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This special power comes from a specific amino acid called theanine, also known as L-theanine.
Eugeniusz Dudzinski
But what exactly is L-theanine and why is it suddenly, seemingly everywhere?
Here, a look at some of the benefits of L-theanine for the body, mind, and more.
What is L-theanine?
L-theanine is a non-protein amino acid most commonly found in green tea, explainsDr.
What does L-theanine do?
Though L-theanine doesnt help build protein, it still serves an important function in our bodies.
Most interestingly, it helps supports what Alamdari calls a calm but clear mental state.
Unlike sedatives, L-theanine doesnt seem to dull the senses, he explains.
L-theanine may impact the production of serotonin anddopamine, the hormones affect the quality of our mood and emotions.
It may also affect our levels of the stress hormonecortisol.
According to Alamdari, L-theanine can work for stressespecially at certain doses.
Most importantly, L-theanine wont cause the jitters or a crash.
These effects dont appear to come at the cost of performance.
Reaction time and focus typically remain stable, and in some cases, improve.
A win-winespecially for those who may be sensitive to stimulantslike caffeine.
Who should take L-theanine supplements?
In general, however, the recommended dose of L-theanine is 100-200 mg per day.
Thats about two to four cups of matcha or around ten cups of regular green tea.
