What effect does theanine have on serotonin?

[addick]

I have read on wikipedia that it both decreases and increases serotonin. There are only 8 results on pubmed. Some suggest it is do with nerve maturity.


Thanks

[bobbin]

I have read on wikipedia that it both decreases and increases serotonin. There are only 8 results on pubmed.

I doubt enough research has been done to answer that question. The same applies to most plant products.

Are you asking because you benefit from a cup of green tea?

[addick]

Yes, I certainly think I do. But if that cup of tea will result in a drop in serotonin, I'm not sure I should be drinking it.

[johnep]

Well in that case, seek out tryptophan rich foods. McCance and Widdowson is standard textbook on composition of foods.
johnep

[addick]

I am interested in how theanine blocks the negative effects of caffeine.

The research I have done suggests it is unclear if caffeine provides a mental benefit (might even be a hinderance). Suppose it did though, could theanine enhance these benefits, while stopping the many negative health effects of caffeine?

I drink decaf but feel I must be missing out on caffeine, as lot of people consume it.

[johnep]

Drink Redbush instead. Tastes nicer and no caffeine.
johnep

[bobbin]

Yes, I certainly think I do. But if that cup of tea will result in a drop in serotonin, I'm not sure I should be drinking it.

It is not known how L-theanine affects serotonin and to be honest, I don't think it would tell you much anyway. The only important thing is how it affects you. If you like tea and it makes you feel better, go ahead and drink it. Green tea is allegedly best for the health, although this may not be true. Normal black tea could have some health benefits. As far as I know, all types of tea contain L-theanine, but the content may vary in different brands.

Small amounts of caffeine are fine for most people, it is not unhealthy unless you drink tonnes of coffee or something. Just avoid caffeine in the evening if you're not sleeping well. If caffeine makes you feel anxious, avoid it, but small amounts of caffeine rarely cause much anxiety.

If you want to try L-theanine on its own you can buy it in capsules as a food supplement. Various online health food stores sell it. It's supposed to be relaxing (without drowsiness) but I have no idea whether it actually does any good.

A decent cup of tea might help you cut through the brain fog! I'd rather have a cuppa than a theanine capsule. Don't like green tea though. Proper tea all the way

[hibernia]

It is not known how L-theanine affects serotonin and to be honest, I don't think it would tell you much anyway. The only important thing is how it affects you. If you like tea and it makes you feel better, go ahead and drink it.

I agree, that is good advice. The key point for almost anything you eat and drink is moderation. A little alcohol is good, a lot is bad. A little caffeine is good, a lot is bad. I don't know anything about theanine but I suspect that after conducting loads of research they might find that a little is good, a lot is bad.

'A little of what you fancy does you good' is a old saying that has a lot of truth. Worrying about all the possible effects of what you eat will do you more harm than the food ever could. Remember how fortunate we are to have plenty to eat when so many suffer from hunger and malnutrition.

[addick]

Thanks all. I will try and drink caffeinated tea. From what you describe, it sounds like caffeine effect's are much gentler in tea then in coffee. I used to consume caffeine through coffee.

[johnep]

'effect's are much gentler in tea then in coffee'
Added bonus may be less risk of pancreatic cancer. Seem to remember reading high coffee consumption increases risk, or is that a myth.
johnep