Theanine and Caffeine

Tea has theanine and caffeine, and although both coffee and tea have caffeine which offers a certain level of stimulation; it is tea that contains the relaxant, theanine which has a synergistic effect when paired with caffeine. Theanine (chemical name: r-glutamylethylamide) is an amino acid derivative commonly found in tea. Theanine acts as a non-sedating relaxant to help increase the brain’s production of alpha-waves in the brain. This makes theanine useful in reducing tension, stress, and anxiety-without inducing drowsiness. Theanine also increases our levels of dopamine, which is a brain chemical with mood-enhancing effects. Theanine purportedly does not come with side effects like drowsiness as opposed to other relaxants available in the market. Ongoing studies are being conducted on the usage of theanine to determine its impact on preventing dementia, controlling blood pressure and cholesterol and PMS.

A 2007 study funded by Unilever found that caffeine and theanine given together could boost the activity of brain neurons. This study was conducted by Dr. John J. Foxe and his colleagues, Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory at the Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research in Orangeburg, NY. The attention span and the ability to ignore distraction were monitored over four days ingesting water, theanine, caffeine and a combination of the two. Additionally, brain activity was also tested. The subjects’ concentration levels varied little between days when they got water alone or with only either caffeine or theanine. On the day the subjects got theanine and caffeine combination, their attention span lasted throughout the test. Brain activity, measured throughout each test, showed that theanine induced strong alpha waves in neurons, suggesting restfulness. In other words, there was an improvement in alpha brain wave activity when the ingredients were combined. “We have seen that just 20 minutes after consuming theanine, the blood concentrations increase and the brain’s alpha waves are impacted. It lasts about three to four hours, which we have speculated may be why people tend to drink a cup of tea every three-to-four hours during the day,” says Dr. Foxe.

Caffeine and theanine—when used in combination—appear to complement each other. Caffeine stimulates the brain and makes increases activity. However, caffeine comes with side effects like increased anxiety and blood pressure. These side effects are kept at bay when theanine is taken along with caffeine. The ability of theanine to block caffeine’s stimulation is much greater than caffeine’s ability to stimulate. Theanine increases brain levels of gamma amino butyric acid (GABA), a calming neurotransmitter, while caffeine decreases it. Theanine when ingested along with caffeine diminishes caffeine-related sleep problems and lowers blood pressure levels in spite of the caffeine. The increased level of GABA doesn’t just provide relaxation; it also creates a sense of wellness.

What do you think is more fun to drink, tea or coffee? Leave your vote in the comments.