by To get the most benefit from tea consumption, choosing the right type is imperative. “L-theanine is a natural amino acid found in all ‘true’ teas. “This is what sets them apart from herbal teas that do not contain L-theanine,” explains Peter Gogi, president of the American Tea Association. “True teas” are teas derived from the plant Camellia sinensis and include (among others) white, black, green and oolong. But these four types of tea, according to Goggi, serve as the four richest sources of L-theanine.
To understand the benefits of consuming this drink, we asked the professionals to spill the tea. With the help of a psychopharmacologist and a leading tea blender, we have put together the best teas full of L-theanine, what to look out for when shopping (not all teas are produced equal, after all) and how to prepare and enjoy them at home.
Related stories
How L-theanine-filled teas help improve focus and mood, according to a psychopharmacologist
Top nutrition scientists have recently gathered to present the latest data linking the role of tea and its health benefits at the Sixth International Scientific Symposium on Tea and Human Health. We spoke with one of the conference presenters, Louise Dye, PhD, a psychopharmacologist and professor of nutrition and behavior at the University of Leeds, to learn more about the relationship between drinking L-theanine tea and the positive neurological effects over time. next year.
Dr. Dye explains that cognitive function and performance naturally begin to decline as you grow older. To minimize the effects of this physical decline, Dr. Dye focuses on ways we can work to optimize brain health by consuming L-theanine tea. “Drinking tea with L-theanine can help maintain attention under stress and is associated with increased alpha activity — thus a relaxed but alert state,” he says.
In her studies Dr. Dai found that the teas they contain both L-theanine and caffeine are most effective when it comes to improving focus and mood. “L-theanine has been shown to reduce cortisol and cardiovascular responses to acute stress in humans,” says Dr. Dye. And caffeine can, of course, help you stay focused. “With these effects on attention, tea is the best drink of choice in a time of increased stress and exhaustion.”
How a major tea blender recommends buying L-theanine teas
When making teas full of this brain-boosting amino acid, Art Tea’s main tea blender and founder, Steve Schwartz, focuses never the leaves were collected. “Imagine you are going to sprint – you are running under the block – and you have to do it again and again. “Let’s be honest: The third or fourth time, your sprints will not be so fast,” says Schwartz. “The reason I share this analogy is because it applies to the way tea is made: The plant Camellia sinensis, from which the tea leaves come, has a number of different washes.” The flushes, he explains, refer to the number of leaves collected from the same plant.
When sourcing, Schwartz recommends that you look for the “first rinse”, as it will be more flavor-sensitive and richer in many of the tea’s significant health benefits, including L-theanine. “The first rinsing occurs in the spring after the plant has remained dormant and absorbs nutrients through the roots; the first hard-stemmed tea shoots produce these soft leaves, which are full of more amino acids, theanine, caffeine and flavanols.” Schwartz.
Are you ready to catch some Zs? Here is your solution for a good night’s rest:
6 Expertly Recommended Teas Packed With L-Theanine To Improve Attention And Reduce Stress
Green tea
Art of Tea Ceremonial Grade Matcha Tin – $ 32.00
Schwartz divides green tea into three categories that offer the richest extracts: sencha grown in Japan, gyokuro (also known as Japanese green tea with shade) and matcha. He explains that these L-theanine-rich teas all come from the same plant, but are subject to different harvesting methods. However, among the three, he notes that matcha, like this ritual bunch of Art of Tea, borrows the largest amount of L-theanine.
Nekohama Ceremonial Matcha 40g – $ 60.00
“Typically, when you make a tea, you soak the leaves, pull them out and drink the extract,” says Schwartz. “When it comes to matcha, it’s the opposite – with matcha, you have a high quality powdered green tea that you whip, froth and then consume the whole leaf. Therefore, you can get more health benefits of L-theanine “. This ritual matcha from Nekohama also offers an energy boost without flicker or crash.
Oolong tea
Art of Tea Orchid Oolong Tea – $ 32.00
“You can get a lot of L-theanine from the Taiwanese oolong because you can get a lot abruptly from it. “Once in the fourth or fifth abrupt you not only have a nice taste profile, but also more health benefits, because it has gone so far and taken the nutrients to a deeper level,” says Schwartz. This Art of Tea Orchid Oolong Tea is grown on the hilltops of Nantou, Taiwan, and creates a lilac flavor that is buttery and soft with a fresh orchid finish.
Us Two Homesick Oolong Tea – $ 8.95
This Oolong Tea from Us Two is available in tea bags from biodegradable corn fiber that offer a floral, grassy look. BTW, oolongs usually come from the sides of the plant, receive less sunlight and grow more slowly. This longer growth time can make them richer in antioxidants.
Black tea
Art of Tea Plum Oolong Tea – $ 27.00
According to Schwartz, the longer you brew a tea, the more caffeine, polyphenols and flavanols it can release. “Black tea is more oxidized, cooked and processed, which can mean higher levels of L-theanine,” he says. Schwartz recommends buying tea with loose leaves or high-quality sachets, such as Art of Tea tart and fruity Plum Oolong Tea. Loose leaf teas can release more nutrients to maximize their potential.
BLK & Bold Peach Loose Leaf Black Tea – $ 11.99
When it comes to storing tea at home, it is advisable to avoid three key elements: light, heat and humidity. Schwartz keeps its teas in airtight containers, away from windows, and avoids moisture that can dilute the delicate flavors of the tea. Brands such as BLK & Bold’s Peach Loose Leaf Black Tea are available in easily sealed bags that can hold up to 43 cups of hot tea per three ounces. This is a big saving!
And to get the most out of any of these drinks, Schwartz recommends taking a few minutes a day to improve your meditation and mindfulness when making tea. Taking a short break to drink this drink can help boost your mental health and engage in what you call “digital detoxification” during stressful times in life.
Oh Hello! You look like someone who loves free workouts, discounts on modern wellness brands and exclusive Well + Good content. Subscribe to Well +our online wellness community and unlock your rewards right away.
Our authors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links can earn a Well + Good commission.
