Theanine: The All-Natural Weight Loss Aid

Theanine: The All-Natural Weight Loss Aid

With more people striving to maintain a healthy weight, obesity has recently become a significant health concern. In addition to causing physical issues like diabetes, heart disease, and joint discomfort, being overweight can also have a negative impact on one's mental health. Due to their weight, those who struggle with obesity may feel poor self-esteem, depressed, and anxious.

You might be feeling discouraged and irritated if you've tried several diets and exercise regimens without success. However, there might be a natural remedy to take into account: Green tea contains a substance called L-theanine that has been demonstrated to have anti-obesity properties. We'll explore the background, underlying principles, and current research on L-theanine as a potential assist in weight loss in this post.

History

Green tea in particular contains naturally occurring L-theanine, an amino acid. It was initially found in Japan in the late 1940s, and traditional medicine has utilized it ever since to encourage relaxation and enhance cognitive performance. L-theanine has drawn interest recently due to its conceivable role in weight loss.

How it works

Green tea in particular contains naturally occurring L-theanine, an amino acid. It is believed to function by raising the concentrations of several neurotransmitters in the brain, including as dopamine and serotonin, which can help lower stress and elevate mood. Cholecystokinin (CCK) and ghrelin, two hormones that control appetite, may also be produced in greater amounts.

The small intestine produces CCK, a hormone that aids in controlling appetite. After eating, it is released into the bloodstream and tells the brain to cease feeling hungry. On the other hand, ghrelin is an appetite-stimulating hormone made in the stomach. L-theanine may aid in reducing calorie intake and promoting weight loss by raising CCK production while lowering ghrelin production.

The amount of calories burned by the body, or energy expenditure, may also be increased with the use of L-theanine. According to one study, giving obese mice L-theanine supplementation led to higher levels of fat oxidation (the process through which fat is broken down to produce energy).

L-theanine may aid with stress reduction and mood enhancement in addition to its effects on appetite and energy expenditure, both of which can be crucial components in weight management. Stress and unfavorable feelings can cause emotional eating and a lack of exercise motivation, both of which can result in weight increase. L-theanine may make it simpler for people to stick to a healthy diet and exercise routine by assisting in stress reduction and mood improvement.

Studies and result

Numerous research have looked into how L-theanine affects weight loss in both humans and animals. According to a 2017 study that appeared in the Journal of Functional Foods, giving obese mice L-theanine supplements led to reductions in their body weight, body fat, and waist circumference. Another 2016 study indicated that L-theanine supplementation was linked to a decrease in body weight and body fat in obese women. This study was also published in the Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology.

L-theanine may have anti-obesity benefits, according to various animal studies in addition to those mentioned above. For instance, a 2015 study reported in the Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology discovered that obese rats supplemented with L-theanine had a reduction in body weight and body fat.

More research is necessary to properly understand L-effects theanine's on weight loss in humans, even though these trials indicate that it may be a potential natural weight loss tool.

It is also important to note that L-theanine may have stronger weight-loss effects when paired with other weight-loss strategies, such as a balanced diet and regular exercise. As with any supplement, it's crucial to consult a doctor before using it and to include it in a thorough weight loss program.

Recommended Dosage

The amount of L-theanine that should be taken depends on the product being used and the intended application. A dosage of 200–400 mg per day is commonly advised for weight loss. Before beginning any supplementation, it's crucial to speak with a healthcare professional to determine the right dosage for you.

Conclusion

In both animal and human research, the natural substance L-theanine, which is present in green tea, has been proven to have anti-obesity properties. L-theanine may be a worthwhile consideration as a natural alternative to conventional weight loss techniques, while additional research is required to properly understand its effects on weight loss in humans. As with any dietary supplement, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before beginning use.

Reference

  • Yokogoshi, H., Kobayashi, M., Mochizuki, M., & Terashima, T. (1998). Effect of theanine, r-glutamylethylamide, on brain monoamines and striatal dopamine release in conscious rats. Neurochemical research, 23(5), 667-673.
  • Braidy, N., Grant, R., Adams, D., & Guillemin, G. (2017). The effect of the green tea amino acid L-theanine on the pathological changes induced by iron in the brain. Journal of functional foods, 35, 399-411.
  • Yokogoshi, H., Kato, Y., Sagesaka, Y. M., & Kato, T. (1998). Reduction effect of theanine on blood pressure and brain 5-hydroxyindoles in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Bioscience, biotechnology, and biochemistry, 62(12), 2512-2516.
  • Kimura, K., Ozeki, M., Juneja, L. R., & Ohira, H. (2007). L-Theanine reduces psychological and physiological stress responses.
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