This organic substance, contained in unfermented tea leaves, has attracted the attention of scientists relatively recently, although the benefits of green tea have been known for many years.
In China and Japan, tea drinking is an important part of national culture. Buddhist monks have drunk green tea since ancient times during hours of meditation to maintain complete tranquility, but do not lose vigilance. Green tea leaves were used to fight diseases and attributed them the ability to preserve youth and health.
Today, the beneficial properties of green tea are proven by science. In it, many necessary microelements and vitamins, more than 450 various organic compounds are found, of which L-theanine is most interesting.
1. L-Theanine for Stress Management
By nature, L-theanine is an amino acid resembling glutamate, a neurotransmitter of the central nervous system responsible for the transfer of impulses between nerve cells. Penetrating through the blood-brain barrier, L-theanine promotes the activation of thought processes, stimulates the production of the “happiness hormone” of dopamine and thereby increases mood and resistance to stress.
Stress is accompanied by narrowing of blood vessels and increased heart rate. By acting on the autonomic nervous system, L-theanine helps to cope with a strong palpitation and prevents an increase in blood pressure.
For many people, changing weather is a test for the body. L-theanine reduces meteozavisimost, helps to overcome drowsiness and increases mental activity during the period of climatic fluctuations.
2. L-Theanine for overcoming anxiety and improving brain function
The main cause of development of anxiety disorders and depression is the violation of the metabolism of dopamine and serotonin in the brain. As studies have shown, L-theanine is able to increase the synthesis of these mediators and have an anxiolytic effect, that is, to reduce anxiety and improve mood.
For people suffering from excessive anxiety, it is especially important that L-theanine calms, but does not cause drowsiness, on the contrary, increases the activity of the central nervous system, helping to cope with everyday affairs.
Studies show that the properties of L-theanine can be valuable for patients who underwent a cerebral stroke. The activation of processes in the central nervous system contributes to the restoration of speech and memory.
3. L-Theanine for improving sleep quality
Chronic sleep disorders, such as prolonged sleep, frequent night and early awakenings, significantly affect the quality of life, cause daytime sleepiness, provoke the development of obesity, diabetes, hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases.
Being a natural relaxant, L-theanine, without causing addiction and daytime sleepiness, helps to get rid of nervous tension and anxiety, which facilitates falling asleep, improves sleep and allows the body to fully relax.
4. L-Theanine for long active life
Scientists believe that L-theanine can prolong life. Being a powerful antioxidant, L-theanine has anti-cancer effect, prevents the development of hypertension and atherosclerosis, reduces the risk of vascular accidents, such as heart attack and stroke, which are in the first place among the causes of death.
For a full life in old age and old age it is important to keep the clarity of mind. Properties of L-theanine can be used in gerontology, including for the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.