Guarana: benefits and harm to humans

Guarana is called the evergreen creeping creeping vine, belonging to the Sapindov family. She begins to bear fruit three years after the "birth".

What is guarana

Known in science as Paullinia cupana, one of the varieties of a plant that grows in the Amazon valleys. It is appreciated because of fruit seeds, ranked as soap berries - close relatives of lychee, longan and aki.

The history of the exotic fruit began with one legend of the Indian peoples - tupi and guarani, according to which, for a long time, a child lived in one of the small villages. The kid was loved by all the inhabitants of his settlement - from young to old. But the evil merciless god killed a wonderful boy who was friendly, helping lonely old people and homeless people. The whole village population began to yearn very much. In order for the villagers to rejoice and have fun again, one of the generous gods planted the child’s eyeballs in the forest and the village, and after a while the guarana grew. So the locals explained the unusual appearance of the plant.

Caffeine is found in large quantities in grains. Therefore, the name of the fruit can often be found in energy drinks as an additive. The tonic substance in the composition of the fruit not only increases the energy level, but also helps to improve the condition of the skin and the loss of extra pounds.

To obtain a natural energetic, pulp and seeds are extracted from ripe fruits with a pungent odor, which are washed, dried, if necessary fried and ground to a powder state. The resulting mixture in ancient times was used by Amazonian tribes.

Bacteria, fungi, various pathogens due to the large percentage of pure caffeine are not afraid of plants. The survivability shrub can be compared to a weed.

Brazilians have used fruits as food and medicine since the late 50s of the 20th century. The production of the first drink based on it, launched by Louis Barrett, started at the beginning of the 20th century. 20 years later, the Antarctic sparkling wine was invented, which has won recognition in many countries.

What does it look like

The bush reaches a height of 10-12 m. It has large leaves and during flowering is covered with clusters of bright red inflorescences, from which bitter fruits appear. The latter have about the same size as coffee grains or grapes.

The fruit is appreciated because of the seed bolls about 7-8 cm long. As they ripen, they crack. The hue palette of boxes begins with red, and ends with brown. The black seed itself is located on a white bone. In appearance, if you look closely, the opened fruits resemble the human eye.

Where grows

Guarana is also called the Amazonian chestnut, widely used in South America. Since ancient times, it was used by indigenous people as a means of payment. The Tupi and Guarani Indians bore fruit on long difficult campaigns. In the course of the latter, enterprising participants received powder from the seeds and treated them with wounds.

The birthplace of the plant is considered to be the territory of Brazil and Paraguay, located in the Amazon. The fruits are cultivated in Colombia, Peru, Venezuela. In all these states, guarana has been grown for more than a century. In Brazil, chestnut plantations are located in two sunny states: Bahia and Amazons.

At the beginning of March, the flowering of guarana begins, just at that time the rainy season ends. During the summer, the fruits ripen, they are manually harvested. The plant became widespread thanks to the German botanist Christian Paullini, who discovered it in the 18th century. Since then, the fruits have been used both for the preparation of drinks and for the treatment of diseases. But the mention of the plant is found both in the works of the XVI century, written by Oviedo, Cobo and Hernandez, and treatises of the Spanish chroniclers of about the same time.

Composition and calorie content

As you know, of the entire shrub of guarana, people use exclusively seeds ground into powder. Next, the mixture is taken orally as a dietary supplement or added to cosmetics. Calorie content per 100 g is 25–26 units, and the ratio of BJU is 0.1 / 0 / 6.5 g, respectively. The following compounds were found in the bones:

• theobromine;
• guaranin;
• tannins;
• zinc;
• polyphenols;
• magnesium
• sodium;
• essential oils;
• manganese;
• antioxidants;
• vitamins of groups A, E, B and PP;
• theophylline;
• amides;
• xanthine alkaloids.

The action of the fruits of the Amazonian chestnut is compared to coffee, but in duration from the fruit seeds it is longer and has an effect on the stomach. If a person needs mobilization of forces, then guarana will help to concentrate on the task and get an energy charge.

Guaranin molecules are similar in composition to caffeine, are absorbed gradually and gently, the walls of the stomach do not irritate, compared with coffee beans. And the stimulating effect of the substance is much stronger than the analogue - it lasts about 6-7 hours - and not only provides the maximum surge of strength, but also fights excess weight.

Epicatechin and catechin belong to the group of powerful antioxidants, protect the vascular walls and heart muscle from the harmful effects of free radicals, and effectively fight the signs of aging.

Vitamins of groups A, E, B and PP are otherwise called “beauty substances”, they are necessary for the human body daily. Minerals, which include compounds of calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium, perform the functions associated with metabolic processes, which is important when switching to a balanced diet.

