Guarana also known as (Paullinia cupana)is a climbing plant native to the Amazon it is also quite common in Brazil. It has a variety of benefits some of which include weight loss, improves mental health, and acts as an energy booster. The seed of the fruit contains caffeine identical to sources like coffee and tea. Guarana has been approved by the Federal Drug Administration as a food additive. It is currently used in carbonated and sweetened soft drinks as well as energy drinks. It is found in some supplements and as an added ingredient in herbal tea. Most of the caffeine in South America comes from this fruit.
Some cultures pound the seeds into a fine powder the powder is then kneaded into a dough and shaped into cylinders. This “guarana bread” is then grated and immersed in hot water to be consumed as tea. The tea has been used for anti-cancer effects and as an antioxidant. One of the largest consumers of soft drinks produces several soft drink brands made from guarana extract. In fact guarana is commonly used as a reference for soft drinks made from the extract of the fruit. View the following list if you think guarana might be a potential benefit to you.
1. Aids With Weight Loss
Guarana contains caffeine which classifies it as a metabolic stimulant. As a stimulant it aids consumers in burning a greater amount a calories throughout the day.
Enhanced weight loss is achieved by increasing fat metabolism. The amount of energy used for basic metabolic functions such as digestion and breathing are also increased.
Significant weight loss was noted in participants of a study where an herbal supplement containing guarana was used. Reduction of hip circumference also occurred compared to the use of a placebo.
The prevention of fat generation may be achieved by decreasing the genes that generate fat and increasing fat fighting genes. Appetite suppressing properties are also a known characteristic of this fruit.
Indications are that this fruit prompts the nervous system to induce lipolysis where fats found in the blood system are transformed into energy while exercising. Weight loss is more effective the higher the rate of lipolysis.
Much like other forms of caffeine guarana may not mix well with other medications. Symptom of high doses may include insomnia, dehydration, and palpitations. Laboratory test have shown no no evidence of toxicity, unlike coffee.
Although there is no clinical evidence this herb has been popular for treating localized fat and cellulite.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]2. Improves Mental Health
This fruit potentially improves blood circulation which promotes better mental health. A high content of tanins and saponins working along with caffeine may contribute to the effect on mental health.
In a study, twenty participants consumed multivitamins with or without guarana and a placebo. Cognitive performance and an increased benefit of mood was noted in those individuals having taken the multivitamin containing guarana. In a previous study participants experienced increased alertness and mood as well as improved secondary memory. However, changes could not be determined from the caffeine alone. Also of note, better blood circulation offers relief from headaches and migraines.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]3. Anti-Cancer Effects
Various anti-cancer compounds (catechin, epicatechin, ent-epicatechin, and procyanidins B1, B2, B3, B4, A2, and C1) are found in guarna. In human breast cancer and colon cells the fruit induced cancer cell death and delayed its growth.
In other testing growth of cancers and metastases was reversed, inhibited, or delayed. Tumor cell death was increased and tumor cell formation was reduced in melanoma colonies. There were also reduced incidents of visible liver tumors.
Caffeine’s potential to provide cancer-preventive protection by decreasing the size and inhibiting the formation of both malignant and nonmalignant tumors has been documented and demonstrated in numerous studies.
Caffeine may well prove beneficial as potential cancer therapy, some individuals might not tolerate the stimulating effects on the central nervous system.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]4. Energy Booster
For centuries guarna has been used as a stimulant. It is widely used in high-energy drinks for its high levels of caffeine and energy-boosting effects. The result of which is improved physical performance. The fruit decreases fatigue by stimulating the brain.
A study of forty-three individuals showed the fruit maintained the quality of sleep and reduced fatigue. Effects of depression and anxiety commonly associated with caffeine were negligible.
Another study had subjects ingest low doses of the fruit and forced exercise. The results showed increased physical ability. Low doses of caffeine did not show similar effects suggesting benefits were exclusive to the fruit and not solely based on caffeine.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]5. Antioxidant
High concentrations of tannins in guarana may be closely related to antioxidant activities. The extract from the seeds may possess free radical-scavenging which have an antioxidant effect.
By reducing changes in Leydig cells, which are critical to the male reproductive system, the fruit protects against cadmium-induced free radical damage.
Considered to be a stimulant because of the caffeine content research is suggesting some health benefits as well.
Research has concluded that guarana has ten times more of the antioxidant catechins than green tea. Catechins has been associated with lowering heart disease and other inflammation in the body. Catechins are available in a wide variety of foods, but have higher quantities inside guarana seeds.
Regular consumption of the fruit has shown a lower presence of obesity, hypertension, and diabetes.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]6. Benefits Skin
Based on its high content of alkaloids, caffeine in particular, guarana is often used to treat skin ailments. The fruit is used as an ingredient in many cosmetic products like cleansing lotions, anti-aging creams, soaps, shampoos and conditioners.
In a study with forty-three participants a formula containing creatine, guarana, and glycerol increased collagen production. It also helped with skin quality. A noted reduction of crow’s feet, under eye wrinkles, and cheek sagging was documented.
Extracts of guarana seed contain strong antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, making them ideal for use as an additive in a number of cosmetics. Add extract to face masks to improve skin tone.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]7. Anti-Bacterial
The presence of Streptococcus mutants is reduced with extract from the guarana seed. This bacterium is associated with cavities and gingivitis. Harmful mutations in Salmonella were also reduced. Reductions in these mutations can prevent infections of Salmonella and typhoid-like symptoms.
Gut Flora normally carry E. coli bacteria. Certain strains of E. coli produce alpha-hemolysin when in inflammatory environments and can grow rapidly. The seed extract induces E. coli cell death.
In a study seed extracts were tested against food-borne fungi and health damaging bacteria. The seed extract displayed strong antimicrobial activity versus all microorganisms that were tested. Documented results suggest seed extracts have strong antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Therefore they are suited as natural additives in pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]8. Promotes Heart Health
Like green tea and other foods high in catechins and caffeine, guarana has been known to have some effect on LDL oxidation. This explains in part the protective effects of this food on cardiometabolic diseases.
This fruit is rich with antioxidants which help fight the free radicals affecting the efficient performance of the cardio vascular system. The power of the cardiovascular system is also boosted by the scavenging of these elements thereby keeping a variety of heart diseases in control.
Use of this fruit was documented in a study involving forty-two elderly participants. It is noted that use of the fruit prevented hardening of the arteries. Fat formation and accumulation was reduced because of its antioxidant properties. The effect of the fruits extract is derived from its ability to prevent clumping of blood cells.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]9. Helps With Digestion
In ancient times tonics were created using guarana as a treatment for digestive disorders. When faced with bowel problems such as diarrhea patients would consume these tonics.
Fiber is essential for the regulation of bowel movements and maintaining overall health of your gut. These fruit are a great source of fiber. It is almost guaranteed that with a healthy gut the rest of your body will remain disease free.
Regular or daily ingestion of the fruit resulted in a decrease of metabolic disorders such as hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and obesity among a group of six hundred thirty-seven elderly subjects. It is suggested that the properties of this fruit have a protective effect on stomach related issues.
