L-Theanine

Food source: Green tea, black tea and mushrooms

Benefits of L-Theanine

• Mental performance
• Calm
• Regulates hormones

What is L-Theanine? 

L-Theanine is an amino acid, an organic compound in the body that forms proteins and is thought to affect the levels of chemicals in our brain, such as serotonin, dopamine and cortisol. Serotonin and dopamine influence our mood and cortisol affects how our body deals with stress, which is why L-Theanine might help with your mental performance, dealing with anxiety and stressful situations, and with relaxation at the end of the day. 

When faced with stressful situations, the balance of hormones in our body is important. Having too much or too little of a specific hormone can prevent us from thinking clearly or leave us fatigued. Compounds like L-Theanine, which regulate our hormone levels, can help to ensure we have healthy reactions to environmental and external pressures. Studies suggest that L-Theanine supplementation can assist in reducing acute stress and anxiety in people experiencing stressful situations. In the latest research into stress, 78% of people experienced stress or anxiety at least once a week. Discover ‘6 big signs of stress’.

Due to its role in managing stress, L-Theanine also helps our bodies to relax at the end of the day. L-Theanine increases the level of GABA in the brain which promotes relaxation and can assist the onset of sleep. L-Theanine also promotes alpha brain waves which further help with relaxation. In addition, studies show L-Theanine may improve sleep quality and sleep satisfaction, especially in those suffering from anxiety disorders. Learn ‘How diet impacts your sleep quality’.

L-Theanine, like other amino acids including L-Tyrosine, help us to manage stress and improve the quality of our sleep, and studies show it can improve our cognitive function and help us focus during the performance of demanding tasks.