L-THEANINE

Intro

L-theanine is one of the main active ingredients found in green tea which reduces anxiety and promotes focus and relaxation without the drowsiness. It has a synergistic effect when taken along caffeine which means there is no brutal crash or jitters after consuming it and this leads to sustained mental energy, better focus, alertness, cognition, and productivity.

Mechanism

How does L-theanine induce relaxation?

Researchers have identified that L-theanine works by increasing the production of dopamine, serotonin, and other neurotransmitters in the brain. Furthermore, it induces relaxation by improving alpha-wave activity in the brain.

Benefits and Studies

Synergy with caffeine:  In comparison to supplementation of caffeine by itself, the addition of L-Theanine to the caffeine was able to positively impact parameters of accuracy and attention when it came to cognitive testing in healthy adults.

Stress buster: L-theanine suppresses stress hormones that can negatively affect mood, memory, and learning. This is indicative of L-theanine’s neuroprotective properties.

Improved sleep quality: According to a Japanese human study, L-theanine enhanced sleep quality. Participant testimonials indicated that L-theanine supplementation enhanced exhaustion recovery and feelings of being refreshed.

Improved alpha waves: Alpha waves are known to be associated with a state of relaxation. One study conducted by Unilever showed that L-theanine supplementation promoted Alpha wave production in the brain (confirmed by EEG) that translates to improved relaxation and attention, improved cognition, better mood, and cognitive performance.

Improved blood flow: L-theanine improves blood flow by increasing nitic oxide formation in the blood vessels.

NEXTGEN coffee infused with L-theanine is the smartest way to enjoy the performance enhancing benefits of caffeine while eliminating its undesirable effects.

References

  1. Rajsekhar Adhikary, Vivekananda Mandal, ‘l-theanine: A potential multifaceted natural bioactive amide as health supplement’, Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, Volume 7, Issue 9, 2017, Pages 842-848
  2. Hidese, S.; Ogawa, S.; Ota, M.; Ishida, I.; Yasukawa, Z.; Ozeki, M.; Kunugi, H. Effects of L-Theanine Administration on Stress-Related Symptoms and Cognitive Functions in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrients2019, 11, 2362. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11102362
  3. Nobre AC, Rao A, Owen GN. L-theanine, a natural constituent in tea, and its effect on mental state. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2008;17 Suppl 1:167-8. PMID: 18296328.
  4. Lorenz M, Urban J, Engelhardt U, Baumann G, Stangl K, Stangl V. Green and black tea are equally potent stimuli of NO production and vasodilation: new insights into tea ingredients involved. Basic Res Cardiol. 2009 Jan;104(1):100-10. doi: 10.1007/s00395-008-0759-3. Epub 2008 Dec 20. PMID: 19101751.
  5. Owen GN, Parnell H, De Bruin EA, Rycroft JA. The combined effects of L-theanine and caffeine on cognitive performance and mood. Nutr Neurosci. 2008 Aug;11(4):193-8. doi: 10.1179/147683008X301513. PMID: 18681988.