L-Theanine, a free amino acid unique to tea, has a variety of beneficial effects on the human body. Below is a detailed description of the main effects of L-Theanine:
1. Relieves stress and anxiety:
L-Theanine crosses the blood-brain barrier and affects neurotransmitter levels, particularly increasing the synthesis and release of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a major inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces nervous system tension and anxiety.
Studies have shown that L-Theanine can reduce the body’s stress response, such as lowering levels of cortisol (a stress hormone), thus helping to relieve stress and anxiety.
2. Improves sleep quality:
L-Theanine promotes relaxation of brain cells, which helps improve sleep quality. It may be especially beneficial for those who have difficulty falling asleep or who have poor sleep quality.
3. Improves concentration and cognitive function:
L-Theanine improves the brain’s attention and cognitive flexibility, and enhances the brain’s learning and memory functions.
It may improve the brain’s cognitive performance by regulating the synthesis of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine.
4. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects:
L-Theanine is rich in phenolic hydroxyl groups and has strong antioxidant properties that can scavenge free radicals in the body and prevent free radical damage to cells.
It also inhibits some of the key enzymes in the inflammatory response and reduces the production of inflammatory factors, thus providing an anti-inflammatory effect.
5. Protects cardiovascular health:
L-Theanine helps prevent cardiovascular disease by lowering blood lipid and cholesterol levels.
It also promotes vasodilation and lowers blood pressure, which has a positive effect on cardiovascular health.
6. Enhances Taste:
L-Theanine has a fresh flavor and is one of the main components of tea that is tasty and sweet. It can be used as a food additive to enhance the taste and flavor of products.
7. Immune enhancement:
L-Theanine may enhance the body’s immunity by regulating the function of the immune system, thus helping the body to resist various diseases.
8. Hepatoprotective effect:
L-Theanine can be converted to acetic acid in human liver, which inhibits pyruvate kinase in the liver, thus reducing the damage of pyruvate kinase and protecting liver health.