Understanding Eleviv: Part IV – Green Tea and Theanine

Following Part I (benefits of the Eleviv blend) and Parts II & III (Metabolic Balance from Eurycoma and Citrus Peel to improve “physical” energy levels), I wanted to use this final installment (Part IV) to describe how the combination of Green tea extract and Theanine helps to improve “mental energy” – the other half of the Vigor equation (measured as “mental/physical energy”).

Green tea (Camellia sinensis) is the second‐most consumed beverage in the world (water is the first) and has been used medicinally for centuries in India, China, and throughout Asia. A number of beneficial health effects are attributed to regular consumption of green tea and dried/powdered extracts of green tea are available as dietary supplements. Green tea is prepared by picking, lightly steaming the leaves, and allowing them to dry. Black tea, the most popular type of tea in the U.S., is made by allowing the leaves to ferment before drying. Due to differences in the fermentation process, a portion of the active compounds are destroyed in black tea, but remain active in green tea. The active constituents in green tea are a family of polyphenols (catechins) with potent antioxidant activity. Tannins, large polyphenol molecules, form the bulk of the active compounds in green tea, with catechins comprising nearly 90%. A number of commercial green tea extracts are standardized to total polyphenol content and/or catechin content and many are marketed with claims for preventing cancer, enhancing immune function, boosting antioxidant protection, reducing cholesterol, and stimulating weight loss. The green tea extract used in the Eleviv formula is a hot-water extract that is concentrated for 30% catechins. As part of the extraction and concentration process, the extract loses both caffeine and theanine (an amino acid naturally found in green tea leaves). IN the Eleviv formula, we replace the lost theanine by adding back pure L-theanine, but we leave out the caffeine – so the “energy boost” that so many people feel when they try Eleviv is not from a stimulant effect, but instead is due to a restoration of Metabolic Balance and Vigor.

In some studies, green tea is associated with a mild increase in thermogenesis (increased caloric expenditure) – which is sometimes erroneously attributed to its caffeine content. A handful of studies have shown that green tea extract stimulates thermogenesis to an extent much greater than can be attributed directly to its caffeine content alone – meaning that the thermogenic properties of green tea may be due to a synergistic interaction between small levels of naturally‐occurring caffeine and its high content of catechin‐polyphenols. A probable theory for the thermogenic effect of green tea is an increase in levels of norepinephrine – because catechin‐polyphenols are known to inhibit catechol‐O‐methyl‐transferase (the enzyme that degrades norepinephrine). Several studies have examined the norepinephrine-increasing effects of green tea extracts, showing that 24‐hour urinary norepinephrine excretion was 40% higher during consumption of green tea extract (compared to placebo). Because norepinephrine levels in humans are also associated with alertness, mental focus, attention, and overall mood – maintaining normal levels of this important neurotransmitter may have benefits for improving mood (reducing depression) and maintaining mental function (reducing attention deficit symptoms) through a mechanism of action similar to a number of pharmaceutical agents (Concerta, Strattera, Effexor).

Green tea consumption of as much as 20 cups per day has not been associated with any significant side effects (aside those associated with excessive caffeine consumption if the tea has not been decaffeinated). In high doses, however, teas that contain caffeine may lead to restlessness, insomnia, heart palpitations and tachycardia (rapid heartbeat). Decaffeinated versions of green tea and green tea extracts are available – but due to differences in extraction methods, the amounts of catechin compounds and theanine can vary between extracts.

Theanine is a unique amino acid found in the leaves of green tea. Theanine is quite different from the polyphenol/ catechin antioxidants for which green tea is typically consumed. In fact, through the natural production of polyphenols, the tea plant converts theanine into catechins. This means that tea leaves harvested during one part of the growing season may be high in catechins (good for antioxidant benefits and norepinephrine levels), while leaves harvested during another time of year may be higher in theanine (good for anti‐stress and cortisol‐controlling effects, as well as improving dopamine levels).

A unique function of theanine is that it acts as a non‐sedating relaxant to help increase the brain’s production of alpha‐waves (those associated with “relaxed alertness”). This makes theanine extremely effective for combating tension, stress, and anxiety—without inducing drowsiness. By increasing the brain’s output of alpha waves, theanine is thought to control anxiety, increase mental focus, improve concentration, and promote creativity.

Research studies are quite clear on the facts that people who produce more alpha brain waves also have less anxiety; that highly creative people generate more alpha waves when faced with a problem to solve; and that elite athletes tend to produce a burst of alpha waves on the left side of their brain during their best performances (when they are “in the zone”).

In addition to being considered a “relaxing” substance (in adults), theanine has also been shown to have benefits for improving learning performance (in mice), and promoting concentration (in students). One of the most unique aspects of theanine activity is its ability to increase the brain’s output of alpha waves – perhaps by serving as a precursor for production of dopamine in the brain. Alpha waves are one the four basic brain brain‐wave patterns (delta, theta, alpha, and beta) that can be monitored using an electroencephalogram (EEG). Each wave pattern is associated with a particular oscillating electrical voltage in the brain, and the different brain brain‐wave patterns are associated with different mental states and states of consciousness (Theta = Drowsiness; Alpha = Relaxed/Alertness; Beta = Stress/Anxiety).

