Combining theanine with dark chocolate may improve focus, lower BP

dark chocolate

June 23, 2015

A Northern Arizona University (NAU) study has found that when L-theanine is added to dark chocolate, the combination may help you overcome your afternoon slump and support healthy blood pressure. These results add more confirmation to a large body of existing research demonstrating L-theanine’s ability to improve focus while promoting relaxation.

Hershey sponsored this study, which was published in the journal, NeuroRegulation. The researchers looked at the brain wave activity of 122 participants between ages 18 and 25 years old. Those who consumed 60 percent cacao were more alert but their blood pressure increased.

But in their news release, researchers say the results got interesting when 60 percent cacao chocolate included L-theanine. The participants who consumed that combination experienced an immediate drop in blood pressure.

“L-theanine is a really fascinating product that lowers blood pressure and produces what we call alpha waves in the brain that are very calm and peaceful,” said NAU Psychological Sciences Professor Larry Stevens, in the release. “The potential here is for a heart healthy chocolate confection that contains a high level of cacao with L-theanine that is good for your heart, lowers blood pressure and helps you pay attention.”

Until there is such a product on the market in the U.S., you may enjoy similar benefits by taking Suntheanine with a cup of dark chocolate cocoa. Or, sip some Just Chill relaxation drink as you nosh on a square of heart-healthy dark chocolate.

Meet the Experts

  • Suntheanine

    Suntheanine is Taiyo’s pure form of L-theanine, produced via a patented fermentation process that mimics the natural process in green tea leaves. It promotes relaxation without causing drowsiness, positive mood, mental clarity, focus, reduces nervous tension, and helps prevent the negative side-effects of caffeine.

    View all posts

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent Blog Posts

Sharpen your mind, reduce stress and optimize sleep

“Stress is the number one, North America-wide silent killer,” states Bryce Wylde, DHMHS,  functional medicine clinician, CSO and founder of Mymmunity, co-founder of Youtrients: The DNA Co., author and TV host. “We need to crack the code on it, and it’s not about …...

Suntheanine’s many uses highlighted at Expo West 2023

Where do the leading dietary supplement companies go to discover the best ingredients available? Many attend (and also exhibit at) Expo West in Anaheim, California. This behind-the-scenes video from the show looks at why many top brands use Suntheanine in their...

Join us for The Suntheanine Solution!

There are many reasons why Suntheanine is the leading brand of L-theanine. Have you ever wondered what leading healthcare practitioners have to say about it? Here’s your chance! Join us for our free, fun and informative live webinar, The Suntheanine Solution: Sharpen...

Let's Partner!

Want to reap the benefits of adding Suntheanine® to your products?