Caffeine and L-Theanine: Nootropics You Didn't Know You Were Using

The caffeine & l-theanine nootropic stack.

Hold on, what's a nootropic? Glad you asked. Nootropics, often in supplement form, are substances that are said to support cognitive function, memory, creativity and sometimes even motivation.*

It's worth mentioning that there is still little scientific backing or evidence behind nootropics as a whole. However, caffeine and l-theanine are considered to be in the nootropic family, which are two you've probably tried.

What does caffeine do?

Most of us can certainly speak to the affects of caffeine on our bodies. It's probably our nootropic of choice, so to speak. If fact, over 64% of Americans drink at least one cup of coffee a day, making it the most popular nootropic nationwide. 

Caffeine stimulates the nervous system when consumed, delivering you a boost of energy. It may even help power you through your workout. 

That said, too much caffeine can potentially affect sleep quality, cause anxiety, or upset your stomach. If only there was something that could balance those side effects out. Enter...

 

What does L-theanine do?

L-theanine is amino acid commonly found in green tea (yes, matcha!), black tea, and some mushrooms. Also considered a nootropic, l-theanine is said to boost serotonin levels, which can help regulate our mood and boost overall feelings of well-being and joy.

L-theanine also helps to regulate dopamine levels. We've all heard the phrase "a rush of dopamine" - that sort of high you might experience while eating a great meal, after a great workout, or when sharing an intimate moment with your partner. Your brain is actually releasing this neurotransmitter during these activities that delivers your feel-good mood.

Caffeine and L-Theanine: The Best Energy Boost

Studies have shown that the combination of caffeine and l-theanine can boost energy, while also elevating performance and mood. 

But we'll do you one better. L-theanine when combined with caffeine can help you to avoid the "too much coffee" feeling and jitters. Besides giving your brain a boost, it's famous for supporting stress relief and curbing mental fatigue. 

For example, you may notice a different feeling when drinking matcha or green tea vs. coffee. Matcha and green tea tend to deliver a "calm alertness", where as the effects of coffee can be somewhat of a wildcard depending how much you drink (dare we ask, how much is in a venti?)

What's more, l-theanine itself has virtually no toxicity level or negative side effects reported. 

So there you have it! L-theanine might just make your caffeine work better for you. It's also a great way to balance or reduce your caffeine consumption in general. Guess what our Superfood Energy Blend has both of? ;)