By Philippe Mathelet
L-Theanine: a natural and effective anti-stress
L-Theanine, an amino acid, promotes relaxation and fights fatigue. It allows for better sleep quality.
How to manage stress and excess brain activity
L-Theanine is an amino acid that was isolated from green tea leaves in 1945 by Japanese scientists. Interest in this substance arose from the contradictory observation that green tea, despite its high caffeine content, had a calming effect.
How can an amino acid have both a relaxing and stimulating effect? Once ingested orally, L-Theanine is absorbed thirty minutes later into the blood at the level of the small intestine. It is transported to the brain through the blood-brain barrier. One hour after intake, L-Theanine concentrations increase significantly in the brain, reaching a peak after 5 hours.
This substance exerts a favourable action on the brain's electrical waves by generating alpha waves, signs of relaxation. L-Theanine influences the release and concentration of certain neurotransmitters: it increases dopamine levels, regulates serotonin levels and raises Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels. By creating a sensation of relaxation and well-being, L-Theanine modulates mood without impairing cognitive abilities, our capacity to think. On the contrary, its consumption allows optimisation of learning and memory capacity, while inhibiting the stimulating effects of caffeine.
A study conducted on people suffering from chronic fatigue without apparent reasons demonstrated the effectiveness of L-Theanine in relieving the sensation of fatigue and promoting relaxation. L-Theanine does not induce drowsiness but still improves the quality and depth of sleep. Extracted from green tea, this molecule, for its anti-stress action, is incorporated, in Japan, into chewing gums. Taken alone, at a dose of 150 mg per capsule, the calming effect is felt in less than an hour. Combined with melatonin, a capsule containing 2mg of melatonin for 100mg of L-Theanine helps to resolve sleep onset problems related to stress and excess brain activity. L-Theanine is therefore a natural substance for well-being and sleep, do you want to test its benefits? Buy L-Theanine complex capsules online and rediscover well-being!
These articles are for information only and are neither medical advice, nor a diagnosis, nor a prescription.
The articles in this section reflect the experience and reading of their author, who does not practise any medical profession. They are published for information and never replace a consultation with a doctor or pharmacist. Food supplements are not medicines. If you are under treatment, pregnant, breastfeeding or ill, ask a health professional before any use.