Who could use a daily brain boost? Whether you're dealing with work pressures, personal challenges, or simply the overwhelming demands of modern life, finding ways to maintain a sense of calm and mental clarity is what many of us strive for. One natural compound that has gained attention for its cognitive and calming benefits is the natural "nootropic" L-Theanine, and it's why it's a vital ingredient of our Leapfrog FOCUS formula. L-Theanine is a supplement that wellness experts often recommend, so we asked three nutritionists why they swear by it.
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Nutritionist and co-founder of Ardere
"As a nutritionist, I’m a big fan of L-Theanine for supporting clients who are dealing with high levels of stress, anxiety or nervous system dysregulation. This can massively overlap with symptoms of chronic fatigue which I work very closely with in my clinical practice. What I particularly love about it is its ability to promote calm and focus throughout the day. It’s particularly beneficial for those experiencing the “tired and wired” feeling, because it helps to increase calming neurotransmitters (i.e. brain chemicals) such as GABA, to induce a much more relaxed and alert state. I’ve found it especially useful for those with anxiety, burnout, chronic fatigue or sleep issues and particularly if somebody has a very overactive or racing mind. It’s a gentle but effective tool within the wider context of nervous system and a lifestyle support for those dealing with high stress."
Nutritionist and founder of Pom Nutrition
"L-Theanine is one of my favourite supplements in clinic because it gives us a quiet alertness that helps us to stay productive. It supports the production of 'feel good' hormones dopamine and seratonin, and also GABA, the calming neurotransmitter. By enhancing GABA activity, L-Theanine quiets mental chatter and eases tension, helping you find a state of relaxed focus without the drowsiness. It’s a gentle, natural way to balance mood and reclaim your calm."
Nutritionist and Head of Education at Amrita Nutrition
" L-Theanine is a powerhouse for focus and mood, helping you stay focused and productive by reducing mind-wandering and promoting relaxation. It's also a natural stress-buster, calming anxiety and boosting mood. One of its primary mechanisms is through the inhibition of glutamate receptors, which can lead to a decrease in neuronal excitotoxicity. At the same time, it amplifies the soothing effects of GABA, our brain's natural relaxation chemical. L-Theanine has also been found to increase the power of alpha brain waves. Overall L-Theanine creates a sense of calm and clarity."
L-Theanine is an amino acid found primarily in tea leaves, particularly green and black tea. It can directly affect brain function as a non-protein amino acid that can cross the blood-brain barrier.
It’s known for promoting relaxation without causing drowsiness, enhancing mental focus, and improving overall cognitive function. Unlike caffeine, which can cause jitters and overstimulation, L-Theanine creates a state of relaxed alertness, making it an excellent supplement for those seeking a balance between relaxation and focus.
One of the primary reasons L-Theanine is effective in promoting calmness is its ability to increase alpha brain wave activity. Alpha waves are associated with a relaxed but alert mental state, similar to what one experiences during meditation or deep relaxation. By stimulating alpha wave production, L-Theanine helps reduce stress and anxiety without causing sedation.
Cortisol is the body's primary stress hormone, and high levels of it can lead to anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and even long-term health problems. Studies have shown that L-Theanine can lower cortisol levels, helping the body and mind stay calm under stressful conditions. This makes it an excellent supplement for individuals dealing with high-stress environments or chronic anxiety.
L-Theanine influences the production of key neurotransmitters such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), dopamine, and serotonin. These neurotransmitters are crucial in mood regulation, relaxation, and overall mental well-being. Increased GABA levels help calm the nervous system, reducing feelings of stress and promoting a sense of peace and tranquillity.
For those who rely on caffeine for productivity but experience negative side effects such as jitters, increased heart rate, or anxiety, L-Theanine can be a game-changer. L-Theanine helps smooth out the stimulating effects of caffeine, promoting focused energy without the common side effects of overstimulation.
Beyond its calming properties, L-Theanine also plays a vital role in cognitive function, improving concentration, memory, and mental clarity. Here’s how it works:
Studies suggest that L-Theanine can improve attention span and cognitive performance, particularly when combined with caffeine. Students and professionals often use this combination to enhance focus and mental sharpness without the crash associated with too much coffee.
