When it comes to caffeine, we all have coffee. Out of the coffee, however, about 60 plants contain caffeine. The most common of these plants’and food supplements is guaran, which contains four times more caffeine than coffee. So what is guarana, what does it do? How to use?

what is guarana

What is Guarana?

Guarana, a plant unique to the Amazon forests in Brazil, is of the ivy type; usually grows climbing trees. The height can sometimes rise up to 12 meters. The Latin name is ‘Paullinia cupana’.

Guarana contains both stimulants that stimulate the mind and powerful antioxidants that fight many diseases. It also carries appetizing and debilitating properties.

A ripe guarana is almost the same size as the coffee fruit; The red shell is likened to the human eye with the black core and white membrane seen from the inside. Because of its shape, it has been the subject of legends in Brazil and it is considered sacred by some indigenous tribes.

The Western world recognized guarana through the Jesuit missionaries who tried to spread the Christian religion among the Amazon Indians. After drying and roasting, the locals pulverized and pulverized with water and used as a paste. As the tribes of the Amazon gathered this fruit and gathered for long hours of hunting, guarana became popular among Western settlers. Guarana has an important place in Brazilian culture today.

Where does Guarana work?

Brazil is still the largest guarana producer in the country today. Guarana is grown in Brazil, especially in the states of Amazonas and Bahia. Approximately 70 percent of the product is used in carbonated beverages and energy drinks . 30 percent is milled and powdered and divided into pharmaceutical and cosmetic sectors in this way as well as direct use.

What is Guarana’s Taste?

Guaran has a bitter, bitter and acidic taste. The guarana powder, which was mixed with water, was seen as an elixir that extended life by the locals.

How to Use Guarana?

Guarana can be consumed in many different ways today. You can participate in some chocolates and fruit-based beverages; energy drinks, food supplements and attenuating products. The most common form of consumption of guarana in Brazil is carbonated beverages.

Benefits of Guarana

Guarana, which Amazon Indians have used for their healing properties for centuries, has a number of benefits supported by scientific research when consumed at the right dose.

Weight Loss

Guarana, a rich source of caffeine can speed up metabolism as 3 to 11 percent over a period of 12 hours. A faster metabolism means more calories while incineration, but also guarana may suppress genes that lead to the production of fat cells. However, further research is needed on the attenuating effect of this plant.

Beautifies the skin

Thanks to its powerful antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, guarana is also popular in the cosmetic industry. It is used in anti-aging creams, lotions, soaps and hair care products. Caffeine in the skin accelerates blood flow and antioxidants repair skin damage that develops with age. Animal experiments have shown that guaranine can reduce fine wrinkles around the eyes, especially with sagging in the cheek area.

Fight with Cellulite

Guarana has become a popular ingredient in cellulite creams in recent years with its blood circulation accelerating effect.

Antioxidant Rich

Guarana has an antioxidant profile comparable to green tea. Contains caffeine, theophylline, theobromine, tannin, saponin and catechin. Antioxidants neutralize harmful molecules associated with aging, cancer and heart diseases called ‘free radicals’. Guaranan antioxidant properties can prevent the growth of cancer cells, reduce the risk of heart disease and skin aging has been determined. Source: 1 , 2

Comes with Fatigue, Increases Concentration

The most common use of Guarana is energy drinks. Because guarana is an excellent source of caffeine. It contains four more caffeine. Caffeine increases both concentration and reduces fatigue.

According to one study , guarana-containing vitamin supplements are less tired, while guaranas are found to reduce mental fatigue during cancer treatment.

Boosts Memory

When taken at the right dose, guarana improves learning ability and strengthens memory. In a learning test performed among participants who consumed 0, 37.5 mg, 75 mg, 150 mg and 300 mg guarana, it was determined that the subjects who received 37.5 mg and 75 mg guarana received the highest results .

In another study guarana and ginseng were compared . According to the results, both plants have improved memory and performance, and it was revealed that guarana consumes more of their attention and perform the assigned tasks faster .

Regulates digestion

Guarana has been used by locals for centuries to improve digestive problems such as chronic diarrhea and constipation. While tannin in guaranin supports the treatment of diarrhea by preventing water loss in the intestines, caffeine is good for constipation by regulating muscle movements in the digestive system.

In a study conducted on the health history of 637 elderly people in Brazil, it was found that obesity and high blood pressure problems decreased among those who regularly consume guarana.

Supports Heart Health

When used in the right dose, guarana reduces the risk of heart disease. Thanks to the antioxidants in it, it accelerates blood flow and prevents clotting. According to a study,the risk of exposure to LDL oxidation by guarana-depleted adults is reduced by 27 percent.

On the other hand, the prohibition of the use of blood-thinning drugs guarana is recommended that caution be consumed by people.

Pain Relief Effect

Guarana has been historically used as a painkiller by the Indians. Guarana takes high caffeine in its painkiller feature. Caffeine blocks adenosine receptors that cause pain to be felt.

Protects Against Cancer

In animal experiments, guarana has been found to protect against DNA damage, prevent the spread of cancerous cells, and even kill cancer cells in some cases. A study on mice revealed that guarana consumption reduced cancer cell formation by 58 percent. However, not enough research has been done to say that guarana’s ability to fight cancer also applies to humans. Therefore, you should always consult your doctor before using this condition with cancer. Source: Ncbi

Has Antibacterial Feature

Many components in the guaranin kill harmful bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. coli) which cause human diarrhea and diarrhea, or Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) which cause tooth decay.

Protects Against Eye Diseases

Guarana that protects against eye diseases resulting inevitably with age has been determined . Accordingly, guarana fights with oxidative stress. In this way, yellow-spot disease, age-related eye diseases such as cataract and glaucoma may delay the emergence of.

Is Guarana Harmful?

Guarana, which has a very common consumption in Brazil, has little side effects when not overdosed. It has been used for therapeutic effects by natives over the centuries.

However, taking large quantities of guarana-containing beverages or food supplements is to cause adverse effects due to overdose of caffeine .

These side effects include:

Heart palpitations

Insomnia

Headache

Shake

Anxiety

Unrest

Nausea

Overstrain

Dehydration

Caffeine Addiction

How much should the Guarana be consumed?

According to research, 50 to 75 milligrams guarana consumption per day is sufficient to benefit from the health benefits of this plant. It should not be forgotten that the energy drinks containing Guarana will cause the above side effects if consumed a lot.

Pregnant women are advised to avoid guarana consumption as much as possible in order to overcome the placenta.

Warning !

It is a proposal and Information article that has been compiled from different sources. There is no definitive diagnosis and treatment. Ask your doctor about any health problems. Remember, the treatment methods applied in health problems may vary according to the biology of individuals, hereditary characteristics, age, height, weight differences, allergic aspects and dozens of such conditions. Only your doctor can help you in the treatment of your health problems.