A Brief History Of L-Theanine
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L-theanine is a non-protein amino acid chemical compound found abundantly in tea leaves for both black tea and green tea varieties. The FDA in the United States has labeled the supplement as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe). People who consume these teas get the best of both worlds. Green tea (L-theanine) is well-known for its rejuvenation and relaxation powers, yet these sensations act simultaneously.
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Ancient Chinese herbology reveals that green tea is the yin (relaxing and cooling) whereas, black tea is the yang (strengthening and warming).
L-theanine exists in all varieties of Camillia sinensis tea leaves (an evergreen shrub native to East Asia). Tea is the second most prominently consumed beverage throughout the world, coming in second only to water.
Cafe Utopia infuses the extract of the L-theanine from tea into their coffee and cocoa drinks, And more nootropic and adaptogen beverages like these are planned for the future of 2021.
Cafe Utopia infuses the extract of the L-theanine from tea into their coffee and cocoa drinks, And more nootropic and adaptogen beverages like these are planned for the future of 2021.
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Research shows that L-theanine neutralizes the jittery effects of caffeine but it does not eliminate its fat-burning potential. It is this synergy of the right ratio of caffeine to L-theanine that researchers are just now beginning to understand, and this combination gives this dynamic duo more recognition in scientific circles. Experiments on the L-theanine + caffeine combo is ongoing in the infused beverage manufacturing industry.
In 2014 the effects of caffeine and L-theanine were tested for their psychoactive synergistic nature. The results were that the combination of chemicals expounded alertness, focus, contentedness, calmness and multitasking. And they noticed the effects were more intense in the first 60 minutes before declining. [2] |
Top 10 Potential Health Benefits From L-Theanine
1. Balancing the sleeping patterns:
"L-theanine treated participants reported greater self-reported sleep satisfaction."
According to a sleep study with 45 patients with GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder) using 450-900mg of L-theanine per day for 10 weeks. [3]
2. In addition, L-theanine reduced the effects of caffeine by significantly reversing caffeine-induced decreases in SWS (slow-wave sleep, which is considered deep-sleep), in animal studies. [4] [23]
3. L-theanine may help the body reduce stress factors.
Because L-theanine increases relaxation, this in turn can lower the pumping heart rate, which may contribute to lower blood pressure. [17]
"More recently, L-theanine (200 mg) was administered in the form of a beverage to 36 healthy participants to test for potential beneficial stress-related effects [21]. This study found a decrease in stress responses to a multi-tasking cognitive stressor and a reduction in the cortisol response, which further supports the anti-stress effects of L-theanine. [21]
4. Can help the brain produce a state of calmness, by achieving the "alpha brain wave" mental state.
"Several studies have shown that L-theanine intake (50–200 mg) significantly increases the pattern intensity of α-wave production in the different areas of the cerebral cortex without causing drowsiness due to unchanged θ-waves. [9][10][11][12] An increase in α-waves in the cerebral cortex has been proposed as an index of an increased relaxed but alert mental state." [9][11][13][2]
Alpha waves in the brain may result in:
5. Rejuvenating "attention levels" without the "crankiness" typically experienced from the counterbalancing caffeine and L-theanine. Research shows that L-theanine neutralizes the "speedy," "jagged," bad effects of caffeine without reducing its mind-energizing, fat-burning features. [4][23][24][25][26]
"Tea ingredients L-theanine and caffeine have repeatedly been shown to deliver unique cognitive benefits when consumed in combination. The current randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, cross-over study compared a combination of L-theanine (97 mg) and caffeine (40 mg) to a placebo on two attention tasks and a self-report questionnaire before, and 10 and 60 min after consumption. The combination of L-theanine and caffeine significantly improved attention on a switch task as compared to the placebo, while subjective alertness and intersensory attention were not improved significantly. The results support previous evidence that L-theanine and caffeine in combination can improve attention." [23]
6. Better mental focus when synergizing L-theanine with caffeine consumption.
According to a study on twenty-seven subjects taking part in an exercise of (SART) Sustained Attention to Response Task for the duration of two days, in two-hour sessions, the participants were given caffeine (50 mg), theanine (100 mg), the combination, or placebo in a double-blind, randomized, cross-over fashion. [5]
The conclusion of the study showed that caffeine and theanine ingestion, error rates in the SART were significantly reduced, and error rates increased in the placebo group. [5]
These findings are merely preliminary for cognitive mental focus. More studies need to be done, as this feature of L-theanine/caffeine administration shows promise.