The presence of tannic acids, which have light antiseptic properties, can stimulate the activity of both the brain and the nervous system.

Useful properties of guarana

General benefit

Guarana seeds can have a stimulating effect, the strength of which is about 5 times higher than that of natural coffee beans. But at the same time, overexcitation and heart palpitations are absent.

Guarana is not recommended by specialists as a dietary supplement, therefore, it cannot be used as an independent medical preparation. But Brazilian hunters have long used the fruits of the plant in the preparation of medicines. Some recipes have reached our days and help:

• with strong emotional shocks;
• frequent cramps and cramps throughout the body;
• losing weight or gaining muscle mass;
• digestive disorders;
• poor memory and cognitive impairment;
• disorders in sexual life;
• headaches and migraines;
• desire to increase stamina and strengthen the immune system;
• the desire to improve heart function and lower cholesterol;
• strong hangovers.

Traditionally, guarana powder has been used for severe fever, fever, as a powerful aphrodisiac and prevention of infections. Indians living in Latin America are convinced that the fruits will cope with hunger, fatigue, manifestations of arthritis and indigestion. The indigenous peoples of the Amazon valleys attribute the plant lifting functions, so they call chestnut the fruit of youth.

Exotic fruit is a natural source of energy. The substance obtained from plant fruits - guaranin - is as close as possible to caffeine in its chemical parameters.After it enters the body, there is a strong “shake” of brain cells and stimulation of nerve endings. A person has a surge of vigor almost instantly and a craving for work appears.

It is important to know that guarana seeds do not contain a very aggressive variety of caffeine, but this only means an increase in stimulating properties. This type of substance penetrates the cells gradually, but leads to overexcitation and addiction.

Guarana has a wide range of beneficial properties.

1. The increase in the "strength" of the brain. In the course of studies, it was found that eating guarana seeds affects memory. One experiment proved the positive effect of low doses of an exotic product on memorization and mindfulness. When studying another group of subjects, the effects of guarana seeds and ginseng were compared - the first significantly increases both productivity in performing complex tasks and the degree of concentration.
2. High antioxidant content. The benefits and harms of the fruit are determined by certain components. The fruits contain a fairly large number of antioxidants, which include caffeine, tannins, saponin, theobromine and catechin molecules. Antioxidants are useful, because they actively fight against free radicals, preventing the formation of new and the progression of harmful oxidative damage to cells. Some studies have shown that antioxidants even protect against diseases of the cardiovascular system, cancer, diabetes mellitus and other chronic ailments.
3. Fatigue prevention. Guarana fruit loaded with 6% caffeine affects the functioning of some brain neurotransmitters, which increases the energy level and gives rise to strength. Therefore, coffee and energy drinks are used by a person to quickly regenerate forces after a hard day's work or emotional shock. In one of the scientific studies stated that the fruit reduces the degree of mental fatigue.
4. Improving intestinal motility. Even by the Amazonian tribes, guarana was used as an effective natural remedy for gastrointestinal disorders - diarrhea or constipation. Fruits help soothe intestinal problems. Caffeine promotes the proper absorption of food and its proper movement through the digestive tract. Gastrointestinal stimulation prevents constipation. The tannin in the guarana prevents the removal of excess fluid from the body - this helps to remove the symptoms of diarrhea faster.
5. Favorable effect on the heart and blood vessels. Guarana seeds protect CCC from thrombosis and reduce the likelihood of seizures and strokes. The oxidative processes of cholesterol and the progression of atherosclerosis are also reduced - the formation of arterial plaques with regular use of the fetus does not occur.
6. Ensuring radiance of the skin. Exotic fruit is the perfect complement to any of the beauty treatments. This beneficial property is associated with a high content of caffeine and antioxidants. The skin is the first to be protected from harmful ultraviolet radiation, in connection with which the photoaging process slows down, and blood circulation increases markedly. Cosmetics with guarana extract reduce sagging tissues and minimize facial wrinkles around the eyes.
7. Oncology Prevention. According to preliminary scientific data, the Amazonian chestnut reduces the active growth and spread of some cells that directly cause cancerous growths in the liver, colon, and mammary glands. Guarana also activates the work of anti-cancer chemotherapeutic reagents.

For women

Useful properties of exotic fruits for the body of women are in influencing the condition of the skin. Due to the substances included in the composition, guarana bones improve the elasticity of the skin and prevent the premature appearance of fine wrinkles. This is possible due to improved blood supply.

Gurana also arranges metabolic processes by an average of 8-10%, due to which, with regular admission, the process of losing weight is activated. Studies have shown that the plant also suppresses those groups of genes, mainly in women, which are responsible for the deposition of fats.

For men

For the stronger sex, the fruit will be useful for problems with potency. The product is an aphrodisiac and vasodilator. Problems in intimate life can be solved by regular moderate use of drugs based on Amazonian fruit.

