Theanine is a compound commonly found in green tea. In recent years, theanine has been found to be able to reduce stress. Unlike many other calming agents, theanine does not create a tranquilizing effect and does not have known side effects.
The way theanine is able to reduce stress and anxiety is through acting on the brain to produce more calming agents such as dopamine. Amazingly, theanine is able to make a person feel relaxed but not drowsy so that alertness is maintained. People who have used theanine to relieve stress also noticed other health benefits. Theamine can effectively lower blood pressure; improve alertness; and improve concentration — thereby enhancing your learning abilities.
Theanine is also known to help improve your immune system. The human immune system works by becoming familiar with certain diseases that it has encountered. Theanine helps the immune system to remember these diseases and to fight them off should the body be confronted with the same disease in the future.
Green tea is popularly used in Japan. Research has shown that Japanese have a much lower incidence of cancer than many other nations. This prompted the research on the effectiveness of theanine in the prevention of certain types of cancer. Although research is still being performed, some studies have shown that theanine, when combined with other substances, may actually positively impact patients undergoing damaging chemotherapy.
Theanine is now popularly sold as a food supplement and can be taken on a daily basis. Studies have shown that there are no side effects in the use of theanine as a supplement. However, it is also important to ensure that you are taking high quality supplements without fillers or additives. Tea is a natural method of consuming theanine.
Taking theanine is an excellent way to relieve stress. When taken in capsule form, the effects of theanine will normally be felt within 30 minutes.
Additional Sources:
Kimura, K. (2007). L-Theanine reduces psychological and physiological stress responses. Biol Psychol, 74(1):39-45.
Lu, K. (2004). The acute effects of L-theanine in comparison with alprazolam on anticipatory anxiety in humans. Hum Psychopharmacol.