What is L-theanine?
L-theanine contains amino acids found in mushrooms and tea. People tend to use L-theanine to aid and improve their mental function. Alternatively, it can be used for stress, mental impairment, and other conditions, but there isn't enough scientific proof to prove that it's accurate.
You'll find L-theanine in green tea, which can help improve sleep quality. A study has shown that using L-theanine helps with improving your sleep function. But larger trials are needed to verify the effect.
On average, you can use L-theanine for up to 8 weeks to experience long-term effects. It can be consumed in either tablet or pill form, which is great for people trying out the ingredient for the first time. So try to use L-theanine and see how it does wonders for your health.
L-theanine Benefits
L-theanine Anxiety
The most important benefit of L-theanine is that it can cross through the blood-brain barrier. This is similar to glutamic acid and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) because they both aid in mood regulation.
L-theanine reduces anxiety and stress by interacting with the amount of serotonin, dopamine, and neurotransmitters in your brain. This results in more calming and anxiety-inducing effects, which is great for mental relief.
In one study, L-theanine was used to reduce stress and anxiety in patients in scenarios where psychological stressors were induced. Plus, it has been shown that L-theanine has aided patients with schizophrenia. This means that a sufficient amount of L-theanine can aid in mitigating the symptoms of schizophrenia.
The recommended L-theanine dosage for anxiety is 50 mg a day. After consuming L-theanine, you’ll notice a calming effect 30-40 minutes after consumption. Usually, this effect will last around 8-10 hours.
Better Sleep
No one needs to create a complex study to determine whether reducing stress aids in helping you sleep. Fortunately, L-theanine aids in helping you sleep. In fact, it's better to use L-theanine as a sleep aid because it doesn't have a sedative.
The effect of L-theanine sleep on your alpha brain waves enhances both sleep duration and quality. It does this without experiencing drowsiness or the chances of addiction that come with taking prescribed sleep medication. The beneficial sleep effects are evident in patients suffering from anxiety disorders.
Anti Inflammatory
L-theanine is responsible for combating the free radicals that create oxidative stress in your body. This study proved that L-theanine could be used to improve your body's immune function. It can help reduce inflammation and upper respiratory infection found in your gastrointestinal tract.
Improved Cognition
Once L-theanine is consumed, it can interact with several other brain functions and hormones. It works by reducing the amount of corticosterone, which works by blocking your cognitive functions. L-theanine can be used to improve your cognitive function by affecting your mind's alpha brain wave activity.
Scientists have made another interesting discovery. They reported that patients with anxiety had an increased attention span when using L-theanine. Through using the ingredient, they are more likely to understand visual cues and information presented to them. The L-theanine adhd is improved when in use, which decreases the chances of mind wandering when it is in use.
Plus, some studies have shown that L-theanine can boost your alertness. This occurs when L-theanine caffeine is paired up, as some tea and coffee products have the chemical within it. Because of this, try to use some L-theanine if you need help in thinking clearly.
L-theanine Weight Loss
You can use L-theanine to help your body lose weight. After consuming around 50-100 mg, the L-theanine can act as a simple fat burner. Studies show that L-theanine helps patients with weight loss and keeps the weight off them once the pounds have been shed.
Prevents Intestinal Diseases
Did you know that L-theanine can be used to prevent gastric ulcers? This is due to its antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. Thus, having a bit of L-theanine can keep your gut health in check.
L-theanine Side Effects
There are no severe side effects associated with L-theanine. Because of this, it’s safe to take supplements and drink teas that have L-theanine.
The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has no supplement regulation in the U.S. The product manufacturers must be responsible for ensuring that their medical products are safe.
However, some research shows that L-theanine has anti-tumor properties. The teas with amino acids might have other potentially harmful ingredients for people undergoing cancer treatment.
While L-theanine side effects aren't severe, there are some consequences you'll still have to consider. Consuming an excessive amount of L-theanine can lead to:
- Upset stomach
- Irritability
- Nausea
To avoid this, speak to your healthcare provider to determine what's best for your health.