Guarana is a very well tolerated and natural energy supplier. At the same time, the plant substance has a mild antipyretic and antibacterial effect. The substance is offered in numerous products for consumption.
Occurrence and cultivation of guarana
It takes its name from the Guarani people, a Native American minority native to central South America. The guarana is a liana-like plant and belongs to the soap tree family, the Sapindaceae. Its scientific name is Paullina Cupana. It is named after the Guarani people, a Native American minority living in Central South America. The guarana grows like a shrub or in the form of a liana. In its region of origin, the entire Amazon basin, it can reach a height of up to 12 meters. In the meantime, it is also cultivated in other South American countries. The brownish hairy bark becomes increasingly woody and bare. Its alternate stem leaves grow to 20 to 30 cm long and up to 9 cm wide. The guarana plant produces flowers only sporadically. These bundle up in bunches or tendril-like. The fruits that form are capsule-like and take on an orange-red color when ripe. In length, these measure 2 to 3 cm. The formed fruits are carriers of caffeine. Partially the capsules open and contain few seeds. These are green in color and are bordered by a white seed coat, called the aril. Seed and seed coat look like an awake eye. Because of this appearance, guarana is an integral part of numerous Native American myths.
Effect and use
In the countries of the original occurrence of the guarana plant, it finds a variety of uses. Primarily in powder form and processed into pastes, guarana has been consumed there for several centuries. The ground seeds are now preferably added to soft drinks and energy drinks. Thus, the exotic liana plant is also becoming increasingly popular in Europe. The bitter taste is balanced by adding honey. In addition to proteins, fats and starch, the seeds contain numerous other secondary plant substances. Above all, the proportion of caffeine is important. It measures 7 percent and thus corresponds to three times the amount of caffeine in ground coffee beans. In contrast to coffee, guarana is better tolerated by the human organism. It is gentler in its effect, especially on the mucous membranes. This is because the guarana seed contains a high proportion of tannins (25 percent) in addition to the caffeine. Before the body can absorb the caffeine, it must break down the tannins. Thus, the process of caffeine absorption is slowed down. As a result, the stimulating substance remains in the organism for up to six hours. The duration of effect of the substance is just as extensive. Guarana also promotes the ability to concentrate, mental and physical performance and reduces the feeling of hunger and thirst. Thus Guarana is advertised for performance and learning stress situations as well as for weight reduction. However, guarana does not effectively increase the real performance capacity of the body, but rather deceives the limits. It is a stimulant, drug-like substance that briefly stimulates the body to use more power. Ground into a powder, the slightly bitter-tasting seeds of the guarana plant can be mixed with liquids or other stirrable foods. Mostly, the powder is advertised in capsule form or as a tablet in the field of dietary supplements. Drinking ampoules are also offered by retailers. Furthermore, chewing gum, sweets or fitness drinks are available for purchase. The substance is also added to tea. Due to the stimulating effect and already traditional use for increasing potency, guarana is also added to lubricant gels.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
The powder has a stimulating and vitalizing effect, at the same time reduces fever and is diuretic. It stimulates the respiratory, cardiovascular and muscular systems. Guarana has an astringent effect. Thus, it can be used for headaches and migraines as well as for general weakness and loss of energy. Furthermore, it is used for weight reduction, as Guarana bridges feelings of hunger and thirst. Guarana can also be addictive due to the stimulating effects of caffeine. In its traditional use for body care and as a medicinal plant, the duration of application is limited. Native American tribes use guarana mainly on their hunting trips.To supply oneself with energy in the short term, a paste is made and formed into a loaf of bread. It is not intended for long-term consumption, but should be used in moderation for health. Side effects of guarana are possible and result from the high caffeine content. Symptoms are similar. Excessive consumption of guarana can cause sleep problems, headaches, internal agitation, tachycardia, tremors and muscle pain. Diarrhea problems have also been reported. Due to the reduction of the feeling of hunger and especially thirst, care should be taken to ensure adequate fluid intake. Especially in warm ambient temperatures, there is a risk of dehydration. This becomes dangerous in physically demanding situations. Guarana is therefore not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women. The same applies to children, people with high blood pressure and hyperthyroidism, as well as people who do not tolerate caffeine or teein. A daily intake of 3 g of guarana powder is considered safe for health. A solution of this amount in water corresponds to a caffeine content of about 150 mg. This would be equivalent to the consumption of about 3 cups of coffee. A maximum daily intake of between 1 and 2 g is recommended. When using guarana powder, adherence to the recommended dosage is more difficult than with capsules or tablets. In case of overdose, medical experts recommend drinking plenty of water.
