AOR Zen Theanine - Supports Cognitive Function - 60 Vcaps

Supports healthy mental function and mood Like a relaxing cup of tea Theanine is an uncommon and unique amino acid that is primarily found in green tea. Theanine is associated with supporting the healthy function of the mind and balancing mood. It has anti-stress properties and has been found to relax people without creating drowsiness and without the agitation associated with caffeine. Optimal mental activity Theanine helps to support alpha-wave brain activity, which is associated with the relaxed and peaceful alertness that is experienced during meditation. Part of its function is based on its ability to influence the levels of brain signaling molecules. In particular, theanine increases the metabolism of dopamine and serotonin, which are associated with mood and mental function. In animals, theanine has been found to improve learning ability and memory, to decrease blood pressure and to protect nerves from cell death. To achieve Zen Theanine is one of the primary components of tea that gives it its relaxing and healthful properties. AOR’s Zen-theanine provides an optimal dose of this remarkable amino acid. What Is L-Theanine? L-theanine is a rare amino acid. This amino acid is found amost exclusively in certain species of tea plants. It constitutes between 1 and 2% of the dry weight of tea leaves and accounts for approximately one half of all the free amino acids present in the leaves. First discovered in 1949, L- theanine is not only an important health-giving constituent of tea, but also is the major flavor component of green tea. The Relaxation Factor Researchers have often wondered why it is that tea, despite its caffeine content, tends to relax individuals without making them drowsy. Similarly, those engaging in meditation practices may drink tea to dispel mental sluggishness and yet not become mentally agitated, as is typical with the consumption of too much coffee. L-theanine appears to be the component in green tea which is responsible for these particular benefits. This is good news for the 65% of adult Americans who suffer from daily stress. Various tests have demonstrated the anti-stress effects of L-theanine. One of the more revealing of these experiments examined brain wave patterns after the ingestion of L-theanine. This research built upon the knowledge that humans produce specific patterns of electrical pulses on the surface of the brain which mirror brain states. The four primary wave patterns are known as the alpha, beta, delta and theta brain waves, representing, respectively, 1) relaxed wakefulness, 2) excitation, 3) sound sleep, and 4) dozing sleep. In one experiment, 50 female volunteers divided into high-anxiety and low-anxiety groups were given L-theanine once a week and had their brain waves measured. The results were a marked increase in alpha-waves starting roughly 40 minutes after ingestion. Researchers concluded that L- theanine rapidly enters the system when ingested and that it heightens the index of the brain wave which is known to be linked to a state of relaxed wakefulness. Researchers also have explored whether the response to L-theanine might be influenced by the level of anxiety found in test subjects. As might be expected, the greater degree of change is found in those manifesting high anxiety. Improved Learning Animal tests have been used to find out if L-theanine exerts an impact upon memory and learning ability. In a test which measured learning ability, the L-theanine-treated animals out-performed the controls, especially as the tests became more advanced. Various experiments have attempted to determine how L-theanine achieves its benefits in the areas of relaxation and learning. These tests have shown that the amino acid influences the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. The metabolism of dopamine and serotonin is influenced by L- theanine ingestion. Benefits for the Liver and Nerve Health Other trials with L-theanine looked at its effects upon liver health. L-theanine has shown to be active in preventing injury to the liver caused by liver toxins. L-theanine, furthermore, appears to protect against certain so-called "excitotoxins." It modulates the motor-stimulation associated with caffeine, and it inhibits some of the actions of norepinephrine in the central nervous system. In tests with gerbils, L-theanine protected against the destruction of neurons induced ischemia, a condition which can lead to a rapid increase in glutamate in neurons and result in the death of these cells. • Helps maintain a relaxed state of mind • Anti-stress • Supports mood • Supports cognitive function