Have you ever heard of guarana?
If not, but you have drunk at least one energy drink in your life, chances are you have consumed it.
But what exactly is guarana and what are its health benefits?
The story of guarana
Guarana (Paullinia cupana) is a climbing plant that thrives in the Amazon rainforest and its name comes from the Guarani, an Amazon tribe. Its fruits are orange-red “capsules” containing black seeds, partially covered by white seeds. The dark seed, in contrast to the red color of the shell, looks like the human eye, thus giving credence to the myth of the origin of the domestication of guarana.
According to legend, a malicious god lured a beloved male child of the village into the jungle and killed him out of jealousy. The people of the village found the child dead, fallen in the forest. His right eye was implanted, and at that point the guarana sprouted.
The tribes of the Amazon have used guarana for centuries for its healing properties. More specifically, it was used as a stimulant, tonic, painkiller as well as for the treatment of fever, diarrhea, dysentery, migraine and general physical fatigue.
Nutritional value
Guarana fruits contain more caffeine than any other plant in the world. Its caffeine content is about 4 times higher than that of coffee. Most of the properties attributed to it are believed to be due to caffeine. In addition, it contains theophylline and theobromine, as well as tannins in high content (8-15%).
70% of guarana production is used in the preparation of soft drinks and energy drinks, while it is often found in protein bars. The other 30% becomes a powder for immediate consumption in capsules or dilution in water or serves as a raw material for the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries.
Health benefits
Reduce fatigue and improve concentration
Guarana is an excellent source of caffeine, which helps keep the brain awake, thus maintaining concentration and increasing spiritual energy. Interestingly enough, its seeds contain 4 to 6 times more caffeine than coffee beans.
In particular, caffeine works by blocking the effects of adenosine, a compound that helps the brain relax. In other words, it binds to adenosine receptors, preventing their activation, ultimately preventing the feeling of drowsiness and relaxation.
Cognitive function
Research has shown that it can have a positive effect on cognitive functions, improving attention span, memory and mood. Currently, there is a growing interest in guarana and its positive effects on cognitive performance, which is often attributed to its caffeine content.
However, in addition to caffeine, guarana seeds contain a number of other potential stimulants, such as flavonoids or other potentially psychoactive ingredients, including saponins and tannins, which could enhance cognitive function.
A study specifically examined the effects of different doses of guarana on mood and learning. From this study, the researchers concluded that guarana improved test performance, and participants not only paid more attention to their work but completed it faster.
However, the researchers point out that the results of this study may be due in part to other guarana compounds besides caffeine.
Guarana therefore seems to contain other important substances and clearly requires additional research to fully understand its action.
It can improve the appearance of the skin
Guarana is popular in the cosmetics industry as an ingredient in anti-aging creams, lotions, soaps and hair products, due to its powerful antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
Its caffeine content helps blood flow to the skin. Furthermore, studies show that these cosmetics can improve skin tightening, minimize wrinkles around the eyes and significantly reduce the skin damage associated with aging.
How it affects cancer patients
Interestingly, studies also show that guarana can reduce the symptoms of fatigue and depression associated with cancer. And where can this be due? Investigators believe that the possible anti-cancer properties of guarana come from its content of xanthines, which are compounds similar to caffeine and theobromine.
The results of a recent review showed that guarana extract in combination with a diet rich in whole grain foods, omega-3 fatty acids, fruits and vegetables can reduce the feeling of fatigue caused by breast cancer patients. It also seems to have a small effect on weight stabilization and improving the feeling of appetitewhich often occurs in these patients.
Weight loss
You will often see guarana in many of the drinks used for weight loss. It is thought to act as an anorexic and to speed up metabolism due to its high caffeine content. However, its beneficial effect has been seen only in combination with a variety of vitamins and minerals, as well as a low-fat diet and a simultaneous increase in physical activity.
In addition, there is evidence that guarana may suppress genes that help produce fat cells and promote genes that slow it down. However, more anthropocentric studies are needed.
It can relieve chronic diarrhea and treat constipation
Guarana has been used for centuries as a natural stomach tonic to treat digestive problems. It can have antidiarrheal properties because it is rich in tannins or plant antioxidants. Tannins due to their astringency can relieve diarrhea by preventing water loss.
On the other hand, guarana is rich in caffeine, which can act as a natural laxative. Caffeine stimulates peristaltic movement, a process that activates the contractions of the intestinal muscles and the large intestine. This can relieve constipation.
Low doses of guarana do not provide much caffeine, so they are more likely to have an antidiarrheal effect. High doses provide more caffeine and may have laxative effects.
Side effects
No side effects have been observed with small doses. However, when taken in large quantities or for an extended period of time, guarana can cause side effects similar to those of excessive caffeine intake, such as insomnia, hypertension, headache, increased heart rate, hypertension, etc.
It should be avoided by people with cardiovascular problems, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, peptic ulcer, anxiety disorders and kidney damage. It is also forbidden to take it in any form, by pregnant or breastfeeding women and children.
Guarana should not be combined with:
Caffeinated beverages (coffee, chocolate, cola)
Some drugs such as anticoagulants, antibiotics, antidepressants, contraceptives, stimulants, etc.
· Alcohol
Such combinations can cause nervousness, headaches and tachycardia.
Ways of consumption
To prepare the infusion, simmer a teaspoon of guarana powder in a cup of water for about 5΄, strain it and drink it. It is recommended ½ -1 teaspoon daily.
However, you can find guarana in pharmacies in the form of a capsule or syrup. Remember that you should always take it according to the instructions of your doctor or pharmacist and you should not exceed the recommended dosage. Most of the side effects of guarana are due to its increased caffeine content, so pay close attention to its total daily intake.
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