. L-theanine also appears to influence the levels of cortisol, which helps the body cope with stress.
The Many Benefits of L-theanine
Many people consume black or green tea at work to help them focus. Researchers recently discovered that subjects who took 100 mg of L-theanine made fewer errors during an attention-centered task than those in the placebo group. The study also showed that drinking 50 mg of caffeine or mixing the L-theanine with the caffeine also improved people’s focus.
According to the team at Neuro Drinks, L-theanine may also help people get to sleep more easily. Several studies have suggested that L-theanine may aid in subjects’ relaxation, which is a huge advantage before bedtime as it helps them fall asleep more quickly and deeply.
These benefits may result from specific effects of amino acids on brain chemicals that affect sleep. In a study conducted in 2018, researchers observed that people had greater sleep satisfaction after taking 450–900 mg of L-theanine daily for two months. It’s also worth noting that the study participants had an anxiety disorder and were taking antidepressants at the time of the study.
The experts with Neuro Drinks also noted that the L-theanine in green or black tea might contribute to relaxation by slowing down a person’s resting heart rate.
In 2016, a study reviewed existing research on the benefits of L-theanine. Researchers working on the study concluded that this compound could improve a person’s mental and physical health, noting that L-theanine seems to have neuroprotective effects that improve brain function.
Scientists have also found that L-theanine may improve a person’s attention and reaction times. When combined with caffeine, it may lead to improvements in their numeracy and overall alertness. Caffeine is the world’s most popular stimulant, and it can aid people in staying alert and focused. Nevertheless, its effects may be further boosted when taken alongside L-theanine.
L-theanine may also fight off illness by strengthening the body’s immune system. In addition, the potential anti-inflammatory effects of the compound may lead to its possible use for treating symptoms related to headaches, sprains, arthritis, or even some long-term pain-related illnesses.
Researchers have also found that L-theanine may help reduce stress, increase relaxation, and lower the heart rate. All of these benefits may help lower blood pressure as well.
Preliminary studies also suggest that L-theanine may increase the effectiveness of certain drugs used to treat cancer. Doxorubicin, a drug used in chemotherapy, is one such drug. L-theanine may make doxorubicin more effective by increasing the amount of the drug inside cancer cells.
There is evidence that L-theanine could be good for people’s mental and physical health, but more studies are needed for doctors to confirm the actual effects of the compound.
Other Notes
Following experts’ advice, the FDA has approved the additive as safe to use. That said, the Neuro Drinks team encourages everyone to read labels and follow the instructions when taking supplements.
As always, it’s prudent that people speak to their doctor before taking any additional supplements, as they may interact with certain medications. The Neuro Drinks team adds that you should consult with your doctor before starting any new supplement if you are currently taking any drugs or other supplements for the treatment of high or low blood pressure.
