The Boost of L-Theanine
Across seas and centuries, humans have long associated drinking tea with health and relaxation. But there’s actually more to it than just the comfort of a warm beverage, thanks to the amino acid L-theanine. Found almost exclusively in green and black tea plants, theanine is the chemical substance responsible for tea’s calming effect on the brain (as well as the unique umami flavor of green tea or matcha.) It can also be found in a few varieties of mushrooms.
L-theanine or theanine, now also available in supplement form, is thought to be a powerful aid in reducing insomnia, stress, or symptoms of anxiety or depression. There’s ongoing research on the benefits of theanine, but much of what has been studied indicates the non-protein amino acid acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain–a crucial chemical messenger–that helps our balance of essential neurotransmitters like serotonin or dopamine. As such, theanine in tea relaxes us on a chemical level, giving cause to why people have, for millennia, associated the pastime with calmness or stress management. Theanine additionally seems to have other long and short term benefits to the body, such as supporting weight loss, boosting the immune system, and even fighting cancer. [1]
In clinical studies, humans consuming L-theanine from tea were found to experience a calming effect without any increased drowsiness–something many of us can probably personally attest to. Researchers have also found combining L-Theanine with caffeine appears to sharpen mental focus for participants. In studies on rats, L-theanine was found to significantly reduce high blood pressure levels due to hypertension. [2] While there is still ample room for documentation on the effect in humans, reports of heightened stress tolerance supports the use of tea or theanine supplements for combating negative health consequences associated with stress, such as fatigue or high blood pressure. Similarly, while green and black tea do not inherently make you drowsy, theanine consumption over time can help improve a person’s overall sleep satisfaction. [3]
Interestingly, L-theanine holds potential for cancer patients, with the compound showing possible assistance in chemotherapy drugs for fighting tumors. [1] There is still much more to learn about potential protective or anti-tumor properties of theanine, but the potential alone is validation of tea’s longstanding association with health aids during times of illness.
If you ask any tea drinker why they drink tea, you’d likely get a wide array of responses. It doesn’t give me the crash that coffee does. I read that green tea helps weight loss. It helps me wind down at the end of the day. And whatever the reasons, science continues to confirm theanine’s potent effects on improving our day-to-day wellness. Regular tea drinkers are shown to have lower rates of cancer and lengthened lifespans. [3] Similarly, L-theanine has no known negative side effects, and can be taken safely by most people.
Today’s busy modern world varies greatly from that of our ancestors who turned to tea for relaxation or general wellbeing, but our bodies are the same. Kinetik’s recipe includes L-theanine to enhance our daily cognitive function and natural biology that keeps us healthy and able to take on whatever life throws at us. It’s not reinventing the wheel, or the kettle so to speak, but theanine–whether in your cup or in your Nanobite–is a helpful addition to your wellness regimen.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This information is provided for general information and educational purposes only. Please consult your health care professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product.
References:
[1] Mehta, Foram. “What You Should Know About L-Theanine” Healthline. January 2021.
[2] Juneja, Lekh Raj, et al. “L-theanine—a unique amino acid of green tea and its relaxation effect in humans” Trends in Food Science and Technology. June 1999.
[3] Sissons, Claire. “Does L-theanine have health benefits?” Medical News Today. January 2019.
