L-Theanine is a unique amino acid found almost exclusively in the tea plant (Camellia sinensis). It has been shown to promote relaxation, relieve anxiety, and improve cognitive performance.
Matcha is made from the same plant in a shade-grown process. The L-theanine content in Matcha is enough for you to enjoy the benefits associated with L-theanine, along with the health benefits of drinking Matcha.
In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of L-theanine after drinking Matcha.
What Is L-Theanine and Where Is It Found?
L-Theanine is an amino acid commonly found in tea leaves. It is also found in some mushrooms but in much smaller amounts.
L-Theanine has a variety of purported health benefits, including reducing anxiety and improving cognitive function. Some studies have shown that L-Theanine can help to reduce stress levels, and it is often used as a natural relaxant.
Source: Neuro
L-Theanine is thought to work by increasing levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain. These neurotransmitters are associated with feelings of well-being and relaxation.
In addition, L-Theanine may help to protect the brain from damage caused by stress. As a result, this amino acid may offer a number of benefits for mental health.
The Health Benefits of L-Theanine
The list of health benefits associated with L-Theanine is impressive. It's a supplement worth considering for those looking to improve their overall health, well-being, and productivity.
Some of those benefits include:
- Improved mental alertness
- Increase in dopamine levels in the brain
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Immune system booster
- Improved mood and focus
- Promotes better sleep quality
It's clear to see that the benefits above are associated with mental well-being. This makes L-theanine an excellent solution for people with busy and stressful lifestyles.
For example, a business manager that works long, stressful hours and struggles to "switch off" and get good sleep. That person can introduce L-theanine to their daily routine to stay calm and focused.
Consuming L-theanine will also make their sleep will feel more natural, allowing them to achieve deep sleep. This will make them feel more rested and energized.
Caffeine and L-theanine
Matcha has a considerable amount of caffeine. However, the level of caffeine found in Matcha is around 50% less than the caffeine content in coffee.
The main difference between the two is the L-theanine content in Matcha that regulates the energy boost that results from consuming caffeine.
Drinking caffeinated beverages like coffee can leave a person feeling jittery and over-energetic. Then that person eventually loses that energy drastically, an energy crash.
The L-theanine content in Matcha and its caffeine content provide a more sustained energy release (smaller energy boost that lasts longer). The lower levels of caffeine in Matcha and L-theanine allow drinkers to remain calm, focused, and energized without the jitters (associated with drinking too much coffee).
How Matcha Is a Rich Source of L-Theanine
Matcha is made from finely ground tea leaves. Unlike other types of green tea, Matcha is typically consumed in powder form.
Other variants of matcha, like performance matcha, also come in powder form. Some matcha supplements are available in pill form.
Source: Unsplash
The powder is Dissolved in water or milk, and the resulting beverage is usually enjoyed without milk or sweeteners. Many believe that drinking Matcha allows you to consume a higher concentration of the leaves' nutrients.
Among the many nutrients found in Matcha is a rich source of L-Theanine, an amino acid that has been shown to promote relaxation without causing drowsiness.
L-theanine is found in regular green tea. However, Matcha contains up to five times more L-theanine than green tea.
Matcha leaves (the Camellia sinensis plant) are grown in the shade. An old traditional process perfected by the Japanese. This allows the leaves to maintain their high levels of L-theanine. Sunlight only reduces the L-theanine content in matcha leaves.
How To Enjoy the Health Benefits of L-Theanine by Drinking Matcha
As we have already gathered, the L-theanine from Matcha can help improve mental focus and concentration. It has also been shown to reduce stress and anxiety levels.
Matcha also contains other ingredients that provide an energy and metabolism boost. So, drinking Matcha daily can improve your mental well-being and overall health.
To enjoy the health benefits of L-Theanine, it is best to drink one cup of Matcha per day. However, you can have another cup of Matcha if you live a demanding lifestyle and prefer an additional energy boost and mental focus.
Just be sure not to overdo it. Matcha contains caffeine and other ingredients that can upset your stomach if consumed in large quantities.
Matcha supplements have a ton of health benefits that include L-theanine which promotes mood, sleep, and calmness. That being said, how much matcha should you be consuming daily?
Preparing Matcha
Matcha has a unique taste that some people find acquired. If you are not used to drinking green tea, start by mixing Matcha with another type of tea or hot water.
You can also add honey or lemon to taste. Once you have developed a taste for Matcha, try drinking it on its own. The key is to drink it slowly and enjoy the flavor.
Matcha can be enjoyed plain, or it can be added to smoothies, yogurt, or baking recipes.
For a relaxing tea ceremony-style experience, try making a pot of Matcha using traditional Japanese methods.
Whisk the powder with hot water using a Chasen (bamboo whisk), then enjoy your cup of tea while savoring the calming effects of L-Theanine.
How many types of matcha are there? Learn the difference between matcha supplements, and regular matcha now!
Click here for our matcha guide on the different types of matcha.
FAQ: The Benefits of L-Theanine Found in Matcha
What is L-Theanine?
L-Theanine is an amino acid primarily found in tea leaves and some mushrooms. It's known for its potential to reduce anxiety, improve cognitive function, and boost mood and focus by increasing serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain.
How does matcha provide L-Theanine benefits?
Matcha, a finely ground powder, contains up to five times more L-Theanine than regular green tea. This is due to matcha's shade-grown process, which allows the plant to retain a more significant portion of its nutrients.
Can matcha help with stress and anxiety?
Yes, the L-Theanine in Matcha helps reduce stress and anxiety levels. Its natural relaxant properties can promote a sense of calm and well-being.
How does the caffeine content in matcha compare to coffee?
Matcha contains less caffeine than coffee, about 50% less. However, it offers a unique combination of caffeine and L-Theanine, which results in a sustained energy boost without the jitters or energy crashes often associated with coffee consumption.
Are there any specific ways to prepare matcha?
Matcha can be enjoyed in various ways—plain, mixed with hot water, or added to smoothies, yogurt, and baking recipes. For a traditional experience, whisk Matcha powder with hot water using a bamboo whisk (Chasen) and savor the calming effects of L-Theanine.
What are the different types of matcha?
Several types of matcha include ceremonial grade, culinary grade, and matcha supplements in pill form. Each type serves different purposes, from traditional tea ceremonies to cooking and health supplements.
How does matcha affect sleep quality?
The L-theanine in Matcha can promote better sleep quality by relaxing the mind and reducing stress, allowing for a more restful and natural sleep cycle.
Can matcha improve mental performance?
Yes, combining caffeine for alertness and L-theanine for calm focus can enhance cognitive function, making matcha a beneficial drink for improving productivity and mental clarity.
TL:DR
The benefits of L-Theanine found in Matcha are numerous. Not only does it help improve cognitive function and focus, but it also has a calming effect on the body and mind.
The caffeine and L-theanine content in Matcha make for an impressive combination. Caffeine provides an energy boost and focus, while L-theanine keeps you calm and relaxed.
There are plenty of ways for you to consume L-theanine. Drinking Matcha is ideal because of its L-theanine content and the additional benefits that Matcha has to offer.
What are your views on L-theanine? Is it beneficial to your lifestyle? Let us know in the comments below.