What is Guarana and what is it used for?
Guarana, or also known as Paullinia cupana , is a fruit from which a seed is extracted that contains more caffeine than coffee.
It is used as a sports supplement since it is stimulating and invigorating , which increases physical performance during sports activity. It also has many other properties that we will explain below.
We will explain what guarana gives us, what it is used for and its possible side effects and contraindications, as well as everything you need to know before consuming it.
Guarana Properties
Guarana has analgesic properties , which is why it has been used for the treatment of pain and fatigue syndrome, it calms and reduces pain as a result of nerve damage, as well as having anti-inflammatory properties that also help reduce pain .
It is a powerful antioxidant used both in cosmetics and to prevent premature cell aging, the catechins whose concentration is very high help us to reduce oxidative stress . They prevent us from cardiovascular diseases and neurodegenerative disorders maintaining an optimal state of health. They also ensure that the skin remains young, smooth and very elastic as long as we guarantee the body proper hydration.
Its use in cosmetics does eliminate puffiness and dark circles by stimulating and anti – inflammatory power of caffeine, tannins and catechins.
It is also used for stomach bloating caused by gas or poor digestion (dyspepsia). If you want to know how to remedy these problems we suggest you read the following post where you will find all the information on the gas and stomach problems frequently as well as c IPS FOR deflate quickly .
It is also used, in its right dose, as a support for cardiovascular health , in particular to strengthen the heart, and reduce the formation of clots. It is important in these cases not to exceed the doses since the stimulant nature can be detrimental to cardiovascular health in excess.
An increase in the level of concentration and an improvement in cognitive status are also attributed as properties , which is why it is usually used for greater performance in the study.
An interesting property that guarana has is to help improve sexual relations , specifically increasing libido, that is, potency and sexual desire. We can say that it has invigorating and aphrodisiac properties . If you want to know the best aphrodisiac foods, click here .
What does Guarana give us?
Guarana’s greatest stimulant or active ingredient is called guaranine . Its seeds can be roasted and in the same way that coffee beans are used, make guarana infusions.
It is used as a basic ingredient in many energy drinks due to its high concentration of caffeine, a concentration higher than that of coffee.
The Guarana contains xanthines, such as caffeine, catechins, tannins, procyanidins, saponins and other stimulants and antioxidant phytochemicals.
The xanthines are alkaloids that provide a stimulating effect, ie, act on the central nervous system, producing a stimulating effect it is interesting for those who need to increase performance.
Does guarana work to lose weight?
Guarana is very commonly used to aid weight loss . It is one of the basic ingredients of any combination to lose weight and is that guarana has thermogenic properties so it helps the burning of fats.
The ability to increase the body’s temperature increases caloric expenditure and increases metabolism even without performing any activity, at rest. If you want to know other thermogenic foods , here we have all the information you should know.
In addition, caffeine, in its right dose, has a diuretic effect and will help you lose the retained liquid. If you want to know how to eliminate liquids naturally, click here . But beware! caffeine in high doses can cause dehydration. If you want more information about the best drainage and diuretics, you cannot miss this post .
Another of the properties is that it helps control appetite , coffee or guarana are highly satiating , if we look closely, they reduce our anxiety to eat .
Is Guarana effective to increase athletic performance?
The power of caffeine helps to drastically increase the physical performance of athletes, yes, it must be used in cycles with breaks so that the body does not get used to its consumption.
It has been observed that both strength and muscular endurance are improved by the action of caffeine, this translates into a reduction in physical fatigue.
Since the use of guarana as a sports supplement is based on its high concentration of caffeine, if you want to know how caffeine works as a supplement to increase sports performance, click here .
Who can take Guarana?
Healthy people without previous illnesses who wish to lose weight or who seek to reduce their fat percentage, athletes who seek to improve their performance from the point of view of reducing the perception of physical fatigue.
Given these properties with a view to enhancing cognitive and alertness, it may also be of interest to students or people who dedicate themselves to tasks that require optimal concentration and who suffer wear and tear and mental fatigue, so that they can maintain concentration for a longer time . As well as people who seek to improve the quality of their sexual relations .
- It must be taken into account that continuous consumption produces an adaptation and consequently a decrease in its effects, so we should not consume it regularly, but do consumption cycles with its breaks.
How to take and combine Guarana?
Guarana can generally be purchased in the form of capsules or pills, either alone or in combined vitamins or food supplements aimed at losing fat or improving physical and mental performance.
The indicative dose is 200 to 800 mg daily but it depends on the tolerance of each person, so it is advisable to start with an initial dose of about 200 mg daily as a tolerance and sensitivity test and gradually increase until reaching a maximum of 800 mg daily.
We must consult the dosage recommendations indicated by the manufacturer. You can combine it with all kinds of nutritional supplements.
Guarana contraindications
In case of taking any type of medication, you should consult with your doctor about taking guarana. Pregnant women and children should not take supplements with high doses of stimulants, so guarana is not recommended either.
Among side effects of guarana are the same as those applied for caffeine, and depending on the dose ingested, and sensitivity and tolerance of the individual ranging from trouble sleeping , palpitations, stomach pain, high blood pressure , anxiety , restlessness, up to diarrhea, dehydration, general malaise , acceleration, states of nervousness , etc.
- Always remember that it is important to combine a healthy and balanced diet with physical exercise with the consumption of a nutritional supplement that can help you lose weight because these alone will not work any miracle to lose weight .
