Supplement Godfather
Don Gauvreau
MSc, CSCS
Don Gauvreau, A.K.A. The Supplement Godfather, is one of the leading researchers and product formulators in the sports supplement industry.
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L-Theanine Formulations
Q: I notice you include L-theanine in different formulas. What are all the benefits of this ingredient?
A: L-theanine happens to be one of the amino acids that offers some very unique and interesting benefits. L-theanine is derived from green tea, which is a well-known and potent antioxidant. It has the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and exert psychoactive effects. L-theanine has been shown to increase the levels of the neurotransmitters gamma-amino-butyric-acid (GABA), dopamine, and serotonin, in the brain. Studies also show that supplementation with L-theanine works to produce a sense of relaxation and well-being, but without sedative effects.
This makes L-theanine unique in that it will work to allow for sustained mental focus, without stimulation of the central nervous system. Studies show that supplementing with L-theanine can also work as an adaptogen, limiting the stress response and reducing the amount of cortisol that is released by the adrenal glands during times of stress. This makes L-theanine very useful in the fight against physical and mental stress. It also makes it an effective means of keeping cortisol, the muscle killing hormones, hormone, at lower levels during training sessions. This translates into more muscle growth and less muscle wasting.
L-Theanine Study Highlights:
• A study conducted on 27 healthy men showed that treatment with a standardized L-theanine supplement significantly lowered post-task cortisol levels in all subjects.
• Subjects in one study underwent tests of mental performance and physiological activities under conditions of physical and psychological stress. L-theanine was shown to reduce anxiety and also stabilize blood pressure in these high-stress-response situations.
• Study demonstrated L-theanine’s ability to increase relaxation, without inducing drowsiness. The results demonstrated greater alpha-wave brain activity in those subjects that supplemented with L-theanine, compared to the placebo group
To read more about the benefits of L-Theanine for bodybuilding, click here!
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