L-theanine: Matcha’s charming secret

September 22, 2024

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

What is L-theanine?
What are L-theanine’s health benefits?
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

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.