L-theanine: Matcha’s charming secret

L-theanine: Matcha’s charming secret

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Matcha is known for its deep roots in Japanese tradition and culture and is cherished for health benefits and calming effects. One component of matcha is L-theanine, a soothing organic compound that perfectly balances the effects of caffeine, as well as aiding the body with basic functions. Read on to learn what L-theanine is, how it promotes well-being, and how much of it is in a cup of tasty matcha.

Contents

  1. What is L-theanine?
  2. What are L-theanine’s health benefits?
  3. How much L-theanine is in matcha?

1. What is L-theanine?

L-theanine is a type of amino acid, or a building block of protein in your body that allows it to function properly. L-theanine directly affects the brain, suppressing stress hormones and naturally bringing on cozy feelings of relaxation and comfort.

Matcha leaves boast a lot of L-theanine, due to the unique conditions implemented by tea farmers. In most green tea leaves, L-theanine is transformed into catechins when exposed to sunlight. Matcha leaves are special, though. They are cultivated using a unique shading process before harvest. This results in matcha leaves that are L-theanine-rich and bursting with that umami sweetness we all savor. L-theanine is found exclusively in green tea and is especially abundant in gyokuro and kabusecha, in addition to matcha.

2. What are L-theanine’s health benefits?

The relaxation brought on by L-theanine has a sort of ripple effect throughout the body, triggering multiple health benefits, including:

  • a relaxation effect,
  • stress reduction and anxiety relief,
  • enhanced concentration
  • A woman reclines in a rocking chair, eyes closed, enjoying the outdoors, holding a glass of sparkling matcha.

3. How much L-theanine is in matcha?

The daily recommendation for L-theanine, a functional (meaning nutrient-rich) food ingredient is 200 milligrams. Some people may experience an increase in alpha waves with as little as 50 milligrams of L-theanine.

Cuzen's Premium Blend Matcha Leaf comprises only first-harvest tea leaves, which means the blend is teeming with L-theanine. A level three shot, made with Premium Blend in the Matcha Maker (equal to about two grams of matcha), contains around 50 milligrams of L-theanine.

  • A glass of iced matcha and the Matcha Maker Sumi Black, in front of a row of dark green bamboo stalks.

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