Dr. Nenad Naumovski, a leading food science researcher at the University of Canberra, shares groundbreaking insights into L-theanine, an amino acid found in green tea. He discusses its ability to enhance sleep quality, reduce stress, and boost cognitive function by increasing alpha waves in the brain. The conversation also highlights the challenges of developing palatable functional foods that retain health benefits and the potential of L-theanine for various populations, including those with ADHD. Tune in for a deep dive into the science of relaxation!
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insights INSIGHT
Functional Foods Require Taste And Efficacy
Functional foods combine active ingredients with appealing formats to deliver health benefits in daily diets.
Developers must balance taste, shelf life, and physiological efficacy when designing products.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Mango Sorbet As An Active Carrier
Nenad described using frozen sorbets like mango as carriers to mask bitter actives and protect shelf life.
He explained this helps deliver physiologically relevant doses without compromising flavour.
insights INSIGHT
Masking High-Dose Actives Is Time-Consuming
Masking flavours for gram-level actives can take months and needs techniques like nanoencapsulation.
Adding sweeteners must avoid raising blood glucose which would undermine the product goal.
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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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***DISCLAIMER: The information provided on fx Medicine by BioCeuticals is for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional advice or care. Please seek the advice of a qualified health care professional in the event something you learn here raises questions or concerns regarding your health.***
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