L-Theanine is an amino acid commonly found in tea leaves and is Aiva WTR’s primary active ingredient, which produces relaxation without causing drowsiness. Each bottle of Aiva WTR contains 200mg of L-Theanine.
Now many of you reading this, this may be your first time hearing about L-Theanine, but to put this quantity of 200mg into perspective, research shows that taking 200 mg of Theanine before an exam reduces anxiety and may prevent blood pressure from increasing due to stress. Additionally, 200 mg of L-Theanine was shown to reduce resting heart rate, pointing to its ability to promote relaxation.
Increased alpha activity has also been shown to continue for 60 minutes following administration of a 200mg dose of L-Theanine, and this effect was more marked in individuals with higher trait anxiety.
Interestingly enough, monks have used L-Theanine for hundreds of years to sustain longer meditative states. Research has shown that it effectively reduces both mental and physical stress. About 30-40 minutes after ingestion, it induces tranquility and a state of relaxation, without causing drowsiness, or forming a chemical dependence. In fact, it’s also been proven to help improve focus, attention and concentration.
How does L-Theanine work?
L-Theanine works in a variety of ways. Research has shown L-Theanine to both increase the amount of GABA in the brain as well as increase the effectiveness of GABA. GABA is the body’s main inhibitory neurotransmitter – higher levels of GABA are associated with calmer mental states and lower levels of anxiety. L-Theanine also increases alpha brain wave activity. Alpha brain waves are largely present during extremely calm yet focused mental states. It’s quite likely that this increase in alpha brain wave activity is what makes L-Theanine useful for lowering anxiety, increasing mental focus, all while being non-drowsy when taken during the day. This is in line with the high alpha brain wave activity we see during focused meditation by experts in Zen meditation.
The following graphic shows the main benefits and uses of L-Theanine, making it pretty clear that this ingredient plays an important role in relaxation, focus, and overall good health.
The Aiva WTR Team
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