7. Tea ingredients L-theanine and caffeine have repeatedly been shown to deliver unique cognitive benefits when consumed in combination. [23]
8. Weight loss benefits:
a. Through the enzyme action predominantly in L-theanine (EGCG), this enzyme breaks down fat by blocking the enzyme that breaks down the hormone "norepinephrine." So more norepinephrine stays in the bloodstream where it continues its transport to break down fat cells. The more fat cells entering the bloodstream, the more this fat is used as energy by the muscles, which in turn breaks down more fat cells, in a domino effect. Fat-burning is accelerated with the addition of the thermal energy from exercise. [14]
b. Green tea is said to help the body reduce appetite. [14]
c. Keep in mind losing fat is not always associated with large losses in pounds, which is often modest compared to the significant reductions in the more dangerous excess visceral fat. [14][19][20][21]
d. L-theanine from green tea reacts on the taste buds as a brothy, savory taste called the "umami" flavor category. Studies suggest, "umami" can reduce the risk of obesity by stimulating metabolism and by allowing the body to feel a sensation of fullness while reducing the frequency of hunger episodes in between eating sessions. Although some of this could be subjective where eating addictions are concerned. This may be a safe method worth a try for some people. [25]
9. Antioxidants in L-theanine can boost the immune system. [9]
Green tea consists of potent antioxidants called polyphenols, such as catachins, with EGCG being the most abundant by weight.
"Green tea polyphenols can be direct antioxidants by scavenging reactive oxygen species or chelating transition metals as has been demonstrated in vitro. [18]
Studies suggest that antioxidant activity can keep disease at bay and reduce the risk of cancer. It is believed that green tea may induce apoptotic cell death in cancer cells better than other teas. (This is not a medical claim. These are suggestions from medical evaluations.) Inconclusive evidence for this potential effect on cancer cells of green tea have been mainly from epidemiological studies done in vitro. More studies need to be done in human models. [18]
10. May contribute to a reduction in high anxiety cases, according to the following study (Juneja 1999; Kakuda 2000): [2] [9][27]
Excerpt from the study of L-theanine performed on 18 normal healthy university students:
"The results demonstrate the significant enhanced activity of alpha bands, descending heart rate, elevated visual attentional performance, and improved reaction time response among high anxiety propensity subjects compared to a placebo. "
It is believed from this study, after the consumption of L-theanine the subjects showed signs of accelerated alpha brain wave activity attributed to the boost in GABA synthesis, leading up to reduced symptoms in highly anxious individuals. [27]
"L-theanine treated participants reported greater self-reported sleep satisfaction."
According to a sleep study with 45 patients with GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder) using 450-900mg of L-theanine per day for 10 weeks. [3]
2. In addition, L-theanine reduced the effects of caffeine by significantly reversing caffeine-induced decreases in SWS (slow-wave sleep, which is considered deep-sleep), in animal studies. [4] [23]
3. L-theanine may help the body reduce stress factors.
Because L-theanine increases relaxation, this in turn can lower the pumping heart rate, which may contribute to lower blood pressure. [17]
"More recently, L-theanine (200 mg) was administered in the form of a beverage to 36 healthy participants to test for potential beneficial stress-related effects [21]. This study found a decrease in stress responses to a multi-tasking cognitive stressor and a reduction in the cortisol response, which further supports the anti-stress effects of L-theanine. [21]
4. Can help the brain produce a state of calmness, by achieving the "alpha brain wave" mental state.
"Several studies have shown that L-theanine intake (50–200 mg) significantly increases the pattern intensity of α-wave production in the different areas of the cerebral cortex without causing drowsiness due to unchanged θ-waves. [9][10][11][12] An increase in α-waves in the cerebral cortex has been proposed as an index of an increased relaxed but alert mental state." [9][11][13][2]
Alpha waves in the brain may result in:
- deep relaxation
- heightened imagination
- better visualization (dreams)
- improved memory
- better concentration & learning [15]
5. Rejuvenating "attention levels" without the "crankiness" typically experienced from the counterbalancing caffeine and L-theanine. Research shows that L-theanine neutralizes the "speedy," "jagged," bad effects of caffeine without reducing its mind-energizing, fat-burning features. [4][23][24][25][26]
"Tea ingredients L-theanine and caffeine have repeatedly been shown to deliver unique cognitive benefits when consumed in combination. The current randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, cross-over study compared a combination of L-theanine (97 mg) and caffeine (40 mg) to a placebo on two attention tasks and a self-report questionnaire before, and 10 and 60 min after consumption. The combination of L-theanine and caffeine significantly improved attention on a switch task as compared to the placebo, while subjective alertness and intersensory attention were not improved significantly. The results support previous evidence that L-theanine and caffeine in combination can improve attention." [23]
6. Better mental focus when synergizing L-theanine with caffeine consumption.
According to a study on twenty-seven subjects taking part in an exercise of (SART) Sustained Attention to Response Task for the duration of two days, in two-hour sessions, the participants were given caffeine (50 mg), theanine (100 mg), the combination, or placebo in a double-blind, randomized, cross-over fashion. [5]
The conclusion of the study showed that caffeine and theanine ingestion, error rates in the SART were significantly reduced, and error rates increased in the placebo group. [5]
These findings are merely preliminary for cognitive mental focus. More studies need to be done, as this feature of L-theanine/caffeine administration shows promise.