L-Theanine has antioxidant properties that help protect brain cells from damage caused by oxidative stress. Over time, oxidative stress can contribute to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. By reducing oxidative stress, L-Theanine supports long-term brain health and cognitive function.
Research indicates that L-Theanine can improve memory retention and learning capabilities. Modulating neurotransmitter activity and promoting a relaxed yet focused state helps individuals absorb and retain information more effectively.
Prolonged stress and cognitive overload can lead to mental exhaustion, making concentrating and processing information difficult. L-Theanine helps alleviate mental fatigue by reducing stress hormones and enhancing overall cognitive endurance, allowing individuals to stay sharp for more extended periods.
If you haven’t heard of L-Theanine, then you might be surprised to know that this amino acid has some pretty beneficial actions on the body. Found in green tea, L-Theanine is an amino acid that can help improve cognitive performance, calm the mind and enhance mental alertness.
Are you interested in learning more about L-Theanine for Nootropic? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
But what exactly is it and what does it do? In this article, we’ll take you through the role of L-Theanine and how you can get more of it into your diet.
L-Theanine is the most common form of Theanine, a naturally occurring amino acid that can help mind relaxation1.
First discovered by Japanese scientists in , L-Theanine is found in green tea. It’s actually one of the components that gives green tea its distinct taste2. You can also find it in black tea and certain types of mushrooms.
L-Theanine and L-Tyrosine are two amino acids known for their ability to aid in relaxation. L-Theanine is naturally found in tea leaves and is known for its effects on calming the mind.
On the other hand, L-Tyrosine is an amino acid produced by the body from another amino acid called phenylalanine. It’s also found in a number of high-protein foods, including chicken, beef, fish, dairy, eggs and nuts3. Like L-Theanine, L-Tyrosine is known to help improve concentration, clarity and focus4.
With all that covered, you might be wondering what are the benefits? L-Theanine supports mind relaxation by contributing to several key changes in the brain5, 6, 7.
Let’s take a closer look.
L-Theanine has a unique function on the brain, contributing to various aspects of mental function well-being. L-Theanine influences certain chemicals in the brain that influence mind relaxation and overall cognitive function.
L-Theanine impacts GABA, short for Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid, an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps reduce nerve cell activity. By increasing levels of GABA in the brain, it signals to your body that it’s time to relax, which can help alleviate feelings of stress and help you enjoy a more restful, longer sleep8. At the same time, L-Theanine boosts dopamine and serotonin levels, enhancing mood, emotional stability, motivation and cognitive function9.
To dive a little deeper, L-Theanine enhances the production of alpha brain waves, which are associated with a state of relaxed alertness10. This brain wave pattern is typically observed during meditation11 and has been linked to increased creativity and focus while maintaining a state of calmness and relaxation.
This combination of increased alpha brain activity and neurotransmitter levels helps with cognitive function12.
Thanks to its impact on mental function and cognitive performance, L-Theanine is considered a nootropic. Nootropics are substances that can enhance cognitive function in healthy individuals. L-Theanine is typically used for its cognitive-enhancing properties, including increased relaxation and improved cognitive function13, 14.
You can boost your daily intake of L-Theanine through diet and supplementation. As one of the richest natural sources of L-Theanine, drinking green tea can help boost your daily intake. Alternatively, you may like to consider taking an L-Theanine supplement.
L-Theanine is generally considered okay to take daily to help with mind relaxation and cognitive performance15, 16.
The best time to take L-Theanine often depends on the effects you’re trying to benefit from. If you’re hoping to enhance mental alertness and cognitive function, it’s often recommended to take an L-Theanine supplement when you need the extra boost to help you power through the situation. However, if you’re looking to calm the mind, it may help to take an L-Theanine supplement in the evening.
But remember, be sure to consult with your healthcare professional before making changes to your diet, nutritional intake or introducing a new supplement to your daily routine.
Want to learn more about supplements and brain health? Check out the Swisse Wellness Hub for more information on mindfulness, nutrition and more.
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