Theanine or l-theanine, is an amino acid found in the leaves of Camellia
sinesis, better known as green tea. Apart from the anti-oxidant benefits of green tea, the theanine
in green tea, offers an anti-stress benefit as well.
L-Theanine is unique, in that it acts as a non-sedating relaxant by increasing the brain's production of
alpha waves. So in fact, it is very effective in helping to relieve tension, stress and anxiety ,
without causing drowsiness.
It is one of my favourite supplements.
However if you're already physically very tired and drowsy in the evening and are fighting sleep or are too
stressed to relax enough to allow yourself to fall asleep, it would help you sleep.
As well as being relaxing, l-theanine has also been shown to promote concentration (in students), by
increasing alpha waves in the brain.
L-Theanine has been shown to effective in dosages ranging from 50-200mg a day.
Three to four cups of tea would usually contain about 100-200mg of l-theanine, which counteract the
stimulant effects of caffeine. Unfortunately decaffeinating green tea also loses l-theanine.
If you want to avoid caffeine or have a more reliable source of l-theanine, l-theanine comes in capsule and
tablet form.
It reaches maximum peak blood levels about 30 mins to 2 hours after ingestion, so it can be used as needed in
the day and regularly at night.
Try taking one or two 100mg l-theanine capsule at night. If you're stressed or need to focus or concentrate
more during the day, take half a capsule or 50mg.
You can open the capsule and put half the powder in your mouth and leave the rest of the theanine in the
capsule for another time, or you can also get 50mg capsules of l-theanine.
