Health Benefits of L-Theanine

Health Benefits of L-Theanine

L-theanine is an amino acid found primarily in green and black tea (camellia sinensis) and some mushrooms. L-theanine is also available as a dietary supplement.

L-theanine may help increase mental focus and cognition. Studies show that adults aged 50-69 years old that consumed L-theanine for 12 weeks had improved their reaction time and working memory on cognitive tests.

L-theanine may help protect brain cells from age-related damage and reduce the risk of cognitive disorders such as Parkinson’s disease. Regular consumption of green tea is associated with a lower prevalence of Parkinson’s disease and dementia.

L-theanine may also help promote sleep. Studies have suggested that L-theanine may help people relax before bedtime, get to sleep more easily and sleep more deeply.

L-theanine may help boost your immunity. One study showed that beverages with L-theanine may help decrease upper respiratory tract infections.

L-theanine may help reduce stress and anxiety. Studies show that consuming L-theanine can elevate your levels of GABA, dopamine and serotonin, which promotes relaxation and reduce anxiety levels.

L-theanine may also promote weight loss and lower blood pressure levels.

L-theanine may interact with certain medications.

As always consult with your physician.

Sources:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0197018618307101?via=ihub

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6836118/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8080935/

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324120

https://www.healthline.com/health/l-theanine

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/l-theanine

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2221169117308420

https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/l-theanine