No adverse side effects are associated with theanine consumption – making it one of the leading natural choices for promoting relaxation without the sedating effects of depressant drugs and herbs. When considering the potential benefits of theanine as an anti‐stress or anti‐cortisol supplement, it is important to distinguish its non‐ sedating relaxation benefits from the tranquilizing effects of other “relaxing” supplements such as valerian and kava, which are actually mild central central‐ nervous nervous‐system depressants. When combined with green tea leaf catechins (to maintain norepinephrine levels and mental focus) the anti-stress and relaxation benefits of theanine (likely via an improvement in dopamine levels) can be measured as improved “Focus” and as the “mental energy” aspect of Vigor that is uniquely found in the Eleviv formulation.

About the author: Dr. Shawn Talbott holds a MS in Exercise Science (Univ Massachusetts), an EMP in Entrepreneurship (MIT), and a PhD in Nutritional Biochemistry (Rutgers). He is the author of more than 200 articles and 8 books on health and wellness, including his new book, “Vigor – 7 days to Unlimited Energy, Focus, and Well-Being” (www.VigorBook.com – 100% of profits support Operation Smile). Dr. Talbott is a scientific advisor to XANGO.

Dr. Talbott received his Master's degree in Exercise Science from the University of Massachusetts, his Ph.D. in Nutritional Biochemistry from Rutgers University, and is a graduate of the Entrepreneurial Masters Program from the Sloan School of Business. Dr. Talbott has published over 200 articles and 7 books on nutrition, health and fitness. He has served as a nutrition consultant and educator for elite-level athletes in a variety of sports, including professional triathlon, the NBA, the US Ski and Snowboard Association, the Performance Enhancement Team for USTFA, and US Olympic Training Centers. Website: http://shawntalbott.com

5 Responses to “Understanding Eleviv: Part IV – Green Tea and Theanine”

1. Barbara J. Shelton says:

   06/10/2010 at 10:10 am

   Thank you for this great information, Dr. Talbott. I am an Eleviv user as well as the mangosteen juice and 365 vitamins. My health is much improved, I do have a testimony on the XANGO testimonial site if you care to read it. Amazing results from these products.

   My question to you is about oolong tea. Is this tea as beneficial as green tea. I recently read a report and ad from Wiwu Tea producer about oolong tea being more effective for weight loss than green tea. I have ordered a supply that has not arrived yet, so have not consumed any oolong tea yet. Am I going to be able to benefit myself from the oolong tea as well as the green tea?

   If you have any information available for my question, I would certainly appreciate your answer. I don’t want to do anything to have an adverse reaction to the good I’ve already obtained from the XANGO excellent products.

   Thank you for reading my letter and I hope for a response when your time allows.

   Blessings,
   Barb Shelton
   1907 Avalon Lane
   Arlington, TX 76014
2. Lorna Zincke says:

   06/10/2010 at 10:26 am

   Has the Eleviv been found to help lower cholesterol?? The XANGO hasn’t helped me with that.
3. Eleviv Blog says:

   06/10/2010 at 10:44 am

   Lorna, neither Eleviv nor XANGO Juice has been shown to lower cholesterol levels.
4. Dr. Shawn Talbott says:

   06/21/2010 at 7:38 am

   Hi Barb,

   Thanks for your question – glad you found the info about Eleviv to be useful.

   Oolong tea is not very much different from green tea – they have different tastes if consumed as brewed tea, but the active compounds are quite similar (catechins, polyphenols, etc). From a weight loss perspective, green tea has actually been studied more as a weight loss agent, but there are a few studies of oolong tea – and these suggest a similarity in weight loss benefits. Overall, any type of tea, (green, white, oolong, or black) that provides enough catechins and a small amount of caffeine, will increase resting metabolic rate (RMR) by 2-4%. This means that you can burn a bit more calories and fat when consuming tea compared to when you are not – so while it is not a “huge” effect for weight loss, there is “some” benefit to support a program of diet and exercise.

   The green tea that we use in the Eleviv formula is standardized for catechins – but we have them in the formula to help support levels of norepinephrine (for mood/focus) rather than for any weight loss effects.

   Hope that helps…

   All best,
   Shawn
5. Heather Mlodzik says:

   07/31/2011 at 8:16 pm

   Shawn,

   I have only been taking Eleviv for 2 months and I have felt a lot more energetic. I am wondering about taking this product while pregnant? Most of the research I have done claims that not enough research has been done on pregnant and lactating women, I am wondering your take on this? Would you consider it safe and ok? Would you recommend your wife, if pregnant, to take Eleviv ?