The real thing about Theanine

MANILA, Philippines - Treat yourself to a tea treat to help keep you on top of your game. Theanine is an amino acid naturally present in tea plants. It helps stimulate alpha brainwave activity, and the mind to be more focused and alert. In a discussion held recently, Hongguan Xu, senior manager for product development of the Shanghai Research and Development Center of the Coca-Cola Company, shared some interesting bits about this tea wonder.

“This amino acid has psychoactive properties that help improve cognition and mood. In fact, more recent studies have shown that Theanine together with caffeine, another substance naturally found in tea, may help one’s ability to concentrate, resulting in better efficiency and productivity,” he said.

In recent studies, experts see the wide potential of Theanine found in green tea as it gives beneficial effects to the body. Subhuti Dharmananda, PhD, director of Institute for Traditional Medicine in Portland, wrote in her article, “Amino Acid Supplements IV: Theanine,” that it also helps improve learning performance, heighten mental acuity, and promote concentration.

Through preliminary researches, Theanine showed that it aids in relieving nervous agitation, lowering blood pressure, and acting antagonistically against high doses of caffeine. Theanine is an active ingredient that can help keep our mind and body 100 percent “on.”

The Coca-Cola Company, through its newest creation, Real Leaf Green Tea, brews high-quality 100 percent whole green tea leaves, naturally rich in Theanine, and it comes in three flavors: Honey Apple, Honey Lemon and Honey Lychee.

There are probably no better people to demonstrate just how this product helps anyone than Gab and Gary Valenciano, the father-son tandem who recently made the big switch to the deliciously refreshing Real Leaf. 

“It’s kinda weird at first knowing it’s a tea product, but when I tried it, I finally found something with perfect balance to help keep me 100 percent when I have to,” said Gab, who brilliantly juggles his time being a choreographer, dancer, singer and composer.

His father, Gary V., the celebrated music legend who never seems to age, shares the same enthusiasm over Real Leaf. “I found out that the product is made from whole green tea leaves, which naturally have the amino acid Theanine. It aids in creating a body that feels more efficient, a body and mind that work together to help give you the 100 percent you need.

Real Leaf Honey Lychee, Honey Apple and Honey Lemon are available in PET bottles in supermarkets nationwide, also Honey Apple in 8-oz. bottle for only P10 in sari-sari stores.