Read time: 3 min
If you're like me and you need a cup of coffee to get your day started, then you've probably also found yourself reaching for that second or third cup because it doesn't give you the boost you were hoping for.
If this sounds familiar, then keep reading!
I'm about to introduce you to a great addition to your morning routine: L-Theanine.
This non-dietary amino acid is found in tea leaves and can make your coffee more effective by balancing out some of its energy side effects.
L-Theanine is a non-dietary amino acid found in tea leaves.
L-Theanine is an amino acid that has been linked to the health benefits of green tea.
It’s also found in black, white and oolong teas, although you’d have to drink a lot of these drinks to get the same amount as you would by consuming L-Theanine supplements or drinking green tea at the recommended dose.
L-Theanine isn't usually consumed by itself; instead it's paired with caffeine in beverages like coffee or energy drinks.
Caffeine is a stimulant which can affect your heart rate and blood pressure—it may not be safe for everyone because it can cause headaches or jitters when consumed in high doses (500mg).
However, L-theanine works with caffeine to reduce stress and anxiety while improving focus.
The two compounds complement each other, creating a calming effect without making you feel lethargic.
L-Theanine can help you relax because it uses the same pathways in your brain as caffeine without making you anxious or jittery like caffeine does.
So, why should you be adding L-Theanine to your coffee?
Because it helps relax you and improve your sleep, focus, and mood.
This makes it an ideal supplement for those who are sensitive to stimulants or simply don't like feeling jittery after drinking their morning cup of joe.
Additionally, because of its ability to calm you without causing adrenaline rushes (like caffeine does), some people find that adding L-theanine reduces stress levels even when they aren't consuming any source of caffeine at all—meaning that if you're someone who doesn't drink coffee but wants an alternative way of getting less jittery throughout the day while still getting enough energy boost from other sources (such as exercise), this might be worth looking into!
L-Theanine can make you feel more alert and focused by reducing alpha waves in your brain.
Because it counteracts some of the energy side effects of caffeine, it makes sense to add L-theanine to your coffee or tea before you start your day.
To recap..
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L-theanine is an amino acid that's found in tea leaves. Theanine can help you relax, making it a good choice for those who are stressed out or anxious, but it can also make you feel more alert and focused.
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When combined with caffeine, L-theanine counteracts some of the energy side effects of caffeine—like shakiness or jitters—while still giving you some of the benefits like heightened alertness and focus. This makes sense: one study showed that people who drank a cup of coffee with 200 milligrams (mg) of l-theanine experienced less anxiety than participants who had just 200 mg of caffeine alone.
This combination might be especially helpful if you're trying to avoid feeling jittery from your morning brew, since both substances have been shown to improve cognitive performance when combined together—but still want to get up and go!
Conclusion
We hope you’ve learned a little about L-theanine and why we think it’s so great for your morning. If you’re looking for an easy way to get into the habit of adding L-theanine to your coffee or tea, we recommend starting with a supplement!
