How Do Caffeine And L-theanine Make A Perfect Cup Of Bigelow Tea?
Tea enthusiasts everywhere grab your favorite brew and get ready for a jolt of knowledge about everyone's favorite pick-me-up: caffeine! At Bigelow Tea, as you might know, we like to dive in and investigate everything tea so let’s take a look at caffeine specifically and then its relationship to the amino acid called l-theanine.
Let's dive in and explore, shall we?
What exactly is Caffeine?
Imagine caffeine as a natural pick me up that is in each favorite cup of green or black tea! Caffeine is a natural compound found in fruits, coffee beans, cacao, and guarana plants, as well as our beloved tea leaves. It interacts with our bodies by stimulating the nervous system and preventing tiredness, which may improve brain function some studies say.
How much Caffeine Should I Consume per Day?
According to Mayo Clinic, up to 400 mg of caffeine per day is considered safe for most adults. If you tend to enjoy multiple cups throughout your morning or afternoon, here are some of the approximate caffeine contents of your favorite Bigelow teas per 8 oz. cup (exact contents may vary):
- Black Teas: 30-60 mg
- Green Teas: 25-50 mg
- Decaffeinated Teas: 1-8 mg
- Herbal Teas: 0 mg
Caffeine and L-Theanine: The Dream Team
Now, here is where things get interesting: the relationship between caffeine and l-theanine. It is truly a perfect combination happening in your teacup! L-theanine, a remarkable amino acid found in Camelia sinesis tea leaves (learn more here), plays off of caffeine in a synergy that will change your daily caffeine game (if it doesn’t already!). While caffeine revs up your energy levels, l-theanine swoops in with a calming effect which helps to reduce the sense of stress or anxiety that can accompany nervous system activity, as suggested in a 2020 study. Think yin and yang, but for your mind and body.
How does Caffeine and L-Theanine Work Together?
When you sip a cup of green or black tea, caffeine enters your system as a natural stimulant. It improves your focus, boosts your alertness, and gives you that extra pep for your day, as discovered by The American Heart Association.
And here is where l-theanine comes in: it calms down jitters that caffeine can sometimes bring to each cup, this study says. A 2020 study explains that L-theanine promotes relaxation, boosts one’s mood, and helps to manage stress and anxiety. It is the perfect balance to the stimulating effects of caffeine which leaves you feeling more centered and composed (in addition to awake!).
At Bigelow Tea, a third-generation family run business and national tea leader, we take pride in blending our carefully selected ingredients to deliver an uncompromised quality tea experience with each cup. Whether you're sipping one of our newest blends, Peak Energy™ Black Tea plus extra L-Theanine and Caffeine, or enjoying classics like #1 Bigelow Tea Earl Grey Black Tea or Bigelow Classic Green Tea, you can expect a beverage that not only tastes delicious, but also delivers functional benefits.
Next time you are in need of a boost, let Bigelow Tea be your trusted companion. Enjoy the invigorating embrace of caffeine and savor the calming effects of l-theanine in every sip. Cheers to the perfect harmony!
