Jasmine Tobacco
Bio-Activity Analysis
Cognitive Impact: L-Theanine vs. Caffeine
SCIENTIFIC DATA VISUALIZATION
Health Benefits & Sources
Why You Need It
- Reduces Stress & Anxiety: Lowers cortisol levels and promotes relaxation.
- Improves Focus: Enhances cognitive performance and attention, especially when paired with caffeine.
- Better Sleep Quality: Helps you fall asleep more easily by reducing pre-sleep anxiety.
Deep Dive
L-Theanine works by influencing neurotransmitters in the brain. It increases levels of GABA (which promotes relaxation), serotonin (mood regulation), and dopamine (pleasure and focus). Unlike sedatives, it does not cause a 'crash.' Studies show that within 30 to 40 minutes of ingestion, it triggers alpha brain wave activity, the state of mind experienced during meditation. This makes it ideal for high-stress work environments or creative tasks where a clear head is required.
Natural Food Sources
L-Theanine is found almost exclusively in tea plants. It is the main component that gives tea its savory 'umami' flavor.
| Food | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Green Tea | ~6-8mg per gram | N/A |
| Black Tea | ~3-5mg per gram | N/A |
| Matcha | ~20mg per gram | N/A |
| White Tea | ~4-6mg per gram | N/A |
Supplementation
Since you would need to drink 5-10 cups of tea to get a therapeutic dose, supplementation is common.
- Dosage: 100mg to 200mg per day is standard.
- Usage: Take on an empty stomach for faster absorption. Great for taking 30 minutes before a stressful event or before bed.
Top Food Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
Safety & Side Effects
L-Theanine is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. It is well-tolerated with virtually no side effects. It does not interact negatively with most medications, but you should consult a doctor if you are taking blood pressure medication, as it may lower blood pressure slightly. It is non-habit forming.
Scientific References
- [1]Hidese S, et al. (2019). Effects of L-Theanine Administration on Stress-Related Symptoms and Cognitive Functions in Healthy Adults. *Nutrients*.
- [2]Nobre AC, et al. (2008). L-theanine, a natural constituent in tea, and its effect on mental state. *Asia Pac J Clin Nutr*.
- [3]Kahathuduwa CN, et al. (2018). l-Theanine and caffeine improve target-specific attention to visual stimuli by decreasing mind wandering. *Nutritional Neuroscience*.