First, let’s talk about L-theanine. What is it, how do we use it, and most importantly, how in the world do we pronounce it? This is your one stop shop for everything you need to know about L-theanine.
For starters, it's el-thE-a-neen. Now that we’ve got the hard part over with, let’s dig into everything you want to know about this trendy supplement.
What is L-theanine?
L-theanine is a compound that occurs naturally in green and black tea, as well as some mushrooms.
It is also a nootropic or, in other words, “anything used to enhance memory or other cognitive functions.” For this reason, nootropics are often referred to as "smart drugs" and have been synthesized into supplements for everyday use.
While there is not nearly enough research on nootropics as a whole, L-theanine specifically is known for its ability to encourage wakeful relaxation without making you sleepy.
This powerhouse amino acid is thought to work by decreasing brain chemicals that contribute to stress and anxiety while simultaneously increasing brain chemicals that encourage a sense of calm.
How does L-theanine work?
Ever had a few glasses of green tea and felt a little buzzed? This is thanks to L-theanine, which alongside encouraging a sense of calm, may also support better mental focus.
Being the nootropic it is, L-theanine is said to affect certain chemicals in the brain. Serotonin and dopamine, which influence mood, sleep, and emotion, may both be impacted by L-theanine. For this reason, L-theanine may support normal stress response, focus, and memory in healthy individuals.
Why do people use L-theanine?
On its own, L-theanine is a promising plant powered supplement known for its relaxing properties and claims of improved memory and cognition. And for this reason, many people take it alongside stimulants to balance out the jittery feeling of caffeine.
When combined with our favorite types of caffeine—coffee, matcha, tea—there’s a synergistic effect. Alongside the heightened energy, focus, and concentration you experience with caffeine, you may also experience a sense of calm from our good pal L-theanine.
How to take L-theanine
You can get L-theanine in low doses naturally from green and black tea, or you can opt for a supplement. Our favorite way to incorporate L-theanine into our daily routine is in conjunction with other well known nootropics and plant-based ingredients.
L-theanine + CBD
You might be wondering, how does L-theanine interact with CBD and what are the benefits of taking them together?
It is believed that CBD helps to balance the body’s endocannabinoid system to help it naturally better manage stressors like anxiety, sleeplessness and physical pain. While L-theanine works to support better mental focus, CBD can calm the mind and body, giving you the best of both worlds. These two powerhouse ingredients seem to pair very well together and might very well have synergistic effects.
FOCL Day contains L-theanine as well as several other nootropics (and of course, CBD) to create the ultimate superfood for your brain.
