Have you tried Vital Proteins Collagen Shots ($36 for a 12-pack; vitalproteins.com) yet? Our line of on-the-go wellness shots boasts six different offerings – Restore, Glow, Defense, Cleanse, Sleep, and Zen – to help support your daily functional health needs. Each shot is loaded with 7g of hydrolyzed collagen and 60mg of hyaluronic acid, a powerhouse ingredient that helps to support hydration and elasticity. Today, we’re focusing our attention on the Zen Collagen Shot, which is infused with relaxing chamomile and citrus notes. Ingredients L-theanine and magnesium citrate pull double duty (so you don’t have to!) to help support relaxation and mental alertness.
Get to know the rest of Zen’s functional health benefits below as we spotlight its standout ingredients, L-theanine and magnesium.
L-theanine
L-theanine is a water-soluble amino acid naturally found in black tea leaves, green tea leaves, and Bay Bolete mushrooms. The highest amounts are found in green tea leaves. Research shows that L-theanine promotes an “alert calm” in those who consume it.This happens about 30 minutes after consumption when the amino acid crosses the blood-brain barrier, where it is then able to increase alpha waves in the brain. This increase in alpha waves is what relaxes the mind without also causing drowsiness.
There are other benefits as well. The changes in alpha brain waves from consuming it have been shown to improve selective attention during mental tasks.
Magnesium
While doctors and researchers stress the importance of our calcium and vitamin D intake, it can be easy for us to overlook one of the body’s most abundant minerals: magnesium. This nutrient is responsible for some of the body’s most important functions. It has a hand in converting food into energy, promotes bone health, helps with muscle movements and assists in regulating neurotransmitters, which relay messages to the brain. Magnesium is mostly found in our bones, muscles, soft tissues and blood.
The only way to benefit from magnesium is through outside sources like our diets. The body does not produce it itself. Of course, magnesium supplements are available for added health benefits. And like most minerals and vitamins, consuming foods rich in the nutrient can lead to a boost in magnesium.