Feelings of anxiety and stress can regularly go hand in hand with our busy 21st century lifestyles. Whether it’s sitting in rush-hour traffic, long days at the office or family pressures, as a society we seldom get time to unwind and relax as much as we should to benefit our contentment.

Some people can cope better emotionally with stress, however for many it can take a heavy toll on health, work performance and personal life. Excess stress could also affect sleep quality, mood, libido, concentration, immune health and weight-control.

Though there are several natural ‘mood enhancing’ additions available to ease the side- results of stress, a number of these are shown to contradict with other medicines and can also take a number of weeks to show benefit.

A relatively new, clinically investigated ’stress-reducing’ natural supplement called L-theanine, has shown in controlled studies to enhance feelings of calm and relaxation ( without fatigue ) within 40 – 60 minutes of ingestion. This soothing remedy can be used as and when needed and has turned into a well-liked choice for managing hysteria, stress and scared defects, or merely to calm nerves and help the brain stay centered for job interviews, work shows, flying and even first dates!

Where does Theanine come from, and how does it work?

Well, it is an amino acid found in very small doses in green tea leaves and certain mushrooms. Please note, there is no caffeine found in L-theanine additions.

It is soaked up easily in the bowel and then transported right to the brain where it stimulates alpha brain waves. Alpha brain waves indicate that we are in a warning, yet relaxed and chilled state – similar to meditation.

And it is shown to cut back the brain’s beta brain waves ; a surplus of beta waves are associated with nervousness, anxiety, scattered thoughts and hyperactivity.

Lift your mood : L-theanine influences the releasing of brain chemicals dopamine and serotonin. These ‘feel good’ chemicals are required as a stimulant to elevate mood and feelings.

Study and work performance : L-theanine has effects on the release of brain chemicals that support memory and learning ability. Studies indicate that L-theanine can help can be helpful for those that need to maintain mental lucidity and perform under pressure.

Relax : L-theanine is excellent to help ease away work fears and ease travels tensions at the end of a busy day. The calming properties of L-theanine will not cause direct sleepiness, though due to a more relaxed mind state, improved sleep quality might also be achieved.

Solgar L-theanine is suitable for vegans … vegans.

Other de-stress tips:

Reduce intake of tea … coffee – look for caffeine free alternatives Eat 3 meals limiting packaged foods Eat quality protein with each meal to keep blood sugar balanced Increase your consumption of necessary trans-acids Take a b complex with breakfast to restore energy levels and mood Walk for 20 mins every day and target breathing efficiently.

Keith Woolley is a Technical Director for Boots Herbal Stores in the UK. For more information about Theanine please pay a visit to Solgar Theanine when you will find all the information you need.

categories: stress,anxiety,health,nutrition,amino acid,energy,wellness,wellbeing

The amazing acai berry has garnished quite a bit of attention. Acai supplements, extracts, mixes and juices are popping up all over the place. They might prevent cancer, heart disease and even slow aging and promote weight loss. It was not long ago that blueberries were the big superfood. Are acai berries really so much better?

Blueberries and acai berries contain anthocyanins, which are phytochemicals. These protective phytochemicals are found in plants and help the plant fight disease and cellular damage. When you consume plants, you take in the phytochemicals and those protective factors benefit your body.

Have you ever wondered why blueberries are blue and broccoli is green? Maybe not, but the interesting thing is these phytochemicals not only benefit the plant, but they also give the plant their characteristics. Blueberries and acai berries obtain their gorgeous coloring from anthocyanins.

When you consume purple plants, the anthyocyanins have several benefits to your body. They contain a large amount of antioxidants which fight free radicals and repair free radical damage at the cellular level. We obtain free radicals from the environment via chemicals, industrial pollution, car exhaust and UV rays amongst others. Free radicals are also produced during digestion. Foods high in sugar, chemicals and fat contribute a large amount of free radicals. These free radicals contribute to overall poor health and aging.

Anthocyanins also have anti-inflammatory properties. Scientists are now giving more credence to inflammation’s role in the disease process, aging and weight gain. Our diets, high in animal protein and refined carbohydrates and low in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, contribute largely to systemic inflammation.

So, why are acai berries so much better than blueberries if they both contain anthocyanins? Are blueberries underrated?

Though blueberries are very good for you, acai berries have extremely high Oxygen Radical Absorption Capabilities (ORAC). This score measures how much they fight free radical damage. Blueberries score 2400 and acai berries score 5500. As well, acai berries contain a variety of essential amino acids that is nearly perfect.

Unfortunately, acai berries are not readily available in the produce department whereas blueberries are. If you want acai berries, you will have to travel to the Amazon OR purchase them in supplement or powder form. The juices often contain high amounts of sugar, so it is better to go with a supplement.

Your best bet is to enjoy the benefits of blueberries, acai supplements and a wide variety of plants in your diet. This way, you will benefit from all the phytochemicals, which tend to work together to improve health.

Learn which acai berry brand you can trust? Go there now and find out our preferred acai berry brand.