How to use L-Theanine to raise your spirits and defenses

L-theanine is an amino acid that occurs exclusively in the tea plant and in free form – that is, it is not part of any protein.

It is so unusual, in fact, that it is believed to be the compound responsible for the taste of green tea.

It is synthesized in the roots and concentrated in the leaves.where sunlight converts it into polyphenols.

Hence some tea growers plant their plants in shady places where direct sunlight does not reach, in order to preserve theanine content.

Properties of L-theanine and how to take it

L-theanine is a water soluble compound that is absorbed in the small intestine, so its administration in supplement form it can easily be included in the diet.

It presents the characteristic that it is able to cross the blood-brain barrier –interstitial space that prevents many harmful substances from the blood from passing to the central nervous system– and that it can influence neurotransmitters responsible for mood.

It has been proven that this amino acid from tea increases the production of gaba and dopamine in the brain.

The gaba has a sedative and tranquilizing action, and is related to anxiety control. The increase in dopamine helps to be in a good mood.

The multiple properties of L-theanine as a supplement make it a good adjuvant in the treatment of various pathologiesamong which stand:

Stress and anxiety. L-theanine promotes the activity of alpha brain waves, which are related to the perception of a state of relaxation, without losing alertness and concentration. To achieve a constant anti-stress effect, it is recommended take 200 mg two or three times a day.

Premenstrual syndrome. Taking 200mg daily there is a clear decreased physical and emotional discomfort that occur cyclically before menstruation.Hypertension. The action of L-theanine on serotonin can influence a significant drop in blood pressure.Immune response. Improves the response of immune gamma delta T cellswhich are the first line of defense in the fight against attacks by organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites.Cancer. It seems that the effect of L-theanine adds to that of chemotherapy by reduce glutamic acid transport (a substance that participates in detoxification processes) inside the neoplastic cells. This makes antitumor drugs are more effective on cancer cells, since it prevents them from defending themselves against substances that seek to destroy them. The double effect of L-theanine consists in that, at the same time, protects normal cells. The dose in these cases should be increased to 400-800 mg three times a day.

How to enjoy L-theanine from matcha tea

Among all the green teas that provide L-theanine, matcha tea is the champion. When cultivated in the shade, its content in this protein amino acid increases. That’s why It is the best natural source of this component. You can enjoy this powdered green tea in multiple ways, as chef Javier Medvedovsky suggests:

when you use it infused or with water, beat it very well so that it is fully incorporated.Fresh waters: add matcha powder to lemonade or orangeade. Put little water at first and go beating and adding the rest little by little. Another option is to first infuse the tea and then mix with lemonade or another.Smoothies: add it the same as cocoa to a vegetable milk.Sauces: Add matcha powder to any sauce, sweet or savoury, to give your dishes that amazing deep green color. On an ice cream, in a sandwich…Patés: add a little when preparing a pâté for your crackers. For example, cashews with celery, lemon, cumin, salt, and matcha. Investigate other combinations, but remember that in order for its color to stand out, the rest of the ingredients must be clear.Ice cubes: prepare the tea and pour it into the ice trays. You can even sweeten it before.Dehydrated: When making your sprouted seed crackers, add matcha. They will undoubtedly be the novelty of your menu.Cake shop: Whether for dessert, snack or snack, we can add matcha to cakes, crepe batters, ice creams, creams, cookies… This wonderful natural coloring is ideal for dressing your sweets green.