What are the main reported L-Theanine benefits? L-Theanine is a mood-boosting nootropic supplement that has positive effects on focus, mental performance, and mood.
Nootropics are used for a variety of well-documented mental benefits, including improvement of memory, enhanced intelligence, and creative inspiration. They are also used to ease negative emotions or stress and promote natural feelings of wellbeing.
L-Theanine combines the best of these qualities, initiating them directly in the brain and influencing systems throughout the body. The benefits of L-Theanine make this supplement a valuable addition to any daily wellness regimen.
This article will discuss how L-Theanine works in the body and how to take this supplement, as well as the most commonly seen L-Theanine benefits and side effects.



- Supports focus, attention & mood
- Helps to reduce stress & anxiety
- Neuroprotective & increases NGF
Mental L-Theanine Benefits
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Many of L-Theanine’s most powerful mental effects are created by limiting the neurochemicals which cause stress reactions and reduce mental clarity.
For example, L-Theanine increases the production of GABA, an amino acid and neurotransmitter, which works to calm the mind and body by inhibiting over-excited stress signals in the brain.
L-Theanine also works to block L-glutamic acid from binding to glutamate receptors, reducing sympathetic nervous system “fight or flight” reactions.
Glutamic acid is known as an excitatory neurotransmitter, and has been linked to seizures. By calming these over-stimulating chemicals, L-Theanine benefits can promote feelings of relaxation and tranquility.
The list of mental L-Theanine benefits would not be complete without mentioning alpha waves. These waves are electrical frequencies naturally produced in the brain. They are known to accompany periods of intense creativity and intense mental focus. L-Theanine promotes the generation of alpha waves, bringing about feelings of inspiration, fearlessness, and fantastic productivity.
A drug which creates similar effects which has been in the news lately is Modafinil, also known as the brand name Provigil. Though Modafinil itself is safe for most users, many consider the naturally-occurring amino acid L-Theanine to be a far more gentle supplement which achieves many components of the same effects.
Physical L-Theanine Benefits
The emotional state of the mind and physical manifestations in the body are inextricably linked. Though L-Theanine benefits begin in the mind, changes there ripple out into various other areas in the body.
Users report a synergistic connection between mental focus and muscle function. For example, think about a basketball player who’s so mentally sharp that he is able to intuitively achieve maximum dexterity, coordinating his muscles and movements to sink every shot.
L-Theanine lowers the heart rate, and reduces blood pressure overall. This means enhanced circulation throughout the body, which can have a tremendous positive impact on everything from lung capacity to arthritis pain.
Peak Performance
Of course, you don’t have to be an artist or professional athlete to get the full benefits of L-Theanine. No matter what field you work in, sport you play, or subject you think about, it is possible to reach a state of mental or physical excellence.
This harmonic union of the senses, the thoughts, and the body, all focused upon a single endeavor, is known as peak performance. L-Theanine benefits can help people from all walks of life find this peak state in whatever activities they attempt, large or small.
Despite the hundreds of years of traditional use and the many positive user reviews, scientific research on L-Theanine is lacking at this time, and more research studies need to be done to understand all of the effects this supplement may have. At this time, the FDA has not approved L-Theanine as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions. L-Theanine is available as a dietary supplement only.
Side Effects
One of the best parts of an L-Theanine supplementation regimen is the lack of significant side effects. L-Theanine does not cause headaches, depression, or any of the common withdrawal symptoms associated with some medications.
Not much has been written about a potential L-Theanine overdose because none have been recorded. In fact, as L-Theanine was originally sourced from the leaves of green tea, this perfectly safe compound has been ingested by humans harmlessly for thousands of years or more.
One of the most common ways people take L-Theanine is alongside a source of caffeine, often with coffee or green tea. If you have a special sensitivity to the acidity of coffee or tea, it is possible that you may experience some stomach upset if you take your L-Theanine this way. Consider taking L-Theanine tablets alone, or mixing l-Theanine powder with a low-acidity juice.
How Much L-Theanine Should I Take?
Finding the right dosage to achieve the L-Theanine benefits you want may take a little trial and error. It’s always best to start with a low, “baseline” dose, and then gradually increase the amount over time until the desired effects are achieved.
For most people, 50 mg of L-Theanine per day is the minimum amount required to start enjoying the supplement’s known benefits. At this small amount, effects may be subtle. 200 mg per day is a popular median dosage.
For some, taking as much as 400 mg or more per day is desirable. Developing tolerances does not seem to be an issue, though there are few long-term studies that have examined this.
The many mental and physical L-Theanine benefits have made it a well-loved nootropic. With a strong safety record, incorporating L-Theanine into your daily routine is a safe and effective way to improve your mind and your mood.
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Article last updated on: March 18th, 2018 by Nootriment
1 Comment
Sorry,but Sun thiamine gave me a headache…….