The properties of guarana seeds have been known to the tribes of South America for centuries. However, guarana became known only recently, when it was discovered that it may have a slimming effect. It is supposed that guarana can also be a proven method of potency and good memory. All thanks to caffeine, which contains the most of all raw materials - much more than the coffee that is famous for it. Check the properties of guarana and the side effects of its use.

What is guarana and what does it look like?

Guarana , also known as paulinia, guarantee or thorns, is a species of climber that grows in South and Central America. In the local folk medicineall parts of the plant were used , buthe alth propertiesare mainly attributed to the seeds, which are the treasury of caffeine. It is this component that guarana owes its versatile effect.

The name of the plant comes from the Guarana Indian tribe living in South America.

In Latin America, guarana powder or mixed with water (aqua branca) has been consumed for centuries as a stimulant, invigorating life force, warming, analgesic, reducing the feeling of hunger and thirst .¹ In Europe, guarana seed extract is an ingredient of some tonics and headache powders. However, guarana is best known as a slimming supplement.

Guarana stimulates, improves memory and concentration

There are three substances in guarana that have a stimulating effect on the nervous system - caffeine and two related compounds: theobromine and theophylline.

Guarana is the richest raw material in caffeine. It contains up to 4 to 6% of this stimulant. For comparison - coffee seeds contain up to 2.8 percent. caffeine.

Caffeine has the strongest effect, stimulating in states of fatigue, weariness, physical and mental exhaustion, and also has a positive effect on thinking and concentration. Caffeine contributes to this by increasing the secretion of adrenaline, dopamine and serotonin (the happiness hormone).

The result is the stimulation of the central nervous system, acceleration of the heart rate, expansion of blood vessels. This action is very strong,because guarana is the richest raw material in caffeine - it contains up to 4 to 6 percent. this stimulant. For comparison - coffee seeds contain up to 2.8 percent. caffeine.

Therefore, guarana is recommended during periods of intense mental work and increased physical activity (e.g. for people who are intensively studying or working, especially at night). It is worth knowing that guarana can be used by people who should not drink coffee for various reasons (e.g. due to stomach problems).

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Author: Time S.A

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Recipe for guarana tincture

Ingredients: 50 g of ground guarana seeds, 0.75 liters of water, 0.5 liters of spirit. Boil the ground guarana seeds, covered, for five to eight minutes in 0.75 liters of water, strain through filter paper, and pour the spirit into the decoction. Filter one more time, pour into bottles. Drink forty drops (for water or sugar) three times a day. The tincture helps in the treatment of chronic fatigue, difficulty concentrating, excessive sleepiness.

The recipe comes from: Sarwa A., Healing tinctures. 265 recipes for tinctures, liqueurs, wine, spirits, honey, ed. Book and Knowledge

Guarana for sex problems

Caffeine in guarana may reduce the risk of sex problems. This was proved by, among others scientists from the University of Texas. Their research shows that men who consume 85 to 170 mg of caffeine a day (i.e. 1-2 cups of coffee) are down by 42 percent. less at risk of developing erectile dysfunction than men who consume only 0-7 mg of caffeine a day.

If sexual problems result from exhaustion, then raw materials containing caffeine, including guarana, may be helpful.

On the other hand, in men who consume too much caffeine (over 171 to 303 mg a day, or about 3-4 cups), the risk of erectile dysfunction is reduced by 39 percent (compared to those who take only 0-7 mg of caffeine). The reduction of erectile dysfunction has been observed even in overweight, obese and hypertensive men, but not in diabetic men.

- There is diabetesone of the factors most strongly associated with the risk of erectile dysfunction, so it was not surprising, says Dr. David S. Lopez, study coordinator. Scientists speculate that caffeine may help prevent erectile dysfunction because it relaxes the cochlear arteries of the penis and the smooth muscles of the corpus cavernosum, which increases blood flow to these areas. The sources of caffeine that the men ingested during the experiment were coffee, tea, sodas, and sports drinks.

Guarana has antibacterial and fungicidal properties

Guarana is also credited with antioxidant and immune-modulating properties. Its antibacterial properties have also been described. Alcoholic guarana seed extract fights bacteria such asEscherichia coli ,Pseudomonas fluorescensandBacillus cereusand fungi :Aspergillus niger ,Trichoderma virideiPenicillium cyclopium .

How to use guarana?

Guarana in its powdered form can be used in the preparation of beverages, including guarana beer, which is well-known in Latin America. Guarana can also be used to make bread, which is more durable than traditional bread. Currently, dietary supplements and energy drinks are produced with the addition of powdered guarana seeds or its extract.

Guarana - dosage and side effects

The amount of caffeine in dietary supplements is not legally regulated. They contain an average of 40-100 mg of caffeine per tablet / capsule. Therefore, before using caffeine dietary supplements, read the leaflet carefully and remember that you should not consume more than 400 mg of caffeine a day. Its excessive consumption may cause side effects, including excessive excitability, insomnia, stomach problems, arrhythmia.

Important

Guarana - contraindications

Guarana should not be consumed by people with peptic ulcer disease, reflux, osteoporosis, heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Unhe althy weight loss. "Let's not delude ourselves that we will only have beautiful figures thanks to supplements"

Source: x-news / Dzień Dobry TVN

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Slimming