7. Tea ingredients L-theanine and caffeine have repeatedly been shown to deliver unique cognitive benefits when consumed in combination. [23]
8. Weight loss benefits:
a. Through the enzyme action predominantly in L-theanine (EGCG), this enzyme breaks down fat by blocking the enzyme that breaks down the hormone "norepinephrine." So more norepinephrine stays in the bloodstream where it continues its transport to break down fat cells. The more fat cells entering the bloodstream, the more this fat is used as energy by the muscles, which in turn breaks down more fat cells, in a domino effect. Fat-burning is accelerated with the addition of the thermal energy from exercise. [14]
b. Green tea is said to help the body reduce appetite. [14]
c. Keep in mind losing fat is not always associated with large losses in pounds, which is often modest compared to the significant reductions in the more dangerous excess visceral fat. [14][19][20][21]
d. L-theanine from green tea reacts on the taste buds as a brothy, savory taste called the "umami" flavor category. Studies suggest, "umami" can reduce the risk of obesity by stimulating metabolism and by allowing the body to feel a sensation of fullness while reducing the frequency of hunger episodes in between eating sessions. Although some of this could be subjective where eating addictions are concerned. This may be a safe method worth a try for some people. [25]
9. Antioxidants in L-theanine can boost the immune system. [9]
Green tea consists of potent antioxidants called polyphenols, such as catachins, with EGCG being the most abundant by weight.
"Green tea polyphenols can be direct antioxidants by scavenging reactive oxygen species or chelating transition metals as has been demonstrated in vitro. [18]
Studies suggest that antioxidant activity can keep disease at bay and reduce the risk of cancer. It is believed that green tea may induce apoptotic cell death in cancer cells better than other teas. (This is not a medical claim. These are suggestions from medical evaluations.) Inconclusive evidence for this potential effect on cancer cells of green tea have been mainly from epidemiological studies done in vitro. More studies need to be done in human models. [18]
10. May contribute to a reduction in high anxiety cases, according to the following study (Juneja 1999; Kakuda 2000): [2] [9][27]
Excerpt from the study of L-theanine performed on 18 normal healthy university students:
"The results demonstrate the significant enhanced activity of alpha bands, descending heart rate, elevated visual attentional performance, and improved reaction time response among high anxiety propensity subjects compared to a placebo. "
It is believed from this study, after the consumption of L-theanine the subjects showed signs of accelerated alpha brain wave activity attributed to the boost in GABA synthesis, leading up to reduced symptoms in highly anxious individuals. [27]
*As with any herbal supplement, it is always necessary to check with an appropriate physician or medical provider prior to taking the L-theanine. Do not take herbal supplements with prescription medication without consulting a doctor first. You must be 18 years or older to purchase or consume these products.
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References
THEANINE
[1] Camfield DA, Stough C, Farrimond J, Scholey AB (August 2014). "Acute effects of tea constituents L-theanine, caffeine, and epigallocatechin gallate on cognitive function and mood: a systematic review and meta-analysis". Nutrition Reviews. 72 (8): 507–22. doi:10.1111/nure.12120. PMID 24946991 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24946991/
[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24946991/
[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30580081/
[4] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22285321/
[5] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22326943/
[6] https://www.mdpi.com/2306-5710/2/2/13/htm
[7] https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/102/4/717/4564701
[8] https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/102/4/717/4564701
[9] https://www.mdpi.com/2306-5710/2/2/13/htm
[10] Juneja, R.; Djong-Chi, C.; Tsutomu, O.; Yukiko, N.; Hidehiko, Y. l-theanine—A unique amino acid of green tea and its relaxation effect in humans. Trends Food Sci. Technol. 1999, 10, 199–204. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
[11] Vuong, Q.V.; Bowyer, M.C.; Roach, P.D. l-Theanine: Properties, synthesis and isolation from tea. J. Sci. Food Agric. 2011, 91, 1931–1939. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
[12] Kobayashi, K.; Nagato, Y.; Aoi, N.; Juneja, L.; Kim, M.; Yamamoto, T. Effects of l-theanine on the release of α-brain waves in human volunteers. Nippon Nogei Kagakukaishi 1998, 72, 153–157. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
[13] Gomez-Ramirez, M.; Higgins, B.A.; Rycroft, J.; Owen, G.N.; Mahoney, J.; Shpaner, M.; Foxe, J.J. The deployment of intersensory selective attention: A high-density electrical mapping study of the effects of theanine. Clin. Neuropharmacol. 2007, 30, 25–38. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
[14] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/green-tea-and-weight-loss#how-it-works
[15] https://blog.worldcampus.psu.edu/the-many-benefits-of-l-theanine/
[16] https://myhealthysleep.com/blog/f/improved-sleep-with-l-theanine
[17] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/270644#what-is-blood-pressure
[18] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3679539/