During pregnancy

For women in an interesting position, doctors recommend lowering the intake of caffeinated products to 180-200 mg per day. Because of this, pregnant women should not eat exotic fruits. If a lady who is waiting for a replenishment, after eating the Amazonian chestnut, has noticed a deterioration - her heart rate has increased, anxiety or headache has appeared, then it is necessary to reduce the amount or completely stop taking. Pregnant women who consume too much caffeine risk their child’s health - because the risk of birth defects of the fetus and premature delivery increases.

When breastfeeding

During lactation and lactation of the newborn, the use of exotic guarana and its derivatives is strictly prohibited. Neglect of this prescription threatens the development of diseases of the nervous system in infants and adversely affects the general well-being of a woman.

For kids

Parents should be aware that guarana seeds contain about 5-6 times more pure caffeine compared to natural roasted coffee beans. That is, if a child eats Amazonian chestnut, then its components will negatively affect the nervous system - sleep will be upset, the mood will change dramatically, a feeling of irritability and anxiety will appear. In this regard, doctors are strongly advised to exclude the fruit itself and its derivatives from the children's diet.

When losing weight

Amazon chestnut in the process of getting rid of extra pounds is necessary. With proper use, a person will not feel hunger, which means that overeating will be reduced. The product also helps to increase the level of heat production, which significantly increases the intensity of the rate of burning of the fat layer during physical exertion by 10-12%.

Guarana speeds up metabolism and supplies the body with the necessary nutrients. So a losing weight person achieves his goal without harm to health. Manufacturers in combination with other food additives use guarana seeds as raw materials for fat burners.

With diabetes

As well as patients suffering from heart ailments, epilepsy, insomnia, insulin-dependent people, taking guarana fruits and their derivatives is permissible only after consulting a competent specialist.

Guarana in cosmetology

Amazonian chestnut is rich in caffeine and is therefore used as a powerful fat burner. The fruit is quite effective in treating orange peel, because it contributes to the breakdown of unaesthetic subcutaneous tubercles. Kakhetins in the composition help significantly reduce puffiness in the form of dark circles and bruises under the eyes. Due to the ability to accelerate metabolic processes in the subcutaneous fat, the level of excess fluid accumulations in the tissues decreases.The product has an exfoliating effect, additionally stimulating and toning the skin.

That is, in cosmetology, the drug will be needed during the procedures:

• on lifting and toning integuments;
• reduction of the inflammatory process;
• eliminate dark circles;
• vascular strengthening.

To achieve maximum efficiency, you just need to follow simple instructions.

Anti-cellulite scrub

To prepare a home remedy you will need:

• Guarana powder - 3 tbsp.
• Olive oil - 1 tbsp.
• Natural Coconut Oil - 1/2 tsp

To get the product, you only need to mix all the components to a homogeneous consistency. After the shower, apply the mixture to the steamed skin with massage movements, the use of a special stiff brush for the body is allowed. It’s not worth zealous, the skin should tingle slightly. Massage for 5-7 minutes, rinse with cool water, apply a moisturizing lotion or anti-cellulite cream.

Moisturizing face mask

Ingredients:

• Blue clay - 2 tbsp.
• Guarana extract - 3-4 drops.
• Chamomile infusion - 3 tablespoons
• Lavender oil - 2-3 drops.

Mix all the ingredients until a homogeneous porridge-like state. To apply on the face cleared of cosmetics - you can previously wipe the skin with a cotton pad moistened with lotion or micellar water. Massage the mask over the skin, capturing the neck, avoiding the sensitive area around the eyes. Leave on for 7-10 minutes. If you feel tight, lightly dampen the mask with water with your fingertips or spray. Then rinse and apply a moisturizer, repeat the procedure once a week.

Guarana in sports nutrition

Exotic fruits are also used for high sports loads both independently and in conjunction with pre-workout complexes. The use of Amazonian chestnut affects:

• to increase stamina;
• improving overall health;
• fat oxidation;
• appetite suppression;
• feeling of cheerfulness;
• minimization of pain;
• fatigue reduction;
• accelerating the breakdown of unnecessary lipid layer;
• mental concentration.

Thanks to guarana seeds, athletes are able to train more intensively than usual. After ingestion of additives in the body, blood pressure indicators significantly increase, which contributes to an increase in heart rate and accelerate metabolism. Due to an increase in glucose level and blood outflow from the digestive tract, appetite decreases.

Guarana is used immediately before the training process. The dosage is discussed with the doctor and ranges from 1000 to 4000 mg. The supplement should enter the body before dinner, because the molecules of guaranin produce an invigorating effect.

