Did you know the calming effect of green tea actually comes from the amino acid, theanine? Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. Proteins help the body grow, breakdown food, and repair body tissue. Good stuff.
HOW IT WORKS
Theanine increases the brain’s levels of alpha waves, which, in turn, produce a combination of relaxation and mental sharpness, almost like a meditative state. OM.
HEALTH BENEFITS
- Mental sharpness. Alpha waves, which theanine increases, have been linked to mental acuity and improved learning.
- Stress protector. Studies show college students who took 200mg of theanine before tests had significantly less stress than those who didn’t.
- Relaxation. Theanine leads to more alpha waves, which leads to relaxation and best of all no drowsiness.
- Insomnia. Theanine can improve sleep quality – while keeping the mind sharp and energized.
Sensational. Green tea increases mental sharpness, relaxation, and helps with insomnia. Put the kettle on the stove – let’s drink to that.
Reference
Challem, J. Brechka, N. (2007). L-theanine the calm in your cup of tea, Better Nutrition, 32, 34-35.
