Is L-Theanine Considered A Nootropic?

Updated March 4, 2024 by | Reviewed by William Gallagher, MNeuroSci
(Estimated reading time: 2 minutes)

In this article, I'll talk about what L-Theanine is, what it's used for, and whether or not it's a nootropic (a drug that enhances cognition).

I'll also go over some of the common questions about L-Theanine and explain why I think people should buy this supplement.

So without further ado, let's just get straight into it, shall we?

L-theanine's Nootropic Properties

L-Theanine is an amino acid that is naturally found in green tea, as well as many other plants such as chickpeas and mushrooms.

This amino acid is believed to promote positive feelings as well as relaxation, which is why many people take it to reduce stress and anxiety.

Psychopharmacology research has demonstrated that L-Theanine can also improve attention performance in healthy volunteers.

A study also found that L-theanine boosts alpha waves in the brain, which is an indicator of a relaxed state.

Yes, L-theanine is considered a Nootropic. In fact, L-theanine is a fairly well-known nootropic that many people take to reduce anxiety and improve cognitive function.

It's also quite commonly used as a pre-workout supplement by people in the body-building community.

When L-theanine is stacked with caffeine, it's believed to increase focus and cognitive function without making you feel nervous or jittery

The reason for this is that L-theanine works primarily as an antagonist to the dominant chemical in green tea called L-theanine (catechins).

You may also know L-theanine as a relaxation supplement. This is because it helps reduce stress and anxiety, which improves your mood.

L-theanine is said to work by promoting the production of alpha brain waves, which are very relaxed and meditative states. Alpha brain waves are associated with creativity and expanded consciousness.

When you take L-theanine, it is believed to improve your mood and promote a relaxed state of mind without causing drowsiness.

This also means that L-theanine can be taken alongside caffeine without causing any jitteriness or nervousness.

I think that anyone who wants to improve their attention and concentration should consider buying this supplement.

When you stack it with caffeine that's when you really start to see the positive cognitive effects of L-theanine.

L-theanine and caffeine work synergistically which means that the cognitive benefits of each supplement are increased when they're used together.

Specifically, the cognitive benefits of L-theanine include improved attention and focus as well as a reduction in stress and anxiety.

The cognitive benefits of caffeine include alertness, wakefulness, and an increased ability to process information.