[19] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19074207/
[20] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464611001162
[21] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1038/oby.2007.176
[22] White, D.J.; de Klerk, S.; Woods, W.; Gondalia, S.; Noonan, C.; Scholey, A.B. Anti-stress, behavioural and magnetoencephalography effects of an l-theanine-based nutrient drink: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. Nutrients 2016, 8, 53. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26797633/
[23] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20079786/
[24] https://eunatural.com/seven-benefits-caffeine-l-theanine-weight-loss-memory/
[25] https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/sleep-newzzz/201708/what-you-need-know-about-l-theanine
[26] https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-979/caffeine
[27] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464611000351
Additional References:
https://www.healthline.com/health/l-theanine
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18681988/
https://n-o-v-a.com/blog/10-health-benefits-green-tea/
https://academic.oup.com/nutritionreviews/article/72/8/507/1919604
https://blog.worldcampus.psu.edu/the-many-benefits-of-l-theanine/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14519829/
[1] Camfield DA, Stough C, Farrimond J, Scholey AB (August 2014). "Acute effects of tea constituents L-theanine, caffeine, and epigallocatechin gallate on cognitive function and mood: a systematic review and meta-analysis". Nutrition Reviews. 72 (8): 507–22. doi:10.1111/nure.12120. PMID 24946991 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24946991/
[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24946991/
[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30580081/
[4] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22285321/
[5] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22326943/
[6] https://www.mdpi.com/2306-5710/2/2/13/htm
[7] https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/102/4/717/4564701
[8] https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/102/4/717/4564701
[9] https://www.mdpi.com/2306-5710/2/2/13/htm
[10] Juneja, R.; Djong-Chi, C.; Tsutomu, O.; Yukiko, N.; Hidehiko, Y. l-theanine—A unique amino acid of green tea and its relaxation effect in humans. Trends Food Sci. Technol. 1999, 10, 199–204. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
[11] Vuong, Q.V.; Bowyer, M.C.; Roach, P.D. l-Theanine: Properties, synthesis and isolation from tea. J. Sci. Food Agric. 2011, 91, 1931–1939. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
[12] Kobayashi, K.; Nagato, Y.; Aoi, N.; Juneja, L.; Kim, M.; Yamamoto, T. Effects of l-theanine on the release of α-brain waves in human volunteers. Nippon Nogei Kagakukaishi 1998, 72, 153–157. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
[13] Gomez-Ramirez, M.; Higgins, B.A.; Rycroft, J.; Owen, G.N.; Mahoney, J.; Shpaner, M.; Foxe, J.J. The deployment of intersensory selective attention: A high-density electrical mapping study of the effects of theanine. Clin. Neuropharmacol. 2007, 30, 25–38. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
[14] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/green-tea-and-weight-loss#how-it-works
[15] https://blog.worldcampus.psu.edu/the-many-benefits-of-l-theanine/
[16] https://myhealthysleep.com/blog/f/improved-sleep-with-l-theanine
[17] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/270644#what-is-blood-pressure
[18] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3679539/
[19] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19074207/
[20] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464611001162
[21] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1038/oby.2007.176
[22] White, D.J.; de Klerk, S.; Woods, W.; Gondalia, S.; Noonan, C.; Scholey, A.B. Anti-stress, behavioural and magnetoencephalography effects of an l-theanine-based nutrient drink: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. Nutrients 2016, 8, 53. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26797633/
[23] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20079786/
[24] https://eunatural.com/seven-benefits-caffeine-l-theanine-weight-loss-memory/
[25] https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/sleep-newzzz/201708/what-you-need-know-about-l-theanine
[26] https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-979/caffeine
[27] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464611000351
Additional References:
https://www.healthline.com/health/l-theanine
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18681988/
https://n-o-v-a.com/blog/10-health-benefits-green-tea/
https://academic.oup.com/nutritionreviews/article/72/8/507/1919604
https://blog.worldcampus.psu.edu/the-many-benefits-of-l-theanine/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14519829/
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. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding consult a doctor before using this product. If you are taking any medication, or have any type of medical issue, consult a healthcare professional before using this product. There are no income claims being made as a result of anyone partaking in the Café Utopia business opportunity. You could make some money or no money at all. This information is for educational purposes only and never to be given or received as medical or financial advice. Cindy Trethewey and CoffeeQueen.Biz do not assume liability or responsibility for the use and/or misuse of this information.
