Theanine or l-theanine, is
an amino acid found in the leaves of Camellia
sinesis, better known as green tea.
Apart from the anti-oxidant
benefits of green tea, the theanine in green tea,
offers an anti-stress benefit as well.
L-Theanine is unique, in that it acts as a non-sedating
relaxant by increasing the brain's production of alpha
waves. So in fact, it is very effective in helping to
relieve tension, stress and anxiety , without causing
drowsiness.
It is one of my favourite supplements.
However if you're already physically very tired
and drowsy in the evening and are fighting sleep
or are too stressed to relax enough to allow yourself
to fall asleep, it would help you sleep.
As well as being relaxing, l-theanine has also
been shown to promote concentration (in students), by
increasing alpha waves in the brain.
L-Theanine has been shown to effective in dosages
ranging from 50-200mg a day.
Three to four cups of tea would usually contain about
100-200mg of l-theanine, which counteract the stimulant
effects of caffeine. Unfortunately decaffeinating green tea
also loses l-theanine.
If you want to avoid caffeine or have a more reliable
source of l-theanine, l-theanine comes in capsule and
tablet form.
It reaches maximum peak blood levels about 30 mins to 2
hours after ingestion, so it can be used as needed in the
day and regularly at night.
Try taking one or two 100mg l-theanine capsule
at night. If you're stressed or need to focus or
concentrate more during the day, take half a
capsule or 50mg.
You can open the capsule and put half the powder
in your mouth and leave the rest of the theanine in
the capsule for another time, or you can also get 50mg
capsules of l-theanine.
