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L-theanine is one of the best-known and most extraordinary active ingredients in tea. It is being studied extensively for its potential role in several of tea’s key effects (green tea in particular): restoring calm and relaxation, mental clarity, memory, concentration, etc.
Natural, high-strength and particularly effective, our L-Theanine supplement is part of our Stress & Mood category.
L-theanine: definition and benefits
What is theanine ?
L-theanine, or simply theanine, is a non-proteinogenic amino acid found mainly in green tea.It is not to be confused with theine, which refers to the caffeine found in tea.
The benefits of L-theanine from green tea
Green tea has a number of recognised health benefits, some of which scientists attribute to its L-theanine content. These include, in particular:
- its relaxing effect: green tea helps you relax, especially during periods of stress. The L-theanine it contains easily crosses the blood-brain barrier and is thus thought to exert calming benefits directly in the brain, benefits which have been compared to those produced by massage, meditation and aromatherapy. Specifically, theanine may act by stimulating the production of soothing neurotransmitters such as GABA, serotonin and dopamine. In addition, green tea promotes relaxation without causing drowsiness, an effect measurable by the increase in generation of alpha waves in the brain (1) ;
- its psychoactive properties: green tea’s action on alpha waves helps us feel calmer but at the same time, more attentive. It improves our ability to concentrate, learn and memorise. In Japan, chewing-gum, ice creams and soft drinks fortified with L-theanine are popular with students during exam periods (2-3) ;
- its ability to improve sleep: by aiding relaxation and reducing anxiety, green tea facilitates natural nighttime sleep and helps reestablish restful, restorative sleep;
- its benefits for cardiovascular health: last but not least, green tea helps lower blood pressure and improve the circulation, thus reducing the risk of developing heart problems.
Two key strengths of our L-theanine supplement
SuperSmart’s L-Theanine supplement is notable in 2 important respects:
- its 100% natural composition: L-Theanine is an all-natural extract of green tea (Camellia sinensis) standardised in L-theanine, not a synthetic L-theanine supplement;
- its powerful, safe and effective dose: this supplement provides 1000mg of green tea extract a day, based on a daily dose of 4 capsules. As our supplement is standardised to 40% L-theanine, these 4 capsules provide an excellent 400mg of L-theanine a day, a dose considered safe and particularly effective (4).
What is in L-Theanine
Any questions?
It’s first worth restating that tea is a fragrant drink that originated in China more than 2500 years BCE. It is made by steeping Camellia sinensis leaves in hot water.
More specifically, green tea is processed in such a way as to prevent oxidation of the leaves (unlike black and oolong tea), which gives it its green colour and distinct flavour. This processing also preserves its high content of L-theanine and antioxidant compounds.
L-theanine is primarily found in green or white tea, though smaller amounts are also present in:
- black tea ;
- oolong tea ;
- and certain mushrooms (such as Boletus badius).
L-theanine is generally considered to be safe for most people.
However, a high intake, via a dietary supplement, may:
- (in very rare cases) trigger nausea and headaches ;
- intensify the effect of hypertension drugs, risking an excessive drop in blood pressure;
- excessively boost the effect of sedatives ;
- in addition, it is not generally recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, as this type of supplement can have a high caffeine content.
Magnesium, the anti-stress mineral
If you’re finding life quite stressful at the moment, you might want to consider taking magnesium alongside your L-theanine supplement. This mineral is essential for your nervous system and muscle relaxation (try, for example, the 8 synergistic forms of magnesium combined in the supplement OptiMag).
Increase your intake of GABA
GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter naturally present in the body, which promotes relaxation and sleep. In addition to supplementing with L-theanine, which is thought to have an effect on GABA levels, you could also supplement with GABA directly, ideally a liposomal form for maximum bioavailability (try Liposomal GABA).
The power of nootropics on cognition
If you’re also taking theanine for its effects on mental performance, then consider taking a ‘ nootropic’ supplement too (such as Noopept, scientifically shown to stimulate cognition).
This product’s capsules are made of pullulan, a natural polysaccharide obtained by fermenting tapioca or corn. Pullulan contains no animal ingredients and provides an excellent barrier to oxygen, helping to preserve the integrity of the capsule’s ingredients. It is also an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic materials.
december 3 2022
Excellent quality, good price.
november 13 2019
indispensable
october 14 2024
Goed product, let wel dit bevat caffeine in kleine hoeveelheden, dus niet ideaal om net voor het slapen in te nemen. Werkt goed overdag om de koffie nerveusiteit te counteren. Een product zonder caffeine misschien in de toekomst met enkel Suntheanine? :)
Good product, but be aware that it contains caffeine in small amounts, so it's not ideal to take just before sleeping. Works well during the day to counter coffee jitters. Maybe a product without caffeine in the future with only Suntheanine? :)
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june 24 2024
Améliore sensiblement mon humeur. Très efficace.
Significantly improves my mood. Very effective.
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may 10 2024
Très bon produit qui facilite l’endormissement, indispensable pour moi.
Very good product that facilitates falling asleep, indispensable for me.
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