L-theanine and Alpha Waves: The science of relaxation with Dr Adrian Lopresti and Dr Nenad Naumovski
FX Medicine Podcast Central · FX Medicine
March 17, 2025
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Show Notes
In this episode of fx Medicine by BioCeuticals, host Dr Adrian Lopresti interviews Dr Nenad Naumovski, a leading researcher in food science and human nutrition at the University of Canberra. Dr Naumovski delves into his pioneering research on L-theanine, a non-proteinogenic amino acid found in green tea, highlighting its potential to improve sleep quality, reduce stress, and enhance cognitive function.
Dr. Nenad discusses how L-theanine impacts neurotransmitters and increases alpha waves in the brain to induce relaxation and sleep. He also explains how L-theanine works to improve memory and cognition, which can be understood through its neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
The discussion also covers the development of functional food products fortified with nutrients, including L-theanine, and the challenges of making them viable and palatable while maintaining health benefits.
This episode offers invaluable insights into L-theanine's role as a potent therapeutic agent and its positive effects on sleep, cognition and mental health, as well as its place in integrative medicine.
Covered in this episode:
(00:57) Welcome Dr Naumovski
(01:46) Functional foods
(06:01) Citrulline and arginine
(08:41) L-theanine
(12:41) L-theanine sleep trials
(18:13) What is L-theanine derived from
(22:34) Mechanisms of action
(25:55) Neurotransmitter effect
(28:08) Cognition, attention and ADHD
(31:36) Therapeutic range
(34:07) Stress reduction
(38:20) Contraindications
(40:00) Final thoughts
Find today's transcript and notes here:
https://www.bioceuticals.com.au/education/podcasts/l-theanine-and-alpha-waves-the-science-of-relaxation
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