L-Theanine is an amino acid which can be found naturally in green tea. It has been shown to promote relaxation and a restful state without causing drowsiness or reducing alertness. It is suggested that L-Theanine can increase certain neurotransmitters and alpha waves produced by the brain which encourage a calming effect.

What is L-Theanine?

For many years people have consumed green teat due to its relaxing properties. L-Theanine is the active ingredient within green tea that helps to promote this feeling of relaxation and calmness.
Theanine has been shown to reduce mental and physical stress, and improves cognition and mood in a synergistic manner with caffeine.
 
How does L-Theanine work?

L-Theanine has a number of beneficial effects including its ability to promote relaxation and a state of restfulness. Preliminary research suggests L-Theanine can also; support cardiovascular function, improve the ability to concentrate, reduce nervous agitation and also potentially lower blood pressure. It is also suggested that L-Theanine can promote muscular relaxation and encourage deep sleep.

It is suggested the calming effects are produced by increasing levels of GABA (gamma-amino-butyric acid) an important inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. GABA has been shown to reduce the feeling of excitability, restlessness and insomnia. L-Theanine may also increase levels of dopamine, another brain chemical which can enhance mood.

Although L-Theanine is found in green tea it does not contain caffeine which is often associated with 'edgy' and 'jittery' side effects. L-Theanine works to offset caffeine's hyper effect with a calming effect.