Also known as delta-glutamylethylamide, L-Theanine is a non essential amino acid. This means that the body naturally produces the same and you are not required to consume it from outside. However, the modern day lifestyle has taken the stress to an altogether different level and additional dosage from outside is a necessity. You can opt for green, black or oolong tea to get additional quantity of the same and feel more relaxed. However, the amount present tea is on the lower side and most prefer to opt for supplements. The very first question that strikes the mind when we start consuming any supplement is the related effects and L-Theanine is no different.
Effects of L-Theanine
When it comes to the effects of L-Theanine, the positives ones certainly overpowers the negatives. Here is a look at them in detail.
Relaxation without Sleep
One of the most popular effects of L-Theanine is that it relaxes the mind without any kind of drowsiness. The effect is especially helpful for the working people as the relaxed mind is able to provide better productivity and results while expulsion drowsiness helps one to concentrate better.
Anti Cancer Effects
One of the most popular among herbal supplements for depression, L-Theanine also shows anti cancer effects. While stimulating the immune system, it also boosts the effect of chemotherapy drugs. Combining it with anti cancer drugs including idarubicin increases the anti tumor activity in the body.
In addition, the chemotherapy drugs have some negative effects on the body including reduction in bone marrow cells and leukocyte cells among others. Consumption of L-Theanine helps in reversing these toxic effects.
Alpha Waves
Consumption of herbal supplements for depression including Theanine increases the movement of alpha waves in the brain, which relaxes the mind without causing any kind of drowsiness. This improves mental alertness and arousal and one can concentrate on the task at hand in a much better way. Studies also reveal that the effect is more in case it is consumed while resting or doing a passive activity.
Negating Caffeine Effect
High caffeine consumption is quite common in the modern times; however, it increases the stress levels and decreases the individual’s capacity to concentrate on the task at hand. Theanine reverses this effect on caffeine as well.
Aids in Production of Other Amino Acids
Another effect of one of the best herbal supplements for depression is that is aids in the production of important amino acids in the brain including GABA and dopamine among others. These are inhibitory transmitters and have a calming effect on the brain. This again helps in coping with stress and anxiety and leading a trouble free life.
L-Theanine Side Effects
A number of studies have been conducted around the globe to identify L-Theanine side effects; however, till date, there has not been a conclusive evidence on any negative one it might cause. Even the prolonged usage of the same never resulted in any side effect. Some of the variables that have been considered while understanding details related to L-Theanine side effects include behavior, mortality, food consumption, body weight, clinical history, blood tests and urine tests among others.