
GUARANÁ: EFFECTS, DOSAGE AND APPLICATION
A natural stimulant that contains five times as much caffeine as a coffee bean? Yes, it really does exist. We're talking about the guarana plant.
Are you looking for a healthy coffee substitute, want to know how to best use guarana, how it works in the body, and what side effects it can have? In this article, you'll find answers to all your questions about this powerful ingredient.
Table of Contents
- What is Guarana?
- Origin of the Guarana plant
- The active ingredients of Guarana
- How does guarana work in the body?
- Guaraná as a long-lasting stimulant
- Protective shield against stress
- Supporting digestion with guarana
- A healthy cardiovascular system
- Bye bye pain
- Guarana as a natural blood thinner
- How can you use guarana?
- How much guarana can you take?
- Are there any side effects when taking guarana?
What is Guarana?
Guarana is a vine species belonging to the soapberry family. Because it contains five times more caffeine than coffee beans, it is now primarily used in energy drinks and as a dietary supplement.
Origin of the Guarana plant
Guarana originates from the Amazon region and is primarily found in the rainforest. The plant grows shrub-like and reaches heights of up to 15 meters. The fruits of the tree are used.
The active ingredients of Guarana
caffeine
Caffeine is a plant alkaloid. It stimulates the nervous system, increases heart rate and blood pressure, and has a positive effect on mood.
tannins
They help kill bacteria and aid digestion. Furthermore, the tannins contained in guarana ensure that the large amount of caffeine reaches the body gradually, rather than all at once.
Saponins
Saponins are soap substances that have a diuretic effect, stimulate the kidneys, and support the gastrointestinal tract. They have antibacterial properties.
Theophylline
This is a plant substance that also stimulates kidney function, raises blood pressure, and promotes blood circulation.
Theobromine
Similar to caffeine, theobromine is an alkaloid and has a stimulating and stimulating effect.
Catechin
Catechin is said to prevent cancer. The plant substance also has antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties.
Choline
Choline is a real power nutrient and has a positive effect on the brain, nerves and muscles.
How does guarana work in the body?
Guaraná as a long-lasting stimulant
Guarana is an effective and healthy alternative to coffee. Its caffeine content is significantly higher. The compounds it contains naturally wake you up and help you avoid energy slumps and fatigue.
And the best part: While a coffee high quickly sends you into a slump, the wake-up effect from guarana lasts significantly longer. This is due to the tannins it contains, which create a kind of depot effect and release the caffeine gradually. You benefit from the energy boost of the guarana plant for a full six hours.
Protective shield against stress
In a study conducted over 15 years, researcher Carrie Ruxton found a link between the consumption of caffeine, which is found in guarana, and well-being. A study at Cardiff University in Wales and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge also confirmed this effect: caffeine lifts mood. The reason for this is that caffeine blocks the action of the neurotransmitter adenosine, which inhibits the production of the happiness hormone serotonin.
Supporting digestion with guarana
Guarana's effects aren't felt in the stomach, but rather in the intestines. It works against flatulence and diarrhea. The fruit is also an effective remedy for water retention and a natural detoxifier, helping to remove toxins and waste products from the body more quickly.
A healthy cardiovascular system
The caffeine in guarana stimulates the vasomotor center, causing the heart to beat more frequently and increasing both heart rate and blood pressure.
Bye bye pain
The natural stimulation of blood circulation after consuming caffeine reduces pain. Migraine sufferers, for example, can benefit from this relief from persistent headaches. Guarana is also excellent for reducing period pain.
Guarana as a natural blood thinner
The substances catechin and caffeine contained in guarana have a blood-thinning effect and thus help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as thrombosis or blood clots.
How can you use guarana?
Powder/Tea
You can buy guarana powder and stir it into water, bowls, or smoothies. This way, you'll consume natural caffeine with your meals.
Capsules
If you prefer a more practical approach, we recommend our ENERGY CAPSULES . These contain 333.3 mg of guarana seed extract per daily dose (2 capsules) and are also packed with other valuable ingredients, including ginseng, green tea, and spirulina.
With this combination of active ingredients, you can keep your energy levels up in a healthy way, making you more productive, focused, and simply full of energy.
How much guarana can you take?
Depending on the dosage form, you should always follow the manufacturer's dosage recommendations. In general, 400 milligrams of caffeine (equivalent to about four cups of coffee) spread over a day is safe for an adult.
Are there any side effects when taking guarana?
Guarana contains a lot of caffeine, so you should definitely stick to the dosage recommendations. An overdose can result in the following side effects:
- insomnia
- Tremble
- Heart palpitations
- Headache
So you see: Guarana can be a wonderful support for your everyday life. It boosts your performance and concentration, makes you alert, and can even help with pain. But here, too, it's important to consume it mindfully and responsibly so you can truly benefit from the positive effects of this powerful plant.