In laboratory studies, it was found that the constant use of powder from Amazonian chestnut in combination with linoleic acid reduces the fatty layer and dries out the muscles.

The fruits of a climbing vine are compared with good energetics. If we take into account that they are completely of natural origin in comparison with caffeine, then for sports fans a tonic plant is simply irreplaceable.

Due to its analgesic properties, the product is often used in sports injuries. It contributes not only to reducing pain during sprains or dislocations, but also boosts the process of removing lactic acid from the muscles, so that the discomfort during sports disappears.

How to take guarana

Before you start taking funds with Amazonian chestnut, you should consider the following nuances:

1. The dosage depends not only on the form of release and purpose of administration, but also on the particular health of a particular person. A standard dose of about 400-500 mg is taken 2 times a day after meals.
2. The powder is mixed with other liquids, this will not affect its properties.
3. The last appointment is 5-6 hours before going to bed.

Tea

The drink has refreshing and tonic properties. It will be most useful due to the content of antioxidants polyphenols for a person living in an area with radiation.

To prepare the broth, you need a 350-400 ml teapot, a kitchen towel, 2-3 tsp. black or green tea and water heated to 85–87 degrees.

You need to boil water, wait until it cools to the required temperature. Put 1 teaspoon in a teapot guarana seeds and tea leaves. With care, pour a thin stream of water and let it brew for 2-3 minutes. Tea is ready.

Drink

It is able to have both a tonic and calming effect, relieve stress. To make an energy drink at home, you will need a powder of Amazonian chestnut, 1 tsp. which must be mixed with liquid.

Extract

Its properties are directly dependent on the form of use, so the dosage ranges from 200 to 800 mg. The extract significantly reduces the degree of body fatigue, improves mood, normalizes the pulse, is often used for prolonged migraines or neuralgia, and also relieves the hangover syndrome.

Vitamin Complexes

Most active ingredients based on Amazonian chestnut are useful for ensuring the proper functioning of the nervous system, increasing coordination, increasing intellectual and physical endurance. Guarana-based vitamin complexes are a natural caffeine source that prevents irritation on the walls of the stomach and intestines.

Harm and contraindications

The main side effect is addiction. When a dependency arises, guarana itself goes by the wayside, because the body wants more and more, and a person has to find stronger analogues.

In order not to become a kind of "addict", you should not abuse the fruits. The optimal course length is 3-5 weeks. Overdoses of fruit will lead to unpleasant manifestations, which include:

• nausea and vomiting
• painful cramps;
• heart rhythm failures;
• stomach ache;
• the appearance of stars or flies in front of the eyes;
• decreased vision;
• tinnitus;
• redness of the skin;
• insomnia;
• the appearance of tracks of cold sweat;
• overexcitation;
• involuntary muscle contractions;
• increased irritability;
• frequent urination;
• tremor of arms and legs.

If such symptoms occur, you will have to stop taking guarana supplements. Plant extracts of Amazonian chestnut have a number of contraindications. Drugs are strictly prohibited:

• with breastfeeding;
• mental disorders and predisposition to them;
• under the age of 18;
• gastrointestinal ulcer;
• severe cardiovascular diseases;
• hernia of the esophagus.

With caution, remedies with guarana should be taken by elderly people and patients with atherosclerosis or arterial hypertension.

Even a healthy person should start taking a new drug with a small dose - to check for individual intolerance. There is no need to exceed the doses prescribed on the packages.

You should know that caffeine and theobromine are rather weak drugs, in connection with the use of guarana additives, theoretically, psychological and physiological dependence can occur, and its pronounced manifestation is insomnia at night and sleepiness during the day, irritability and depression. In severe caffeine and theobromine poisoning, epileptic seizures, internal bleeding, cardiac arrhythmia and myocardial infarction occur.

In America, guarana was not granted GRAS status. The protocol excludes fruit from all permitting control sheets. The department controlling the quality of food and medicine, the healing properties of the Amazonian chestnut have not been confirmed.An authoritative organization in the United States classified guarana as a food supplement, so its use in the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of disease is not possible.

Interesting Facts

1. Tropical fruits positively affect visual function, because they stop the effects of malnutrition, bad habits and stressful stress, which is important for fans of long work at a computer monitor and reading with a lack of light.
2. European missionaries who traveled to the Amazon valleys in the 17th century noticed that the indigenous people often used their guarana fruits because their seeds allowed them to go without drinking for quite some time.
3. Due to the chemical components - tannins - guarana caffeine has a longer lasting effect.
4. In ancient times, powdered guarana was smoked for a long period of time.
5. The tradition of the Indian tribes was the transfer of the drink from the Amazonian chestnut at an official event or meeting.
6. A mixture of guarana with nuts and raw bird eggs is considered the strongest aphrodisiac.

Guarana Photo