Three ways theanine helps your brain
1. Increase calming brain chemicals
L-theanine works by raising Gamma Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)5 as well as serotonin and dopamine in the brain. These are chemicals in the brain, known as neurotransmitters, that help you control your cognitive skills.
By Increasing levels of these calming brain chemicals, you can help promote relaxation and improve your sleep.
Neurotransmitters help regulate your:
- Emotions
- Mood
- Concentration
- Alertness
- Appetite
- Energy
2. Lowers levels of excitant brain chemicals
This doesn’t mean that you are less likely to feel excitement, but l theanine may reduce and help anxiety by balancing the chemicals in your brain that are linked to stress. It is thought that this may also be a way that l theanine can help protect ageing brain cells.
3. Attentive relaxation
L-theanine releases alpha brain waves. Alpha brain waves are the state of mind you reach when meditating, being creative or letting your mind go when daydreaming. They also occur when you reach a state of REM when sleeping.
This can make l-theanine an attractive choice for people who are looking to enhance their “wakeful relaxation,” without worrying about becoming fatigued.
Summary
- L-theanine is a neurotransmitter, which help control your cognitive skills.
- Chemicals in your brain linked to stress and anxiety may be regulated through l theanine’s relaxing components.
- Alpha brain waves that occur at moments of relaxation are released when l theanine is present