Weight is one of the major body issues that most people face in their lives, and all people want a slim body-like model irrespective of knowing their body type and their health concerns. Instead of promoting muscle gain, increasing metabolism, and accepting a healthy lifestyle, losing weight is always number one in our society. Discover the potential link between L-Theanine and weight loss as we explore how this natural compound may offer support on your wellness journey
What is L-Theanine?
As per medical science, L-theanine is an amino acid, and the intake of the same helps in the growth of body organs. The best part of L-Theanine is its occurrence, i.e., from tea leaves, so consumption of the same becomes completely safe. It helps in improving focus and attention, reducing stress and anxiety, enhancing sleep quality, increasing mood, increasing motivation, and, most importantly, helping in increasing memory as well.
Most of the studies show that L-theanine has major effects on the central nervous system (CNS), which is why it boosts many cognitive functions, but does L-theanine also help with weight loss is still a question. Let’s see the science behind this!
Nootropic Benefits of L-Theanine
- Enhanced Focus: L-Theanine promotes heightened attention and concentration, contributing to improved focus.
- Calm and Alert State: Known for its ability to induce a state of relaxation without drowsiness, L-Theanine provides calm alertness.
- Reduced Stress and Anxiety: L-Theanine has an anxiolytic effect, helping to mitigate stress and anxiety levels.
- Mood Improvement: By influencing neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, L-Theanine can contribute to a positive mood.
- Cognitive Function: L-theanine supports cognitive function by fostering a balanced and optimal brain state.
- Synergy with Caffeine: When combined with caffeine, L-Theanine can enhance the positive effects of alertness while mitigating caffeine-related jitters.
- Neuroprotective Properties: Some research suggests that L-Theanine may have neuroprotective effects, potentially supporting overall brain health.
- Natural Source: Found in tea leaves, L-Theanine is a natural component, making it easily accessible through tea consumption or supplements.
Does L-Theanine Help With Weight Loss?
Many government websites claim that there is recent research on mice and L-theanine in which they administrate L-theanine in mice; it is proved that L-theanine helps in reducing fat growth in mice. L-theanine activates the browning of subcutaneous white adipose tissue (WAT), which stores the excess energy, and browning of WAT occurs when WAT cells become more like brown adipose tissue, which is responsible for burning calories in the form of heat.
L-theanine is present in the tea leaves. It has some benefits in boosting metabolism and speeding up weight loss. Many other psychological effects also promote weight loss, such as:
1. Manage Craving
Most of the extra calories you eat are because of carvings and stress eating. Basically when your stomach is full, but your mind signals you to eat something tasty.
It has been shown that l-theanine raises gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels, a neurotransmitter that suppresses appetite. Additionally, it has been proven that L-theanine raises glutamine levels, an amino acid that has been observed to reduce appetite or cravings.
2. Improving Fat Burning
By activating brown adipose tissue (BAT), L-theanine may boost the body’s capacity to burn fat. Compared to white adipose tissue (WAT), the type of fat that is normally stored around the abdomen and thighs, brown adipose tissue (BAT) is more metabolically active and produces heat.
3. Improving Insulin Sensitivity
Many research suggests that L-theanine enhances insulin sensitivity, which may lower blood sugar levels and encourage fat reduction.
A hormone called insulin promotes the body’s use of glucose as energy. Weight gain may result from the body’s reduced ability to utilize glucose when insulin sensitivity is reduced.
Using L-Theanine for Weight Loss: Benefits and Side Effects
L-theanine is available as a supplement in capsule or powder form. Also found in green tea, but the amount of L-theanine in green tea can vary according to the amount and type of serving.
The recommended dosage of L-theanine for weight loss is 200-400 mg; you can take it between meals or before going to bed as well.
It is generally safe for everyone to take in a manageable way. But sometimes it can cause stomach upset, headache, dizziness, etc.
It is always recommended to start using L-theanine after consulting with your doctor because if you are on any medication like sedatives or antidepressants, antidepressant then it can react with these things to do major negative effects on the body.
Some additional tips for using L-theanine for weight loss
In Summary
L-theanine is a natural amino acid that can be beneficial for weight loss apart from its other health benefits. It works by managing caving or appetite, improving the burning fat mechanism, and improving insulin sensitivity.
While more research is needed to validate L-theanine’s long-term benefits on weight loss and identify the ideal dosage, preliminary findings are encouraging.
If you are still interested in taking L-theanine supplements for weight loss, then before that, you must consult your doctor, especially if you have any health conditions or are taking any medications.
FAQ
While interactions are rare, consulting with a healthcare provider is crucial, especially if you’re on medication or have pre-existing health conditions.
L-Theanine is generally safe, but some may experience mild side effects like headaches or dizziness. If any adverse reactions occur, discontinue use and seek medical advice.
L-Theanine can be combined with other supplements, but it’s essential to understand potential interactions. Consulting with a healthcare professional is recommended.
While generally safe, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, those with medical conditions, or those taking medications should consult a healthcare professional before using L-Theanine.
L-Theanine’s ability to reduce stress and anxiety may help prevent emotional eating, while improved focus can support mindful eating and adherence to a healthy diet.
While L-theanine itself doesn’t directly boost metabolism, its impact on stress levels may indirectly contribute to a more balanced metabolic state.
Yes, L-Theanine’s calming effects may assist in controlling cravings, especially those triggered by stress or emotional factors.
