Guarana is said to perk up tired people. The liana, which belongs to the soap tree family and originally comes from the Amazon region, has five times the amount of caffeine compared to a coffee bean. Therefore, the guarana plant is also often referred to as the caffeine liana. In Germany, guarana is known and popular mainly in the form of powder as capsules or as an energy drink. Side effects are similar to those that can occur when consuming other foods with caffeine.
Guarana as powder, tea or capsules.
It is the small red fruits of the guarana plant that contain the valuable but bitter-tasting seeds, also called nuts, inside. These are not only rich in fats, proteins as well as starch, but also have a high concentration of caffeine.
In contrast to the caffeine contained in coffee beans, however, the caffeine in guarana seeds only develops gradually, as it is also bound to tannins. In order for the caffeine of guarana to be released, the tannins must first be broken down. This has the effect that the caffeine of the guarana plant can be present in the body for up to six hours and thus show its effect just as long.
Invigorating effect thanks to caffeine
The guarana seeds have been used for centuries by Indians in the Amazon region for medicine as well as body care. These refer to Guarana also with “wara”, which has translated “fruit of youth” to the meaning. Especially during hunting trips of several days, guarana played and still plays a role.
It is used as an energy reserve, at the same time guarana is supposed to be able to dampen the feeling of hunger as well as thirst, but at the same time it strengthens concentration. Usually, the peeled and dried guarana seeds are ground into a powder with a light-brown color, then mixed with water and sweetened with honey. Traditionally, the Indians make so-called “bastones” before hunting. For this purpose, the seeds of the guarana are ground to powder, mixed with water and cassava starch to form a paste. This is dried and smoked, and looks like a kind of bread loaf.
When hunting, the Indians then use a hard fish bone several times a day to scrape off some of the “bastone”. This is dissolved in water and drunk to increase energy. In this country, however, there are easier methods to get the effect of guarana. In pharmacies but also organic markets guarana is sold in the form of powder or as capsules.
Side effects of guarana
The effect of guarana is described as a gentle alternative to coffee for the body. Unlike coffee, the caffeine of guarana is said to neither attack the mucous membranes of the stomach nor have side effects. However, it is said to have a fever-reducing and performance-enhancing effect. However, when consumed in excess, guarana can possibly cause side effects such as sleep problems, headaches or palpitations. Other side effects may include tremors, restlessness, or diarrhea.
As a powder, it is difficult to dose. 3 grams of guarana powder dissolved in water equals about 150 milligrams of caffeine. 50 to 200 milligrams of caffeine is equivalent to one to four cups of coffee. This amount added daily is considered safe. Guarana is not recommended for pregnant women, during breastfeeding and for people with hyperthyroidism as well as hypertension.
Guarana in energy drinks
In the form of drinking ampoules, powder or capsules, guarana is also used by athletes with the aim of increasing their own performance. In the 90s, guarana has gained popularity especially in the form of energy drinks. Well-known energy drinks or soft drinks with guarana extracts are Antarctica from Brazil, Kuat from the USA and Kicos from Germany.
By the way: If you want to enjoy Guarana, you don’t necessarily have to take Guarana capsules or powder. There are now numerous foods that contain guarana as an extra ingredient, such as gummy bears, chocolate or chewing gum. These are usually labeled “contains guarana”. The original bitter taste of guarana is not at all noticeable in these foods.
