Is Theanine Bad For You?
Also Known As: L-γ-glutamylethylamide
Short answer
L-Theanine, commonly known as theanine, is not harmful to the human body. Theanine has been ingested by humans for thousands of years by means of green and black teas, as well as some species of mushrooms. In more recent years, it has made its way into energy drinks such as Red Bull. Of all the ingredients found in energy drinks, theanine happens to one additive that poses no known acute or chronic risk to the human body.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Without considering water, theanine is the most widely consumed beverage in the world. It was found to be a derivative of green tea plants in 1949. It is a naturally occurring, non-essential amino acid present in the body. It is responsible for providing the brain with the nourishment that it requires to experience decreased levels of stress. Additionally, theanine is readily available in various black tea species and it can also be found in large quantities in green tea plants as well. Aside from the direct interaction with stress levels in the brain, it also plays a vital role blood pressure control, human immune health, and proper sleep/wake cycles.
Many people have used theanine as part of a vitamin and supplement regiment and have never complained of any adverse side effects. However, there is a minority of theanine users that have experienced dizziness and headaches, when they reported having taken large doses. Medical research subjects have experienced beneficial symptoms, such as “smooth and glowing skin”. When the brain processes theanine, increased doses of the hormone dopamine are released. This process is believed to have stopped a stroke in its onset, in some cases. There is, however, no definitive scientific proof to confirm the claim.
Doctors may recommend that those undergoing a treatment program with sedative drugs, opt for a diet low in theanine. Since theanine is known to promote relaxation in the brain, taking it with sedatives may make the user feel additional sedation. However, these findings are presented in general terms. As with any other supplement use with caution and pregnant women should seek advice from their physician before using theanine.
Possible short-term side effects
- headaches
-
dizziness
-
gastrointestinal problems (rare)
Benefits
- stress reliever
-
blood pressure control
-
immune health
-
sleep/wake health
Please turn your Ad Blocker off to see this content. Thank you!
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by DeeAnne Oldham
Published on: 02-19-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by DeeAnne Oldham
Published on: 02-19-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Approved by 
