Various types of teas contain several compounds which help improve overall bodily functions in many ways. There are some teas, however, which stand-out due to their unique chemical compositions such as Camellia sinensis. Camellia sinensis is among the few types of teas that contain L-theanine, a powerful compound which promotes overall body relaxation without necessary sedation. L-theanine has long been extracted from Camellia sinensis and has since been used as the main ingredient of major health supplement brands.
What is L-theanine?
The compound L-theanine, along with caffeine and green tea cathechins, is primarily indicated for stress relief. It is an amino acid which crosses the blood brain barrier following oral ingestion and works just like GABA, a neurotransmitter found in the brain. Although the drug has no direct effect in memory enhancement, some experts categorize it as a nootropic agent as it is proven effective in enhancing concentration and focus among individual users.
What are the benefits of using L-theanine?
L-theanine can be useful in promoting overall health and wellness in many ways. While some compounds with relaxation effects also lead to sedation, L-theanine is not associated with sedative effects due to unknown reasons. This benefit can be very advantageous to most users who need to ease out while being awake. Other benefits of the using the supplement are the following:
- It boosts productivity
Stress relief can boost concentration, power and creativity among workers and students. With adequate stress relief brought about by L-theanine supplementation, productivity improves, even among individuals in the late-adulthood stage. L-theanine is believed to promote stress relief and boost productivity by working just like GABA, the neurotransmitter that “slows things down”.
- It prevents depression
Studies have shown that long-term exposure to stress can lead to a lot of mental disorders including depression. Although the connection between stress and depression is not yet fully established, certain researches say that stress leads to deterioration of Dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for human behaviour and emotions. L-theanine is found to help prevent depression, along with other compounds, although its relationship with Dopamine is not yet known.
- It lowers blood pressure
The increase in blood pressure among individual patients is a normal bodily response with stress exposure due to the production of stress hormones. By calming the patient through its GABA mimicking abilities, L-theanine Helps Lower Blood Pressure, thereby resulting to the prevention of several cardiovascular disorders like aneurysms and myocardial infarction.
- It may promote weight loss
Another important study which is currently trending in the field of medical science is the research which says that L-theanine contributes to Weight Loss. A lot of scientists believe that this effect is brought about by the ability of the compound to regulate bodily functions, including metabolism, after homeostasis disturbance brought about by stress.
Conclusion
Only a few compounds like L-theanine can work as a nootropic, a cardiovascular health agent, an antidepressant and even a weight loss agent. Many studies are being conducted today to find out more about the effects of L-theanine in promoting overall wellness.
