By: Zorana Jagodić |
Guarana: natural stimulant without harmful side effects |
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Guarana, lat. Paullinia cupana, is an evergreen plant that grows in Venezuela and northern Brazil.
This plant grows only in rich Amazon rainforests that have tropical temperatures and an abundance of rain falls.
Guarana is a climbing bush that can grow up to 12 m (40 feet) in height. It has reddish fruits that grow in clusters.
Fruits contain black seeds surrounded with white layers, which makes them look like eyes.
Brazilian natives have consumed it in small dosages since childhood, with mother’s milk, and it is a staple food item in their diet.
They link their longevity with guarana, which they describe as “elixir of prolonged life”.
Natives claim that guarana is "a food item and a cure that makes people strong and resilient up to their old age and it gives velvet skin to women, without any cellulite or wrinkles”.
Guarana seeds and resin are used in a form of powder, alcohol extracts, capsules, tablets, syrups and tea with numerous beneficial impacts on human health.
Guarana’s healing properties
When you look at guarana's nutritive content, it will become clear that this plant is very healthy and rich in nutrients.
Guarana contains phytochemicals such as theobromine, saponin, tannin and catechin. Phytochemicals are powerful antioxidants that help in the prevention, deceleration or mitigation of various diseases.
Theobromine from guarana is an ingredient that helps burn fat, so you will find guarana in many weigh-loss supplements and products for cellulite removal.
Guarana is good in a form of a tonic and as a product for intestinal cleansing since it can reduce the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disorders.
It is also used as a diuretic, for treating urinary track infections, diarrhea, painful menstruations and headaches.
Guarana also relaxes smooth bronchial muscles, reduces anxiety, protects neurons and has a positive effect on sexual drive of both genders.
Doctors recommend guarana preparations for prevention of blood clots.
This plant is also used as heart stimuli and it can people that are suffering from low blood pressure.
Experts also claim that this plant can prevent cancer.
Guarana’s healing effects:
- enhances vigilance and concentration
- nourishes the body
- reduces fatigue and anxiety
- increases energy levels
- helps with weight-loss
- alleviates headaches and migraine
- helps with low blood pressure
- enhances libido
- cleans bowels
- protects organism against various diseases
First-class stimulus
Guarana is most popular because of its stimulating properties. It is often used in energy and vitamin drinks and weight-loss supplements.
As a natural stimulus, guarana is recommended to people that are under stress and to everyone who wants to give their maximum when needed. It is used for enhancing cognitive functions and performance of athletes.
Guarana effect is mostly linked with caffeine effects. Guarana contains between three and seven percent caffeine, which is much higher content than coffee that contains only one or two percent of caffeine.
Caffeine from guarana stimulates the central nervous system, reduces appetite and alleviates physical and psychical fatigue.
But, apart from caffeine found in coffee and tea, guarana does not have negative side effects such as accelerated heart beat or accelerates pulse.
Caffeine from guarana is released much slower so its stimulative effects lasts around six hours.
Besides that, guarana does not contain additional stimulative compounds such as furfual found in coffee.
Chocolate smoothie with guarana
We recommend you chocolate smoothie with guarana that will lift your energy level naturally.
Ingredients:
- 1 large banana
- 150-200 g of fresh spinach
- 2 date fruits, without pips
- 1 glass of berry fruits (your choice)
- 1 spoon of cocoa powder
- 5 ice cubes
- 1.5 glasses of water
- 1 teaspoon of guarana powder
Preparation
Put all the aforementioned ingredients into a blender and mix until you get homogenous mix. Pour it in a large glass and drink it right away. This potion will be a great refreshment and energetic boost when you need an additional energy.
Note
People that suffer from high blood pressure should consume guarana with caution. Do not use guarana in the afternoon or later in the evening because it can cause insomnia.
You should not use too much of even the natural stimuli. Used them only when you really need them.
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