Coffee not working for you anymore? Try guarana, the Amazonian herb that will get you back on your feet!

The phenomenon of recent years - Guarana. Otherwise known as "second cocaine", it comes from the seeds of the Paulinia plant from the Amazon rainforest of South America. It grows up to 12 metres and its seeds have reddish plant fibres and resins with less water and vegetable oils.

Healing properties for body and soul

Guarana holds a very diverse range of health benefits for our bodies. It is thus suitable for athletes, managers, drivers or students. It acts as an aphrodisiac, improves concentration, memory and is, among other things, a natural analgesic. It combats headaches, severe migraines, reduces fevers or relieves painful menstruation.

It positively stimulates the central nervous system, thus sharpening the senses, alertness and speeding up thought processes. It is enriched with vitamins A, _B1,_{B2, B3}, C or E. Thus, it protects our body from bacteria, supports our eyesight thanks to vitamin A, ensures the functionality of the stomach and intestinal tract, strengthens immunity and protects against the development of atherosclerosis.

Among minerals, it contains calcium, potassium, phosphorus and magnesium.

In addition:

• lowers blood pressure
• purifies the blood
• contributes to the detoxification of the body
• fights depression and anxiety
• protects the cardiovascular system
• promotes digestion
• has anti-inflammatory effects
• is a powerful antioxidant
• can relieve some symptoms of hangovers
• eliminates free radicals from the body

Both men and women will enjoy it

In men, it has been shown to help with erectile dysfunction and improve male potency. In women, it helps to relieve painful menstruation.

Guarana as a natural energiser

It is a natural source of energy that stimulates our body and thus increases our physical and mental fitness. It contains up to 4 times more caffeine than traditional coffee. For example, a regular cup of hot coffee contains about 20-120 mg of caffeine, while Guarana contains up to 50 mg.

A cup of coffee or Guarana?

There are people who can't imagine a day without their favorite cup of coffee. It's just that - the effects of coffee are short-lived and uneven. After a moment of euphoria, a lull sets in and we tend to reach for more and more coffee to kick things up a notch.

The caffeine found in Guarana is released gradually and its effect is normally felt within about thirty minutes to an hour. Compared to coffee, however, we are then in that rushed euphoria for about 6-8 hours. Besides, it does not irritate our stomach as much as coffee. According to research, replacing coffee with Guarana does not cause sleep disorders, nervousness or heart problems.

Besides caffeine, which delays fatigue and improves our alertness, it also contains stimulants such as theobromine, which affects the entire nervous system, contributes to lowering blood pressure and increases heart rate. The last substance is theophylline, which is, among other things, anti-inflammatory.

With Guarana in the fight against extra pounds

Could it really be that the seeds of the plant are powerful enough to finally help us get rid of that excess fat we are trying so hard to get rid of? As is the case with all preparations and dietary supplements - here, too, we must unfortunately disappoint you. Although Guarana is truly a health miracle, it is not that powerful.

The rule of thumb of a good diet, a certain calorie deficit and adequate physical activity will still apply. But Guarana can work with and support all of these aspects. It will speed up your metabolism and stimulate your body properly. This means that it will accelerate the breakdown of fat cells. Besides, it contributes to reducing the feeling of hunger. Thus, you will not be tormented by insatiable cravings for crap and as an additional benefit - it accelerates the peristalsis of the intestines.

So, in conclusion, we could say that yes - to some extent it has an effect on weight loss.

Powder, extract or tablets?

Guarana is available in several forms. Capsules, extract, seeds, powder or in the form of a drink.

However, just as you read food labels carefully, be careful here too. Especially with tablets, which should not contain substances such as calcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, starch, cellulose or sodium salt. This makes the manufacturers' job easier, and these are all raw materials that they like to add in order to extend the expiry date of the product and keep the whole product together.

The capsules are recommended to be consumed 1-2 times a day. For the extract use 0.4g - 0.7g and for the powder use approximately 5g in 250ml of liquid, ideally water or milk.

If you are starting to take it, take it gradually in smaller doses. To avoid developing a resistance to it, as is the case with most stimulants , it is recommended to take it for, for example, 4 weeks and then discontinue it for a period of time.

You can also grow it at home

You can growguarana in your living room or greenhouse. Room temperature is important for it. A greenhouse stimulates tropical conditions with sufficient humidity. The ideal temperature for seed germination is 20°C. Nowadays, Guarana is also added to a number of products that are already commonly available in shops, such as chewing gum, stimulant drinks or various bars.

Negative effects due to inappropriate use

As with everything, this miracle elixir should not be overused. Its regular and prolonged consumption contributes to the increase of cholesterol and its subsequent deposition, so it is recommended to stop taking it after a while. Although it is a natural stimulant, its effects are very strong and it is therefore necessary to really follow the prescribed recommended dosage.

When the dose is exceeded, side effects in the form of headaches, irritability, rapid heartbeat, fever or even convulsions may occur. Overdose occurs after using 20g of powder or more (recommended daily dose is 2-4g) and definitely do not take it with coffee.

For whom is Guarana unsuitable?

It shouldbe avoided especially by pregnant and breastfeeding women, people suffering from cardiovascular problems and people with too low blood pressure. Its consumption is also not recommended for children, in whom it may cause increased hyperactivity, insomnia and lack of concentration.

If you decide to take it, it would be advisable to discuss it with your doctor first, as Guarana is not suitable for people suffering from insomnia if you are taking any long-term medication that may not be compatible with the substances contained in the plant. Among other things, the caffeine it contains affects the effects of other medications.

Furthermore, if you suffer from epilepsy, heart defects or diabetes.

Sources

• Lübeck, W. Longevity Elixir
• https://www.extractoflife.com/blogs/news/14-benefits-of-guarana
• https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/guarana-benefits
• https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-935/guarana