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Close your eyes and imagine an entire day of feeling relaxed,
while still taking on the stresses of modern daily life. Without
harmful side-effects or drowsiness? Yes. Stress, insomnia
and anxiety can lead to depression, a loss of well-being,
opportunistic infections, poor performance at work and even
a reduced lifespan.
The relaxing effect of green green tea has been traced to
a unique, neurologically-active amino acid in tea called L-theanine
(gamma-ethylamino-L-glutamic acid). L-theanine is a free (non-protein)
amino acid. This amino acid directly stimulates the production
of alpha brain waves, creating a state of deep relaxation
and mental alertness similar to what is achieved through meditation
and has been compared to the relaxation effect of getting
a massage or taking a hot bath. It also promotes restful sleep
by stimulating the production of gamma-amino butyric acid
and dopamine.
L-theanine is different from kava-kava and valerian in that
it doesn¹t cause drowsiness or effect judgement because
this amino acid does not produce theta waves in the brain.
It should be noted that if an individual is already relaxed,
taking L-theanine would not produce further relaxation. Unlike
St.John¹s Wort, it doesn¹t cause photosensitivity.
Research has demonstrated that L-theanine creates its relaxing
effect in approximately 30 to 40 minutes after ingestion,
much faster than kava-kava, valerian and St.John¹s Wort.
Current areas of ongoing research also include using L-theanine
as a treatment for PMS, in controlling certain conditions
of high blood pressure, in sharpening mental acuity and concentration,
and as an anti-cancer agent alone and in synergy with other
cancer-fighting agents.
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