You’ve read plenty about L-Theanine, so far. That’s probably why you’re trying to learn more about how L-Theanine works. The good news is that L-Theanine has been shown, in clinical studies, to be effective. It has also been deemed safe by several governments throughout the world, and in Japan it is a supplemental additive to many grocery stuffs. The not-so-good news, though, is that no one is entirely sure how L-Theanine works. There are currently only theories and speculations that provide our current understanding of the effectiveness of this naturally produced organic compound. How L-Theanine Works The brain relies on a substance referred to as GABA for normal cognitive functioning. Deficiencies in GABA production can result in a chemical imbalance that causes anxiety or depression. Supplements like SAM-e for example that attempt to fill the blood stream with GABA are ineffective due to the blood-brain barrier; GABA ingested directly can’t penetrate through the barrier and do its job. L-Theanine helps to produce GABA within the blood-brain barrier, allowing for it to be absorbed. How and why this happens is what isn’t fully understood. L-Theanine Has Been Around for Millenia The most interesting thing about L-Theanine isn’t how it works but for how long it has been used. If you have ever had green tea you have tasted L-Theanine – it provides the soupy, broth-like texture as well as the being the primary contributor to green tea’s unique taste. Interestingly enough the ancient Chinese knew that green tea was a mood ...

Read More »