Everyone has experienced the relaxing and mood-elevating effects of green tea. However, very few people realize that many of these green tea benefits are due to L-theanine. Green tea is not just good for relaxing but also for improving mood, sleep quality, and memory, and it has a range of other health benefits.
Of course, green tea is rich in many bioactive compounds like caffeine, catechins, and various other polyphenols/antioxidants. However, it is time to learn more about L-theanine, which contributes significantly to its umami flavor and different health benefits.[1]
What is L-theanine?
So, what is L-theanine? It is an amino acid that has a range of health effects. The human body does not need it for protein production. However, L-theanine can work as a signaling molecule and even as a neurotransmitter. Therefore, most of its health effects are due to its influence on the brain.[1,2]
L-theanine is generally extracted from green tea. However, it is worth understanding that modern science knows its chemical structure well. In modern times, it may even be synthesized using other natural compounds or extracted from other sources.
The Health Benefits of L-theanine
Here, we explore the numerous health benefits of this wonderful amino acid. Though it is also suitable for physical health, it is mainly good for brain function. It is even promoted as a nootropic, and many experts think that it may help slow down brain aging. Some of its unique health effects are:
Reduces Stress and Anxiety
What is the number one reason for drinking green tea? It is to reduce stress and relax. This relaxing effect is not just due to its aroma but also due to various bioactive compounds in green tea. What is impressive is that most of these bioactive compounds are suitable for regular intake.
Studies show that L-theanine can bind to specific brain receptors and thus help prevent issues like anxiety and may also lower stress levels. Studies show that regular L-theanine intake reduces heart rate and even levels of stress hormones.[3]
One does not essentially need to drink green tea to enjoy L-theanine’s health effects. This amino acid is also available as a brain health supplement. Zenkgo Herbal Mood Plus Support also contains L-theanine and thus is good for stress and anxiety reduction.
Helps Improve Sleep Quality
Sleep disorders are widespread. Most people are not sleeping for enough hours, or even if they sleep for a sufficient number of hours, they have poor sleep quality. People have problems falling asleep and staying asleep.
Using sleep pills is not an option in most instances as they have many side effects. Sedatives may help fall asleep, but they disrupt sleep architecture and fail to enhance sleep quality. Thus, people who use sedatives do not experience the refreshing effect of sleep.
L-theanine, on the other hand, is quite different. It not only helps fall asleep faster but improves sleep quality. Thus, those who use Zenkgo Herbal Mood Plus Support wake up feeling refreshed the next day.[4]
Improves Memory and Cognition
Dementia is now among the most common brain disorders. However, memory issues do not occur just due to dementia. Memory and cognition decline may be age-associated. Similarly, most people living with chronic ailments experience fatigue and memory decline. Hence, it is no surprise that many people are looking for ways to boost memory naturally.
Studies show that L-theanine can enhance mood, focus, memory, and cognition. There are many studies showing that L-theanine can increase cognitive alertness. Those who regularly consume L-theanine can better retain information.[5]
Is L-theanine Natural?
People are more likely to use natural supplements. It is vital to understand that L-theanine is an amino acid. Thus, it is mainly extracted from natural resources. Though L-theanine in green tea has been studied well, the amino acids in health supplements may be of different origins.
It is vital to understand that these days, L-theanine can also be synthesized. However, synthetic L-theanine is not inferior to that extracted from natural sources. After all, synthesized L-theanine is also created using amino acids of natural origins. Hence, it would be unwise to call it a synthetic product.[1]
Conclusion
In summary, L-theanine, an amino acid found in green tea and supplements like Zenkgo Herbal Mood Plus Support, offers a range of health benefits. Its proven ability to reduce stress and anxiety and improve sleep quality makes it a valuable asset for mental well-being. L-theanine’s nootropic qualities enhance mood, focus, and cognition, potentially slowing down brain aging. As a natural and versatile component, L-theanine stands out for its capacity to contribute to overall physical and mental health.
References
[1] Mu W, Zhang T, Jiang B. An overview of biological production of L-theanine. Biotechnology Advances. 2015;33:335–342.
[2] Juneja LR, Chu D-C, Okubo T, et al. L-theanine—a unique amino acid of green tea and its relaxation effect in humans. Trends in Food Science & Technology. 1999;10:199–204.
[3] Kimura K, Ozeki M, Juneja LR, et al. l-Theanine reduces psychological and physiological stress responses. Biological Psychology. 2007;74:39–45.
[4] Kim S, Jo K, Hong K-B, et al. GABA and l-theanine mixture decreases sleep latency and improves NREM sleep. Pharmaceutical Biology. 2019;57:64–72.
[5] Park S-K, Jung I-C, Lee WK, et al. A Combination of Green Tea Extract and l-Theanine Improves Memory and Attention in Subjects with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study. Journal of Medicinal Food. 2011;14:334–343.