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Why is everyone talking about L-Theanine?

August 26, 2026 · 12 min

Show notes

877. L-theanine, an amino acid found in tea leaves, is having a moment with longevity enthusiasts and menopause influencers alike, promoted to calm anxiety, clear brain fog, improve sleep, and slow aging. But does the research hold up? In this episode, Monica breaks down what the studies on L-theanine actually show about attention, sleep quality, stress, and cellular aging, and why a cup of coffee or a short nap might do just as much for your focus.


This is the expert roundtable on healthy aging that Monica participated in with USNWR that triggered this episode on theanine.


References

Cognitive and affective effects of L-Theanine: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 31 randomized trials | Molecular Psychiatry 

The effects of L-theanine consumption on sleep outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis - ScienceDirect 

L-Theanine Extends the Lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans by Reducing the End Products of Advanced Glycosylation 

l-theanine: From tea leaf to trending supplement – does the science match the hype for brain health and relaxation? - ScienceDirect 


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