Caffeine + Theanine
Caffeine
Caffeine is the world’s most widely consumed stimulant, and for good reason. It is a key ingredient in our formula due to its numerous, well-documented benefits. Research consistently shows that caffeine can enhance attention, improve both short-term memory with acute use and long-term memory with chronic use, boost mood, and increase self-reported alertness (Ritter, 2024 & Gatlin, 2014).
CerebraTea contains a thoughtfully balanced dose of caffeine, intentionally lower than that found in most energy drinks. This decision is informed by an increasing body of research highlighting the negative side effects associated with high caffeine doses on overall health and cognitive function. A study by researchers at Shanghai University of Sport and the School of Sports Science, for example, found that:
"Ingestion of low-dose caffeine has greater effects on cognition and brain activation than moderate and high doses of caffeine, suggesting that low-dose caffeine may be a selective supplement in enhancing executive function and prefrontal activities" (Zhang, 2020).
Their research showed that high doses of caffeine had no positive effects on cognitive performance. This is likely due to the common side effects associated with high caffeine intake, such as mental confusion, nervousness, jitteriness, and difficulty concentrating.
As one of the most researched and widely used substances globally, caffeine has been the subject of extensive scrutiny regarding its health effects. However, it is generally accepted that caffeine is safe when consumed within recommended daily limits. The amount of caffeine in CerebraTea is well below the daily maximum limits set by Health Canada and the FDA, allowing you to enjoy its cognitive and mood-enhancing benefits without the health risks or negative side effects linked to excessive consumption. The caffeine in CerebraTea is naturally sourced from Green Tea.
Theanine
Theanine is an amino acid primarily found in green tea. It has been consumed for centuries in East Asia for its calming effects, and more recently, it has gained popularity in the West for its cognitive-enhancing and stress-relieving properties, often paired with caffeine for a balanced energy boost.
L-theanine has been shown to enhance cognitive function, including improved attention, focus, and mental clarity, particularly when combined with caffeine. Studies indicate that while caffeine promotes alertness, theanine helps to smooth out the jittery effects of caffeine, resulting in a more sustained and relaxed mental energy (Dodd, 2015). This combination is widely regarded for its ability to improve overall mental performance and concentration.
L-theanine is considered safe for most people when consumed in moderate amounts. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it is generally recognized as safe when used as a supplement. Research consistently supports its safety profile, with no significant adverse effects reported even at higher doses.
We include L-theanine in our beverage to provide you with a calm yet alert mental state, promoting focus without the crash or jitteriness often associated with caffeine.
Citations
Dodd, F. (2015). A double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluating the effects of caffeine and L-theanine both alone and in combination on cerebral blood flow, cognition and mood. Pub Med. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25761837/
Gatlin, L. (2014). Caffeine has positive effect on memory, Johns Hopkins researchers say. John Hopkins University. https://hub.jhu.edu/2014/01/12/caffeine-enhances-memory/
Ritter, F. (2024). Caffeine and cognition: a cognitive architecture-based review. Taylor and Francis Online.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/1463922X.2024.2323547#abstract
Zhang, B. (2020). Cognition and Brain Activation in Response to Various Doses of Caffeine: A Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Study. Frontiers. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01393/full