Matcha, stress relief & focus
Hey Muse,
We have seen how the relaxing effect given by matcha despite the caffeine content is attributable to L-theanine, which precisely counteracts the stimulating action of the central nervous system of theine, allowing you to enter a state of calm but not drowsiness. A relaxed wakefulness in which side effects associated with caffeine such as anxiety, shaking and nervousness, hyperexcitability and tachycardia are modulated.
Matcha is rich in caffeine, which allows you to enjoy the boost of energy and attention that this molecule induces, but at the same time rich in theanine, which thanks to its properties counteracts the negative effects associated with the consumption of caffeine, guaranteeing a state of wakefulness but also of psychophysical calm.
L-THEANINE: WHAT IS IT?
L-theanine is an amino acid found in nature almost exclusively in Camellia sinensis, the plant from whose leaves the famous infusion is obtained, in particular in matcha.
Theanine is a very important molecule, recently studied for its psychoactive properties, as it is able to cross the blood-brain barrier and induce alpha waves (or alpha rhythm) in the brain, usually recorded when the subject is awake, but completely relaxed.
WHERE IS L-THEANINE FOUND?
Theanine is an amino acid that develops in the tea plant when the leaves are very young.
Not many people know that theanine affects the taste of tea: the more theanine is present in the leaf, the sweeter the tea will be. Precisely for this reason a good matcha is recognizable by the characteristic sweet and velvety taste, due to the high quantities of theanine.
Among the green teas richest in theanine we find matcha, characteristic for its sweetness and balance. But why does matcha have more theanine than other green teas?
The cultivation methods, the time of harvest of the leaves and the climate are all factors that affect the chemical composition of the leaves, and therefore also on the levels of theanine.
Matcha has high quantities of this amino acid mainly due to the traditional cultivation method of Japan: with this cultivation the tea plants are shaded, and through shading the plant is protected from the sun: in this way a tea leaf is obtained.
Very rich in L-theanine, but also in caffeine and antioxidants.
PROPERTIES OF L-THEANINE
But what is theanine used for and why is it considered a quality index of matcha? As already outlined, theanine has numerous properties: in particular, it is an amino acid that crosses the blood-brain barrier and increases the alpha rhythm, the basal rhythm of electroencephalography in which one is awake but in a completely relaxed state. Brain waves are recorded through the electroencephalogram which captures electrical impulses on the surface of the scalp: the rhythm and the different frequency and amplitude of the waves correspond to a different brain activity, from wakefulness to relaxation to sleep. Alpha waves are therefore characterized by slow oscillations with a frequency of 8-13 Hz and indicate an adult awake, alert but relaxed and free from thoughts.
Experimental studies have shown how the administration of theanine in subjects with anxiety problems generated alpha brain waves 30 minutes after intake, corresponding to the times of absorption of L-theanine and of reaching the brain tissue.
Numerous studies have also shown that taking theanine helps reduce physical and mental stress, inducing a feeling of relaxation but not drowsiness, thus improving attention and concentration. Thanks to the combined effect with the caffeine present in tea leaves, theanine helps to improve concentration and cognitive functions, as it counteracts the negative and anxiolytic effects of the former.
In general, from the evidence found in the scientific literature, properties are attributed to L-theanine:
Relaxing and Sedative
Anxiolytic and Hypotensive
Antidepressants
Neuroprotective
Anti-stress and fatigue
Immunomodulators
Relaxing and Anxiolytic Properties
Generally, alpha waves are recorded in that intermediate twilight in which one is relaxed but not asleep, a very favorable state for the body and the brain, which can also be achieved through meditation and breathing practices. It is the state that is experienced just before sleeping, a state of extreme calm: on the contrary, a low level of alpha waves results in anxiety, stress and insomnia.
The effect produced by theanine in the brain is attributed to the increased production of GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid), an important neurotransmitter that regulates neuronal excitability, the nervous system, and dopamine levels in the brain.
Some studies show that L-theanine regulates the toxic actions of glutamic acid, whose high concentration at the neuronal level seems to favor headaches, insomnia and excitement as well as being able to cause neuronal damage, and Alzheimer's disease.
Are you still waiting for more reasons to drink matcha?
To think that a Dutch study showed how a cup of matcha caused improvements in attention, reaction time and memory, compared to placebo in the young students of the study. While a Japanese study showed a cup of matcha a day for two months has helped improve brain function in older people.
Indeed, I believe that making and sipping matcha becomes a way for you to relax and be alert, no matter if you are young or not so young anymore 😉
Matcha has been shown to reduce cortisol (the stress hormone that is known to stimulate crazy cravings, increase visceral and abdominal fat, increase risk of adult-onset diabetes and high blood pressure, to trigger a bunch of gastrointestinal disorders, and especially to drive hormonal imbalances from PCOS to endometriosis to menstrual irregularities).
Matcha is truly the anti-cortisol. It helps stabilize blood sugar (essential for hormonal balance and active metabolism), and reduces stress on the adrenal glands thanks to the famous L-theanine in matcha that reduces levels of cortisol by creating alpha waves in the brain, producing that coveted state of calm and serene alertness.
Coffee, in contrast, does the opposite: it causes an adrenaline and cortisol spike.
Drinking matcha does not only reduce stress on a short-term basis but it also lowers the risk of depression and dementia in a long-run too, just by simply getting into habit of drinking 1 cup of matcha a day, according to studies.
So, if you needed yet more reason to introduce matcha into your life, there it is!
Next time that you feel gloomy, especially with all the uncertainties happening around the world, one sure way to reduce your stress and anxiety is to drink a cup of matcha.
Cheers, drink your stress away!
Why not indulge in a nice cup of matcha and enjoy all these fantastic benefits of our beloved powdered green gold?
As you know by now, I always choose MATCHITA: why? Read the blog’s previous article and I'm sure you'll fall in love with the brand too!
Much Love,
Manuela