blood pressure steady with L-theanine!

It’s normal for blood pressure to rise temporarily in stressful situations. However, if it keeps doing that again and again, it could cause your blood pressure to stay high permanently—which, in turn, could trigger a twofold to fourfold increase in the risk of stroke and heart trouble! ✤ The fix: A daily 200-mg. dose of L-theanine (such as Now Foods L-theanine, $12.43 per 60 capsules, Amazon.com). This amino acid reduces activity in areas of the brain that manage your stress response, keeping blood pressure in check, say scientists from Japan’s University of Shizuoka. It also increases the alpha brain waves linked to relaxation. And adopt a pet! Having a cat, dog or other pet blunts a rise in blood pressure during stressful situations, reports the journal Hypertension. Pets provide loving support without any judgment, which helps you stay calm under pressure!