L-theanine
L-theanine (γ-glutamylethylamide) is a unique non-protein amino acid found in green tea.
L-Theanine is formed from the amino acid ‘alanine’ found in the roots of the tea plant which go through an enzymatic process in the leaves of the tea plant to produce ethylamine which then reacts with another free amino acid glutamic acid to produce Theanine - which is mostly found in the leaves and root of the tea plant.
L-theanine is absorbed biologically through glutamate receptors and is able to pass the blood-brain barrier to exert its relaxing effects on the nervous system.
In studies L-Theanine has shown to modulate alpha activity (the state of wakeful rest), providing beneficial and calming effects on mental states and improving quality and depth of sleep. The ingestion of L-Theanine through drinking good quality green tea, supplementation or drinking I am Rested has a relaxing zen like quality on the nervous system - you don’t have to be stressed to work well - in fact quite the opposite - the best creative practices and cognitive performance comes from a calmer state of mind.
We too often operate in stressful - inflammatory states of beta and gamma (wide awake - focused - concentration - problem solving & stress) the problem is a society driven by stimulants such as coffee and caffeine is mostly operating in beta and gamma states - which is sometimes a good thing when you really need to get shit done - but when you live a life in these constant states of stimulation it can lead to overload - deep stress, anxiety and ultimately inflammation and disease.
Research suggests that L-Theanine in combination with magnesium (also in I am Rested) can enhance the positive calming effects on the nervous system and sleep.
L-Theanine is a key component in our I am Rested Formula – as always some interesting research below on L-Theanine, through our science pages and through the journal.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213453021001324
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9014247/
