Guarana
Do you know guarana?
Increasingly popular, guarana is an ingredient with many virtues. Indeed, guarana is not only an energizing super fruit rich in caffeine. It has much more to offer!
But what exactly is guarana? What are its benefits and properties? How to choose it well and what are the recommendations for its use?
We tell you everything in this complete guide!
What is guarana?
Guarana is a plant from the Amazon region. Also known as Paullinia cupana , it is a climbing plant appreciated for its fruits. In appearance, guarana fruits are the size of coffee berries. A red shell surrounds a black seed covered with a white aril, which resembles a human eye.
Many people take guarana to aid weight loss, athletic performance, mental performance, and to increase energy!
What is the composition of Guarana?
Guarana is a South American fruit, which grows particularly in Brazil. Its seeds are about the size of coffee beans, but they contain two to four times more caffeine . It is also the plant which contains the most caffeine (often called guaranine ), even beyond coffee beans.
Guarana contains trace amounts of theophylline and theobromine (the latter is the chemical that makes chocolate toxic to dogs and cats), which are similar to caffeine, although they exert subtly different effects on the body.
Note that guarana has a very specific function in nature: it is a natural insecticide that repels plant-eating insects!
What are the benefits of guarana?
The benefits of guarana are numerous! Whether for vitality, reducing fatigue or even digestion, guarana has a certain number of virtues:
It has psychostimulating properties
First of all, guarana has short-term psychostimulant properties: these help improve cognitive performance such as alertness, attention and concentration skills, but also memorization.
It has antioxidant power
Guarana also has the advantage of having antioxidant power. Indeed, several components of guarana are antioxidants. Such as caffeine, tannins, theobromine, catechins and saponins.
The role of antioxidants is to neutralize potentially dangerous molecules called free radicals. Due to the interaction of these molecules with our cells, we can suffer from diseases such as aging, heart disease, cancer and others. The antioxidant profile of guarana is similar to that of green tea.
It fights fatigue and improves concentration
Energy drinks often contain guarana, due to its natural caffeine content , which helps maintain vitality, tone and concentration. And this, without the side effects of coffee!
It promotes digestion
A natural stomach tonic, guarana has been used for centuries to treat digestive problems such as chronic diarrhea and constipation. Among other things, it contributes to the good health of our transit. Due to its high tannin content, it may even have anti-diarrheal properties.
It facilitates the transfer of iron in the body
Another excellent benefit of guarana is the fact that it facilitates the transfer of iron in the body. If you are iron deficient, supplementing with an iron supplement and also taking a course containing guarana may be wise.
Finally, it should be remembered that guarana has many other virtues such as reducing headaches and hypotension (too low blood pressure), relieving cramps, blood circulation disorders, increasing metabolism. which helps reduce appetite and burn more fat, improve the beauty of the skin, reduce the effects of short-term stress, relieve inflammatory pain, protect against eye disorders related to 'age. It even has aphrodisiac properties!
When to take a guarana treatment?
Guarana is most frequently consumed during periods of fatigue, or when feeling sluggish to give yourself a boost thanks to the high level of caffeine it contains. This allows you to regain tone and improve concentration.
Traditionally, the “Sateré Mawé” Indians used it to increase their strength, endurance and concentration, but also for its appetite suppressant action. Moreover, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) recognizes the action of guarana in the symptomatic treatment of fatigue. Guarana promotes digestion, it is also used for people with transit problems.
Pure guarana cures are generally recommended for a duration of 21 days (except in exceptional cases, according to your doctor's recommendations). A one-week break is often recommended if you wish to repeat the guarana treatment. Be sure to follow the recommendations of your doctor or the chosen supplement.
How to choose the right guarana food supplement?
In terms of improving cognitive functions, taking 37.5 to 75 mg of pure guarana seems to be the most effective. As for the guarana you should choose, here are the different criteria to help you choose a quality guarana:
- The composition of guarana: favor natural guarana, without artificially added caffeine.
- Origin : guarana from Brazil will of course be of better quality.
- Cultivation method : choose guarana from organic farming.
- Guaranine content : guarana should ideally contain at least 12% guaranine.
Guarana: contraindications
Like any food or supplement, guarana must be consumed in reasonable quantities. It is not recommended for children but is safe for adults (when properly consumed).
Note that using high doses of guarana for a long time can be harmful. Side effects have been linked to excessive doses such as nausea, headache, stomach irritation, vomiting, increased heart rate and other unwanted symptoms.
But don't worry, if you respect the recommended doses, consuming guarana will only bring you benefits for your health !
