Overview
L-Theanine is a naturally occurring amino acid derived from tea leaves, celebrated for its remarkable ability to instill calm and reduce stress without sedation. This unique compound enhances mental clarity, sharpens focus, and supports deep, restorative sleep. Scientifically proven to modulate neurotransmitters and brain waves, L-Theanine helps high-impact achievers maintain peak cognitive performance and emotional resilience—perfectly aligning with demanding lifestyles.
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Other Common Names
- L-Theanine
- Îł-Glutamylethylamide
- N-Ethyl-L-glutamine
- 5-N-Ethylglutamine
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Top Benefits
- Promotes relaxation and reduces stress without causing drowsiness
- Improves sleep quality and duration
- Enhances focus, mental clarity, and cognitive efficiency
- Supports emotional balance and mood resilience
- Mitigates anxiety and nervous tension
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What Is L-Theanine?
L-Theanine, abundant in green and black tea leaves, is highly valued for its dual ability to promote both relaxation and sharp mental focus. It achieves this by increasing alpha brain wave activity—a state characterized by alert yet tranquil awareness—without causing sedation or sleepiness.
Research indicates that L-Theanine boosts levels of calming neurotransmitters such as GABA, serotonin, and dopamine, directly reducing anxiety and stress while simultaneously enhancing cognitive functions such as attention, memory, and mental clarity. Furthermore, L-Theanine synergizes effectively with caffeine, smoothing out its stimulating effects and promoting sustained focus without jitters or crashes.
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Marco’s Grounds™ L-Theanine Sourcing
At Marco’s Grounds™, our L-Theanine is source from a family-owned lush tea plantations of Fujian and Zhejiang, China, mountainous regions renowned for ideal tea-growing conditions.
By adhering to sustainable farming practices and rigorous quality control, we ensure that our L-Theanine is of unmatched quality, delivering relaxation and focus in every dose.
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Theanine Dosing Principles and Rationale
Effective doses of L-Theanine range from 50–200 mg per serving to achieve stress-relief, mental clarity, and improved sleep quality. Marco’s Grounds™ applies hormetic dosing principles, carefully calibrating each dose to maximize benefits without overstimulation.
L-Theanine can be taken at any time, with or without food. For best results, it is ideally paired with caffeine in the morning or midday to boost productivity, or taken in the evening to enhance relaxation and prepare the mind for deep, restorative sleep.
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Key Mechanisms of Action
1. Stress Reduction and Relaxation
- Modulates neurotransmitters: Increases GABA, serotonin, and dopamine levels, creating a calming effect [1].
- Enhances alpha brain wave activity: Promotes a relaxed but alert mental state [2].
2. Cognitive Enhancement
- Synergizes with caffeine: Improves focus and cognitive performance by balancing stimulation and relaxation [3].
- Improves task efficiency: Reduces distractions and enhances sustained attention during demanding tasks [4].
3. Sleep Support
- Enhances sleep quality: Helps the mind transition into a more relaxed state, improving restorative sleep [5].
4. Mood Regulation
- Balances stress hormones: Reduces cortisol levels, promoting emotional resilience and mood balance [6].
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Synergies with other Marco’s Grounds™ Ingredients
- GABA – Amplifies relaxation and stress resilience.
- B-Complex Vitamins – Supports neurotransmitter synthesis and overall mental energy.
- Ashwagandha – Works with L-Theanine to enhance stress resilience and promote a sense of calm.
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References
- Nathan, P. J., et al. (2006). The acute effects of tea on attention and mood. Psychopharmacology, 185(3), 457-464.
- Gomez-Ramirez, M., et al. (2007). Theanine improves attention and reaction time response. Neuropharmacology, 52(4), 779-785.
- Haskell, C. F., et al. (2008). The combined effects of L-Theanine and caffeine on cognitive performance and mood. Biological Psychology, 77(2), 113-122.
- Owen, G. N., et al. (2008). The combined effects of L-Theanine and caffeine on task-switching. Nutritional Neuroscience, 11(5), 193-198.
- Lyon, M. R., et al. (2011). L-Theanine and its potential benefits for mental health. Natural Medicine Journal, 3(4), 12-17.
- White, D. J., et al. (2016). The effect of L-Theanine, caffeine, and their combination on cognition and mood. Nutritional Neuroscience, 19(8), 417-423.
