- L-Theanine:
L-Theanine is an amino acid found in green
tea that produces tranquilizing stress effects in the brain. For centuries,
green tea has been used in the Orient for its calming, curative properties.
A “feel good” supplement, theanine
causes no adverse reactions. In fact, in Japan, soft drinks and chewing
gum are spiked with theanine for the purpose of inducing relaxation.
The calming, mood-enhancing effect comes with no strings attached —
it won’t make you drowsy or groggy, it simply calms you by helping
to increase alpha-brain waves, electrical brain activity commonly present
when you are very relaxed, literally putting you in a better mood.
Studies on rodents have shown that the
ability to learn and remember may be enhanced with theanine supplementation.
This natural relaxant, works to diminish stress, worry, and anxiety,
allowing the brain to focus and concentrate better.
This natural supplement has also shown
promising results in controlling the symptoms of PreMenstrual Syndrome
(PMS). A Japanese study tracked the reactions of Women taking this non-toxic,
safe supplement for two months in doses of 100 mg twice a day. The researchers
documented reductions in mental, social, and physical symptoms associated
with PMS.
Theanine increases GABA (gamma-amino-butyric
acid), an important inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. GABA can
be considered the brain’s natural sedative that brings balance
to excitability that can sometimes lead to restlessness, insomnia, and
other disruptive conditions. Theanine also increases levels of dopamine,
another brain chemical with mood-enhancing effects.
Based on studies done on the effectiveness
of green tea to overall good health, one can conclude that theanine,
the tea’s active ingredient, is the common denominator in lowering
blood pressure, cardiovascular improvement and mood enhancing effects.
Based on studies on neurons in cell culture, theanine has been linked
to the significant reversal of glutamate-induced toxicity, a major cause
of degenerative brain disease. Scientific scrutiny of rodents has confirmed
this effect.
Just as meditation, massage, or aromatherapy
quiets the mind and body, so too theanine plays a role in inducing the
same calm and feeling of well-being. Everyone except babies can enjoy
this non-toxic, highly desirable mood modulator.
Since theanine is an active ingredient
in green tea, this naturally occurring supplement may also play a role
in cancer prevention. In Japan where green tea is a popular beverage,
surveys showed that people who consumed green tea had much lower incidence
of liver, pancreatic, breast, lung, esophageal and skin cancers.
Dosage and use:
The suggested dose to induce a state of relaxation is 100 mg. For those
seeking a continuous mood elevating effect, one theanine capsule can
be taken four times throughout the day.
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