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Trying to pick between two supplements?
There’s lots to think about, including benefits, drawbacks, cost and more.
So, I’ve gone and summarized all that info for you, so you don’t have to.
No need to thank me!
Our Supplement Comparison Series continues with Bacopa Monnieri vs L-Theanine.
Let’s go.
What is Bacopa Monnieri?
Bacopa Monnieri, aka Brahmi, is a health boosting herb that’s native to India.
In Hindu, the word Brahmi roughly translates to the energy of the universal consciousness which shows just how highly regarded this herb is.
Many of the health benefits that Bacopa Monnieri has to offer are credited to compounds called bacosides.
What is L-Theanine?
L-Theanine is an amino acid known for its calming properties.
It’s abundant in tea leaves, so tea is the most common source of L-Theanine for most people.
L-Theanine is one of my favorite brain-boosting supplements as it’s safe, effective, and good for you.
Benefits
Benefits of Bacopa Monnieri
Bacopa Monnieri may help improve ADHD symptoms
ADHD is a brain disorder that’s characterized by symptoms like restfulness, impulsivity, and inability to focus.
Research supports the use of Bacopa Monnieri to improve ADHD symptoms.
In one study, 120 children with ADHD took either a herbal mixture containing Bacopa Monnieri or a placebo.
Interestingly, those who took the Bacopa mixture had improved attention, mental function, and impulse control compared to the placebo takers.
In another study, 31 children with ADHD took 225mg of Bacopa Monnieri each day for 6 months.
By the end of the study, 93% of the children had improved restfulness, 85% of the children had improved attention and 89% of the children had improved self-control.
Bacopa Monnieri may help boost mental function
Many people look towards natural herbs, like Bacopa Monnieri, to boost their mental function.
In one study, 60 elderly subjects took either 300mg of Bacopa Monnieri, 600mg of Bacopa Monnieri, or a placebo every day for 12 weeks.
Compared to those in the placebo group, the Bacopa Monnieri takers had significantly improved memory and attention.
In another study, the subjects took either 300mg of Bacopa Monnieri or a placebo every day for 12 weeks.
Compared to those in the placebo group, the Bacopa Monnieri takers had significantly improved memory, learning rate, and speed of visual information processing.
Bacopa Monnieri is rich in antioxidants
Free radical build-up can cause oxidative stress, which is believed to play an important role in aging.
Antioxidants are powerful molecules that can help neutralize free radicals, resulting in less oxidative stress and a healthier you.
Bacopa Monnieri contains compounds called bacosides, which have been shown to prevent lipid peroxidation and combat free radicals. (Source)
Bacopa Monnieri may help reduce inflammation
Chronic inflammation is linked to various health conditions, including:
- Stroke
- Cancer
- Leaky gut
- Heart disease
So, a good way to lower your risk of these nasty diseases is to reduce your inflammation levels.
In test tube studies, Bacopa Monnieri has been shown to inhibit the release of TNF-alpha and IL-6.
These are both pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are molecules that induce an inflammatory response from the immune system.
Benefits of L-Theanine
L-Theanine may help boost mental function
Like Bacopa Monnieri, L-Theanine may help improve mental function.
Research shows that it can help amplify your alpha brain waves, which enhances creativity.
L-Theanine may help tame caffeine jitters
You really can’t beat that first sip of coffee in the morning.
You know…
The one that puts a grin on your face even if it’s a Monday.
But sometimes, the following caffeine rush can be awful.
It can make me feel jittery, anxious, and irritable.
Interestingly, since taking L-Theanine with my morning coffee, these effects are hardly noticeable.
L-Theanine may help improve sleep quality
In my eyes, sleep is the most underappreciated aspect of a healthy lifestyle.
So over the last year or so, I’ve tried a few different supplements to improve my sleep, including:
- Holy Basil
- L-Theanine
- Phosphatidylserine
- California Poppy Extract
My best sleep was when taking Holy Basil alongside Phosphatidylserine, or L-Theanine on its own.
(California Poppy Extract didn’t really help to be honest…)
To be clear, I measure my sleep quality on how deep my sleep is and how long it takes me to fall asleep.
L-Theanine improved both of these factors for me.
Cost
Bacopa Monnieri Cost
Bacopa Monnieri is usually sold as a powder or in capsules.
Some typical prices for these are:
- Powder: $7 for 100g
- Capsules: $18 for 100
L-Theanine Cost
Generally, L-Theanine is sold as a powder or in capsules.
Standard prices for these are:
- Powder: $10 for 100g
- Capsules: $20 for 100
Side Effects
Bacopa Monnieri Side Effects
Most healthy adults can tolerate Bacopa Monnieri supplements with little trouble.
But the following side effects have been reported in some instances:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Stomach upset
Bacopa Monnieri may interact with some medications, so please consult a doctor before taking Bacopa if you’re on any medications.
Also, pregnant women should avoid Bacopa Monnieri due to a lack of studies on its safety.
L-Theanine Side Effects
L-Theanine supplements are generally safe in healthy adults with a low risk of side effects.
But those who drink their L-Theanine via tea may notice the following effects if drinking copious amounts:
- Nausea
- Irritability
- Stomach upset
Recommendations
My Bacopa Monnieri Recommendation: Banyan Botanicals Bacopa Powder
Overview
Banyan Botanicals Bacopa Powder is the Rolls Royce of Bacopa Monnieri supplements.
It’s high-quality, organic, and from a trusted brand.
What I like about it
The fact that it’s powdered is awesome as it means you can mix up the dosage to meet your own needs.
(Chances are, some of you will see better results from taking less and others from taking more.)
And as it’s a pure organic powder, there’s no nasty additives, chemicals, pesticides, or preservatives to worry about.
Just real Bacopa goodness.
Also, the hundreds of epic reviews show that this supplement is used and loved by many people just like me and you.
Potential Drawbacks
While I’m a big lover of powdered supplements, some folks are more suited to capsules.
Well, if that’s you, then this supplement probably isn’t for you.
Check price and read more reviews of Banyan Botanicals Bacopa Powder on Amazon.
My L-Theanine Recommendation: Nootropic Depot L-Theanine Powder
Overview
A long-lasting, pure L-Theanine powder.
Perfect for those who like the freedom to choose how much L-Theanine they want to take.
What I like about it
As stated earlier, I’m a big lover of powdered supplements that are pure, as these are the “cleanest” and you’re free to experiment with the dose.
Nootropics Depot L-Theanine Powder ticks both these boxes.
And as each tub provides 2500 servings, one purchase will provide you with high quality L-Theanine for literally years to come.
Potential Drawbacks
There are certainly cheaper options out there.
I mean, it’s still great value with 2500 servings, but some folks may want to opt for a smaller, cheaper option.
Check price and read more reviews of Nootropics Depot L-Theanine on Amazon.
Bacopa Monnieri vs L-Theanine: The Verdict
My goal for this Bacopa Monnieri vs L-Theanine comparison guide was to help you choose the one that suits you the most.
So, hopefully you have a clear idea of which one you’re going to side with.
If not?
Then here’s a high-level guide to help you pick:
You might prefer Bacopa Monnieri if:
- You want to lower inflammation
- You suffer from ADHD symptoms
- You want to increase your antioxidant intake
You might prefer L-Theanine if:
- You want to improve your sleep
- You love coffee but hate caffeine jitters
Hope this helped!
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