Whether in food supplements or in foods, it is well established that taking theanine provides the body with protective antioxidants. In addition, most people are unaware that tea leaves contain an amino acid called theanine, which is essential for physical recovery. But what exactly are the specifics of this amino acid and the benefits it brings to the body?
What is theanine?
Again, theanine is an amino acid found in tea leaves. Discovered by Japanese researchers in 1949, it has been confirmed that tea is the main source of this amino acid. It is also the source of umami, the fifth taste detected by the tongue, indicating deliciousness and flavor.
According to scientific studies, theanine flavours provide interesting benefits. It reduces the risk of obesity, lowers cholesterol levels and increases metabolism. In addition, it prevents the urge to snack after a meal.
How does theanine work?
Apart from helping muscle recovery, theanine also works in the brain. It increases the amount of GABA and other calming chemicals in the brain. This type of amino acid also decreases the level of excitatory chemicals in the brain.
For those who want to consume theanine, note that the prescribed dosage is 50 to 200 mg. It can be eaten half an hour to an hour before going to sleep. To consume it, it is recommended to take green tea from the Yunan region in China. It is richer in theanine. The latter is also available in the form of a 100 to 200 mg supplement. This amount corresponds to about 5 cups of this green tea.
What are the benefits of theanine?
Like any other amino acid, theanine is likely to have positive effects on the body.
More relaxation, but without drowsiness
Theanine has a calming effect. During a massage or a hot bath, this ability can be seen as a sign of relaxation. The latter occurs without drowsiness. Unlike a sleeping pill, taking this amino acid does not induce sleep. Instead, it will influence the release of various neurotransmitters in the brain, including GABA, dopamine and serotonin. These will create the urge to relax, subsequently state the mood and defend the state of well-being.
Improved sleep quality
It is true that the consumption of theanine does not have a sedative effect. But it always improves the quality of sleep without increasing its duration or causing a desire for brain fog on waking. Moreover, this quality of sleep is also important to promote muscle recovery for athletes. A good night's sleep stimulates good recovery and allows you to be in top form for the next session.
Feeling of tiredness well relieved
People who feel very tired from time to time or chronically will be able to improve. Simply take 200 mg of theanine for one week. By taking this amount, the alpha waves will be increased and the fatigue scores will be decreased at the same time. These benefits are especially noticeable in patients who are more self-conscious or in sportsmen who train too hard.
An active learning capacity
According to research by scientific experts, theanine is very effective for concentration. It provides mental alertness as well as the ability to learn and memorise. If the individual is under a lot of stress, its consumption will enhance learning and remembering. In trials with individuals with mild cognitive impairment, consumption over four months improved memory and mental alertness.
An effect on immunity
During the winter season, theanine has an immediate effect on the immune response if the patient has a bacterial or viral infection.
Theanine is an excellent food supplement for bodybuilders
Apart from improving the quality of sleep for a good recovery and producing a relaxing effect, theanine also helps to build muscle mass. Just combine it with bodybuilding sports to get good results. It is also recommended to take theanine as a dietary supplement rather than as tea, as the latter contains theine, which is not a very ideal stimulant to consume before bedtime. For this form, the recommended dose is 50 to 200 mg, 30 to 60 min before bedtime.
But before taking it, it is always advisable to consult a doctor first to find out if your health is suitable.
Scientific opinions on theanine
Theanine does not yet have any reliable data. This is why it is of particular interest to scientific researchers. In a study carried out in Florida, more than a hundred individuals took capsules containing theanine and epigallocatechin gallate for 3 months. The analysis showed that these individuals had less rum and flu than those who took a placebo.
Secondly, the researchers assessed that the blood of the treated individuals showed many molecules that triggered an immune response. For those who want to strengthen the immune system, it is advisable to take green tea containing theanine.
According to scientific data, this type of amino acid has a relaxing effect. It stimulates the formation of alpha waves in the brain. Individuals who exercised intensively became calmer than those who took a placebo. This study was discovered in 2001.
People who have problems with relaxation should consume this kind of green tea. According to the opinion of a biochemist, it will help to stay competitive without being stressed. In fact, theanine is also caffeine.
Where to find theanine?
Like any other food supplement, theanine is available everywhere. In pharmacies it is available as a food supplement. It is therefore possible to buy it in tablet or capsule form. Outside the pharmacy, it is available in nature. This is the case with green tea. However, before taking it, it is recommended to consult a health professional. This is to find out whether theanine is suitable for the body of the person concerned.
