What is L-Theanine? | L-Theanine Benefits, Dosage and Side Effects
L-Theanine benefits
Energy and focus:
While many of us turn to coffee for a morning boost of energy from caffeine, some people are dedicated tea drinkers or may turn to green or black tea later in the day for a relaxing break. Much research has been done into L-Theanine, in combination with caffeine (how it naturally occurs in regular - non-decaffeinated - tea).
L-Theanine , specifically when coupled with caffeine, may enhance weight loss and make it easier to lose weight1
L-Theanine can induce a more relaxed state: a study in 1999 first found that L-Theanine, for which the only significant food source is tea, can help you to relax 3
L-Theanine can counteract the effect that caffeine has on blood pressure - one study found that L-Theanine in tea worked to lessen the impact that caffeine had on both systolic and diastolic blood pressure 2
L-Theanine may help to support your immune system - the stronger your immune system is, the lower your chances are of becoming sick when exposed to bacteria and viruses 4
How To Most Effectively Support Your Immune System
Let's get the facts right.
L-Theanine side effects
No adverse side effects have been found with L-Theanine; one study called it “safe and effective” when studying its benefits.
L-Theanine dosage
The optimum dosage of L-Theanine has not yet been determined; dosage used in research has ranged from 100-500mg.
Take home message
L-Theanine is a powerful, naturally occurring substance that we usually only get in our diet from green or black tea. L-Theanine can benefit relaxation, focus, your immune system, your circulation, and even with weight loss.
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Claire is a Registered Dietitian through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and a board-certified Health and Wellness Coach through the International Consortium for Health and Wellness Coaching. She has a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master’s degree in Clinical Dietetics and Nutrition from the University of Pittsburgh.
Talking and writing about food and fitness is at the heart of Claire’s ethos as she loves to use her experience to help others meet their health and wellness goals.
Claire is also a certified indoor cycling instructor and loves the mental and physical boost she gets from regular runs and yoga classes. When she’s not keeping fit herself, she’s cheering on her hometown’s sports teams in Pittsburgh, or cooking for her family in the kitchen.
Find out more about Claire’s experience here.