By Stanley Ugagbe
Guarana, also known as Paullinia cupana is a Brazilian plant native to the Amazon basin. A mature guarana fruit is about the size of a coffee berry. It resembles the human eye, with a red shell encasing a black seed covered by a white aril. Guarana extract is made by processing the seeds into a powder.
According to research, Guarana contains an impressive range of stimulants, such as caffeine, theophylline and theobromine. Guarana also boasts antioxidants, such as tannins, saponins and catechins.
Research also have it that 70% of guarana produced is used by the beverage industry in soft and energy drinks, while the remaining 30% is turned into powder.
The following are some of the benefits of guarana.
It boosts heart health. According to research, Guarana may reduce the risk of heart disease in two ways. First, the antioxidants in guarana appear to aid blood flow and may prevent blood clots. Studies have also shown that guarana may decrease the oxidation of “bad” LDL cholesterol. Guarana aids heart health by improving blood flow and preventing blood clots. It can also decrease the oxidation of “bad” LDL cholesterol.
Another benefit of Guarana is that it helps provide pain relief. Experts are of the view that the pain-relieving properties of guarana are due to its high caffeine content. Note that caffeine plays a role in pain management, as it binds and blocks adenosine receptors.
Also, Guarana helps improve skin appearance. Research reveals that due to its strong antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, guarana is popular in the cosmetics industry as an ingredient in anti-aging creams, lotions, soaps and hair products. It is proven that Guarana has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, making it a common additive in cosmetic products. It aids blood flow to your skin, reduce damage linked to aging and minimize undesirable features, such as saggy skin and wrinkles.
Another benefit of the Brazilian plant is that it is loaded with compounds that have antioxidant properties. These include caffeine, theobromine, tannins, saponins and catechins. These antioxidants are important because they neutralize potentially harmful molecules called free radicals. These molecules can interact with parts of your cells and cause damage linked to aging, heart disease, cancers and other diseases.
Also, on the rich list benefits of the plant is the plant’s capability to reduce fatigue and improve focus. Research have revealed that it’s an excellent source of caffeine, which helps you maintain focus and mental energy. Note that caffeine works by blocking the effects of adenosine, a compound that helps your brain relax. It binds to adenosine receptors, preventing them from being activated. Research also show that guarana can reduce mental fatigue due to cancer treatment, without significant side effects.
Did you know? Research has shown that guarana may improve your ability to learn and remember. Low doses of guarana can improve mood, learning and memory. Compounds in guarana, along with caffeine, are responsible for these effects.
Guarana also helps to promote weight loss. Obesity is a growing concern, as it has been linked to many chronic diseases, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer. Interestingly, guarana may have properties that help promote weight loss. It’s proven that Guarana contains caffeine, which may aid weight loss by boosting metabolism. It has also been found to suppress genes that aid fat cell production and promote genes that slow it down.
It is also proven that Guarana helps relieve chronic diarrhea and treat constipation. The tannins in guarana may relieve diarrhea by preventing water loss. Meanwhile, the caffeine in guarana may relieve constipation by stimulating contractions in your intestines and colon that push contents toward the rectum.
Furthermore, it’s proven that the plant has anti-cancer properties. Studies suggest that guarana may protect against DNA damage, suppress cancer cell growth and even trigger cancer cell death.
Research have also revealed that Guarana has anti bacterial properties. Guarana contains compounds that may inhibit or kill harmful bacteria, such as E. coli and Streptococcus mutans.
Guarana is also believed to help protect against age-related eye disorders. The plant contains compounds that fight oxidative stress, a major risk factor for age-related eye disorders like macular degeneration, cataracts and glaucoma.
Last on our list is that the plant is safe with few side effects. Research shows that guarana has low toxicity in low-to-moderate doses. However, in high doses, it may have similar side effects to those of excessive caffeine intake.
Guarana has been used by Amazonian tribes for its therapeutic effects for centuries.
