If you’ve ever enjoyed a hot cup of green tea or a matcha latte you’ve also been enjoying the benefits of L-theanine. But what is L-theanine? Keep reading to find out the benefits of L-theanine and how we can increase our intake.
So, What Is L-Theanine?
L-theanine is a water-soluble amino acid naturally found in black tea leaves and green tea leaves. The highest amounts are found in green tea leaves, making matcha powder, like Vital Proteins Matcha Collagen and Vital Proteins Matcha Collagen Latte, an excellent source.
How Does L-Theanine Work?
Research shows that L-theanine promotes an “alert calm” in those who consume it. Once metabolized, L-theanine crosses the blood-brain barrier and increases the brain’s alpha waves, resulting in a relaxed mind - without the drowsiness.**
Okay, What Else Does It Do?
There are other benefits as well. The changes in alpha brain waves from consuming it have been shown to improve selective attention during mental tasks. This makes the consumption of matcha especially beneficial since it contains both caffeine (a stimulant associated with alertness) and L-theanine. It has also been shown to help improve your mood by helping in the production of GABA, an inhibitory relaxing transmitter.
How Can I Get It?
There are many oral supplements available for purchase, including our Vital Proteins Feeling Zen™, Vital Proteins Zen Collagen Shot, Vital Proteins Matcha Collagen, Vital Proteins Matcha Collagen Latte and Vital Performance™ SLEEP to get this important amino acid in your diet. Otherwise, make yourself a hot cup of tea, sit back and let the alert-calm sink in. For additional recipes containing L-theanine, take a look at our full list of collagen recipes.