The composition of green tea
L-theanine, natural relaxer and anti-stress
Despite its high theine content, green tea does indeed have a calming effect. But why? Above all, thank the L-theanine, this amino acid present in green tea leaves. Theanine is in fact known for its effects on the brain:
- it would reduce mental and physical stress
- it would produce a relaxing effect
- Finally, L-theanine would contribute to well-being by reducing the perception of stress and anxiety.
Green tea, particularly thanks to L-theanine, would therefore be beneficial for managing your minor anxieties.
The good news is that the relaxing effect produced by the L-theanine in green tea will not make you drowsy or sleepy. Indeed, L-theanine acts on the brain as relaxing without being sedative. Remember that green tea is made up of theine (the same molecule as caffeine). L-theanine is not to be confused with theine. These two substances are much more complementary than one might think.
Theine and caffeine, what is the difference?
We tend to think (wrongly) that theine has the same power as caffeine. Although the molecule is the same, the effects of theine on our body are very different from caffeine.
When caffeine excites the body and mind, theine is much less “wild”:
- The amount of caffeine in a cup of tea is different from that present in a cup of coffee. There is three to four times less caffeine in a cup of tea. Green tea in particular is much less intense in caffeine than other teas... Black tea, for example, is one of the teas richest in caffeine. The same goes for matcha which is known for its high caffeine content.
- The assimilation of theine by the body is different. In coffee, theine passes directly into the bloodstream, which produces a short-term exciting effect. We are talking about an effect “whiplash”. While theine, associated with tea tannins, diffuses gently in the body and produces a more lasting energizing effect. The effects are therefore smoothed and the energy boost is more lasting. It is also said that green tea is better than coffee for concentrating.
At Kusmi, we like to relax and unwind with a good green tea: what could be more natural after all.
Focus on matcha green tea: does matcha relax?
Although it is part of the green tea family, matcha is far from being the ugly duckling of the family when it comes to benefits. Is matcha tea more or less effective in reducing anxiety? ? Back to basics: what is matcha?
Originally from Japan, matcha is a unique, very fine powder resulting from the grinding of green tea leaves between two blocks of granite, used for the famous tea ceremony in Japan.
The virtues of matcha tea are more or less the same as regular green tea: full of antioxidants, vitamins (A, C and E), trace elements (zinc, copper and iron) and amino acids. Note, however, that matcha is said to offer around ten times more antioxidants than a regular cup of green tea. It is also interesting to note its rich in magnesium, a mineral trace element recognized for its anti-stress property. Finally, like all green teas, matcha is composed of theanine. Theanine would aim to regulate mood and act beneficially on memory, concentration and depression. Good news for matcha mania!
A relaxing alternative without caffeine? Do infusions have a calming effect?
If the theanine which makes up green teas can help you reduce your anxiety, do not underestimate the relaxing powers 100% theine-free organic infusions.
Count on plants to soothe you and keep your anxiety away:
- Verbena is known for its calming virtues and for its potential effectiveness on sleep disorders. The verbena would help combat stress. At Kusmi, you can find this soothing plant in our Becool organic infusion, ideal for sleeping, calm down and relax during the day.
- Thechamomile, one of the plants the most sold in the world, is, also known for its calming virtues. You can test the benefits of chamomile thanks to our organic infusion: Lovely Night.
- Lemon balm, for its part, is less known and is present in our organic infusion Feel Zen and would help fight against nervous disorders, stress and overwork.
3 tips to reduce daily anxiety?
Take breaks. If green tea is known for its relaxing properties, the tea break itself is also an excellent way to relieve stress. Pausing, taking a step back and focusing on the present moment is essential when faced withanxiety.
Breathe and focus on your breathing. It is not for nothing that yoga is one of the best sports for health by allowing you to reconnect with your breathing and your anchoring to the ground.
Play sports. Sport allows some people to reduce tension, think about something else and free themselves from anxieties.
Convinced? Discover the range of organic green teas Made in Normandy.