Guaraná is a medicinal plant of the species Paullinia cupanawidely used to make soft drinks, juices and energy drinks, but it is also widely used as a home remedy for lack of energy, excessive tiredness and weight loss.
The parts used of this plant, also known as Amazonian guaraná, uaraná, guanazeiro, guaranauva or guaranaína, are the seeds that are dark and have a red shell, having a very characteristic appearance that is compared to the human eye.
For medicinal use, guaraná seeds are generally roasted and dried, and can be purchased in their natural form or in powder form in health food stores, compounding pharmacies, open-air markets and some markets, and should be used with medical or herbalist advice. . Find out more about the benefits of guarana powder.
What is it for
The main benefits of Amazon guaraná are:
1. Combat physical and mental fatigue
Guarana is rich in caffeine, which has a direct action on the brain, blocking the effects of adenosine, which is a substance that causes sleep.
Furthermore, the caffeine in guarana has a stimulating effect, increasing the release of neurotransmitters, such as adrenaline, noradrenaline, dopamine, glutamate and serotonin, which helps combat physical and mental fatigue.
Due to the caffeine present in its composition, in addition to theobromine and theophylline, guarana can also increase alertness and concentration, which can be useful for improving reasoning, focus, information processing speed and willingness to work. studies or work, for example.
3. Help you lose weight
The caffeine in guarana can increase metabolism and fat burning, causing the body to use more energy.
Therefore, guarana, when used as a supplement and combined with a balanced diet and physical activity, can help with weight loss. See how to have a balanced diet.
Furthermore, as guarana reduces physical fatigue, the person may be more willing to practice physical activities, which also contributes to its effect on weight loss.
4. Improve mood
Guarana can also help improve mood by stimulating the production of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, which are responsible for regulating mood and the feeling of well-being, and can be useful in helping to combat depression and anxiety, for example. example.
5. Improve skin appearance
Guarana has a large amount of antioxidants that fight free radicals, thus preventing the appearance of wrinkles, sagging and premature aging, and improving the appearance of the skin.
6. Prevent cardiovascular diseases
Guarana is rich in antioxidant substances, such as caffeine and catechins, which help to inhibit the formation of blood clots and improve blood flow, which can help prevent cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attack, thrombosis or stroke.
Furthermore, the antioxidants present in guarana help regulate cholesterol levels, especially “bad” cholesterol (LDL), which also contributes to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
Guarana has some properties similar to green tea, mainly because it is rich in catechins, which are antioxidant substances. See more about the benefits of green tea and how to use it.
7. Relieve gastrointestinal problems
Guarana has antidiarrheal and laxative properties, which can help alleviate gastrointestinal problems, such as chronic diarrhea or constipation.
This is because guaraná has tannins that are astringent and capable of absorbing water from the intestines, and when ingested in small quantities it is capable of combating diarrhea.
When used in large quantities, the caffeine present in guarana can stimulate bowel movements, having a laxative effect and thus helping to relieve constipation.
8. Fight headaches
Guarana can help relieve tension headaches, as caffeine helps relax muscles and improve blood flow to the brain.
Therefore, many headache remedies have caffeine in their composition. See the main headache remedies.
9. Reduce pain perception
Guarana has analgesic properties due to the caffeine present in its composition, which blocks the action of adenosine, a substance that is also involved in pain.
In this way, guarana can help reduce the perception of pain.
10. Help fight cancer
Some studies (1,2) carried out in the laboratory with rats and liver, colorectal and melanoma cancer cells showed that the antioxidant substances in guarana can help reduce the proliferation or increase the death of cells from these types of cancer.
However, studies in humans are still needed to prove this benefit. Check out the complete list of foods that help prevent cancer.
How to use
The parts of guaraná used are its seeds or fruits in powder form to make teas or juices, for example, or to prepare guaraná capsules.
1. Guarana tea
Guarana tea can be used to combat physical and mental fatigue and improve mood.
Ingredients
- 4 teaspoons of guarana powder;
- 500 mL of boiling water.
Preparation mode
Dilute the powdered guarana in boiling water and let it rest for 15 minutes. Drink 2 to 3 cups a day.
2. Guarana juice
Guarana powder can be mixed with juices and water and the recommended amount for adults is 0.5 g to 5 g per day, depending on the advice of a herbalist.
3. Capsules of guarana
Guarana can also be found in the form of capsules, which should be taken according to your doctor’s instructions, as they can be found in different dosages.
Possible side effects
Guarana is a medicinal plant that normally does not cause side effects, however, if consumed in excess it can cause an increase in heart rate, leading to a feeling of palpitation, agitation and tremors.
Some substances present in guarana, called methylxanthines, can also cause stomach irritation and increase urine volume.
The caffeine contained in guarana can worsen anxiety symptoms and can cause insomnia, which is why it is not recommended to use it at night.
Who shouldn’t use
The use of guarana is contraindicated for pregnant women, women who are breastfeeding, children and people with high blood pressure, kidney disease, pituitary hyperfunction, gastritis, clotting disorders, hyperthyroidism or with psychological disorders, such as anxiety or panic.
It should also not be used by people with epilepsy or cerebral dysrhythmia, as guarana increases brain activity, and in people with a history of allergy to guarana, as its use can cause shortness of breath and the appearance of skin lesions.
Furthermore, the use of guarana should be avoided by people who suffer from insomnia, anxiety, migraines, tinnitus and labyrinthitis, as it can worsen symptoms.
It is also recommended not to mix guaraná in stimulant drinks, such as coffee, chocolate drinks and cola extract-based soft drinks, as these drinks can greatly increase the effect of guaraná.
