Guarana and its miraculous properties.

At the modern pace of life, a person constantly needs additional energy. To help the human body replenish the missing reserves, manufacturers of sports nutrition began to produce magical “energy products” that can give an unprecedented surge of strength and energy. Almost all of these products contain a special ingredient called Guarana.

Guarana, or “Paulínia cupána Kunth” (on behalf of the scientist S. Pauli, who studied the flora of Denmark) is an evergreen shrub that grows wild in the north and west of Brazil, as well as in Venezuela. For several years now, in many areas of the state of Amazonas (Brazil), guarana has been specially grown for industrial purposes.

Historical facts

The Brazilian Indians used the specific properties of guarana long before the local colonizers discovered this plant. When pioneers from Europe first came to the shores of South America, they were amazed at the high physical activity and lightning-fast reaction of the natives. It soon became clear that the inexhaustible source of energy of the Brazilian Indians is the small fruit of guarana.

The Indians used this miraculous plant not only as a tonic drink, but also as a medicine. They separated the seeds of the guarana fruit from the pulp, why they crushed them and mixed them with water – they got a real dough. From the resulting dough, the natives made sticks with a diameter of 2,5 centimeters, which were then dried in the sun. If necessary, dry guarana sticks were ground and then added to juice or water in a crushed form. A drink with the addition of guarana extract helped the Indians to restore lost strength after exhausting work.

Since the European colonialists made guarana their favorite drink, it has become more and more popular every year. In 1905, a physician from Brazil, Luis Pereira Barreto, offered praise and gratitude to the one who first discovered guarana and made a miraculous drink, thereby bringing enormous benefits to all mankind.

It should be noted that it is in Brazil that the question: “Tea or coffee?”, Which is familiar to Europeans, sounds a little differently: “Tea, coffee or guarana?”

Guarana seeds and fruits.

Guarana fruits are covered from above with a dense skin of a dark yellow or grayish color, with a scarlet shell (box). When the time comes and the fruit ripens, the skin of the guarana bursts, revealing an oval seed that is black or purple-brown in color.

The main product from which the Brazilians make the drink are guarana seeds. Therefore, before starting, the fruits must be soaked in order to get rid of the fruit pulp. After that, the extracted seeds are dried in the sun, lightly roasted and crushed. As a result, the resulting powder, containing a large amount of caffeine, is added to water – this is how a natural tonic drink is obtained.

The chemical composition of the plant.

Guarana contains 7% resin, 5,5% amides, 0,6% saponin, as well as traces of the acids guanine and adenine, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium and vitamin B1.

Guarana seeds contain a crystalline substance called guaranine. It is very similar in its properties to the caffeine and tinin found in tea, as well as to other constituents of cocoa and cola.

Guarana or coffee? What’s better?

The caffeine in guarana does not have aggressive properties, is absorbed gradually and has a gentle effect on the entire body. The stimulating potential that guarana has on the human body is 5 times higher than the effect of caffeine, while it does not irritate the gastric mucosa.

Guarana does not cause feelings of overexcitement, increased heart rate, loss of sleep and other unpleasant consequences that usually occur after a couple of cups of coffee.

How does guarana work?

Today, guarana, due to its unique properties, is included in a large number of food supplements and medicines. And energy drinks containing guarana extract not only have pleasant taste, but also perfectly quench thirst, increase the energy balance of the whole organism.

Guarana has a stimulating effect on the functioning of the nervous system, increases the physical endurance and performance of the body, activates fat metabolism, which are very important during prolonged exertion.

Taking nutritional supplements containing guarana extract is recommended for various types of physical activity that constantly require high loads, coordination and attention, concentration, intellectual and physical endurance.

Guarana action.

• Guarana is effective for chronic fatigue syndrome;
• Guarana perfectly increases the efficiency and endurance of the body;
• Guarana helps in the fight against extra pounds (reduces appetite, accelerates fat burning);
• Guarana promotes a positive and balanced emotional state;
• Guarana is indicated for migraines and dizziness;
• Guarana well supports the work of the cardiovascular system;
• Guarana increases calorie expenditure during exercise.

Contraindications.

Do not overestimate the portions of products containing guarana, as this can cause increased nervous irritability and insomnia. Guarana should be taken with caution by elderly people with high blood pressure, severe atherosclerosis, cardiac disorders, as well as pregnant and lactating mothers.

It is not recommended to take guarana in the afternoon for people who suffer from insomnia. In this case, it is best to start taking with one third of the dose, gradually increasing to the full volume of the capsule of the drug.

The cycle of taking guarana for weight loss is determined by the individual goals and objectives of the training programs. The optimal course of taking the drug is from two to six weeks. After that, it is better to take a short break – one month, during which you should adhere to a balanced diet so as not to reduce the thermogenic effect.