Guarana is an evergreen shrub that grows in the Amazon forests. The plant has this name because of its fruits, which contain guaranine. It is thanks to him that a person loses extra pounds. The South American culture is a vine with fruits containing seeds. Guarana is very popular not only abroad, but also in Ukraine and Russia. A large number of positive reviews about the product spread very quickly among those who want to lose weight.
This miraculous dietary supplement stimulates brain function, increases human vigor and performance. Those who want to get a beautiful figure take herbal medicines. One of these medicines is guarana, thanks to the caffeine contained in the fruit, it promotes rapid weight loss.
The Amazonian supplement is found to be safe to use. It can fight heart and neurological diseases. After all, caffeine beans cleanse blood vessels of cholesterol, and thereby strengthen the immune system. Green vine is a good remedy for chronic fatigue.
After using the dietary supplement, drowsiness disappears, high activity appears, and the heartbeat quickens. For people who play sports, guarana gives strength and increases the source of energy that is used from their own fat.
Long-term use of the drug does not cause addiction or unpleasant consequences. When used, it reduces appetite and has a diuretic effect.
What it is
Guarana is an evergreen tree climbing vine and shrub. Can climb up to a height of 10 meters. The habitat is the Amazonian lowland in South America.
Description
It is distinguished by dark branches, large oblong leaves with carved edges and large reddish-white flowers growing in whole bunches (inflorescences). In the third year, it begins to produce fruits the size of hazelnuts, covered with thin skin of bright yellow or gray-green color with a blood-red top. After ripening, it opens and reveals a seed (black or blue-purple) the size of a large grape, which resembles an eye. Fruits in the winter months. After 5 years, up to 3 kg of crop is harvested from one bush.
The fruits successfully compete with coffee beans. After all, they have twice as much caffeine. In this way, the plant protected itself from pathogenic microbes, because in such a high concentration this substance becomes a toxin.
Seed treatment
The fruits are collected and soaked to separate the seeds from the pulp (otherwise it begins to ferment and contributes to the rapid appearance of mold). Wash, dry and fry to remove the skin. The final stage is crushing into a fine powder. It is the extract that is added to dietary supplements and food products. The local population dilutes it with water or milk - the resulting drink is similar in taste and properties to coffee or cocoa.
Production
Guarana was first mentioned in chronicles of the 16th century by Spanish writers. The use of fruits for commercial purposes was started by a Brazilian doctor, Luis Pereira Barreto. In 1906, he launched the production of soda water on its basis, and then the famous brand of champagne “Guarana Champagne Antarctica”.
In the middle of the 20th century, the fruits began to be used in the food industry in large quantities. They are used to produce not only energy drinks, but also tea, chocolate, pasta, sweets, lollipops, and chewing gum. In Brazil, it is generally difficult to find a product that does not contain guarana extract, from breakfast muesli to toothpaste. In South America it is the main source of caffeine.
Today, guarana is most often promoted as a natural fat-burning supplement for weight loss and sports nutrition with psychostimulating and tonic effects. However, the degree of effectiveness is questioned by many, including official medicine.
Origin of name. It comes from Portuguese: "guarana" translated from the Maue language (Amazonian people) means "fruit - like human eyes."
Properties of guarana
The dietary supplement has been used in Brazil since ancient times.
Caffeine beans are added to the drink to improve alertness, memory, endurance, and performance. The main advantage of this miracle drug is the control and stimulation of excess weight. Due to the composition, cholesterol deposits disappear, which is why weight is reduced. The seeds are collected and ground to a powder, mixed with liquid and the resulting mixture is taken. It enhances the metabolic process and leads to the burning of excess calories.
The dietary product does not provoke irritability, fatigue, or exhaustion. On the contrary, it strengthens, supports and stimulates the functioning of the body. Ensures stable and high functioning of all organs, especially the cardiac system, metabolism and the whole body in general.
Compound
The value of guarana is in its seeds, which contain large amounts of caffeine. Some sources call it guaranine. Its properties are identical to caffeine from coffee beans. But here its content is twice as high: 20 mg per 100 g of natural source.
However, the valuable properties of the plant are not dictated only by caffeine. The seeds also contain other useful biologically active substances:
- xanthine alkaloids (among them are theophylline and theobromine, which are natural pacemakers);
- polyphenols (antioxidant flavonoids catechin and epicatechin);
- amides (derivatives of oxygen-containing acids);
- saponins;
- vitamins A, E and almost the entire group B (most of all thiamine, niacin and riboflavin);
- many minerals: zinc, magnesium, manganese, potassium, iron, sodium, phosphorus, calcium, copper;
- tannins.
It is a protein plant food with zero calories. Does not contain carbohydrates. Minimum fat.
This is interesting. Some South American tribes valued the beneficial properties of guarana so much that they used it as a means of payment.
Benefit
A large number of dietary supplements are produced based on guarana seeds. Most often they are promoted as energy drinks (in sports nutrition) and fat-burning agents (in dietetics). In addition to these basic properties, they are credited with many others that are beneficial to health.
For good health
Guarana seeds have long been used by South American tribes to treat various diseases. To date, some studies have partially confirmed the health benefits. But the experiments and tests carried out are not enough to officially declare the plant medicinal and use it in pharmacology.
It is believed that guarana seed extract has a healing effect on the body:
- relieves various types of pain - from headaches to toothaches;
- lowers fever, relieving fever;
- eliminates spasms;
- strengthens the immune system, reducing the risk of bacterial infections;
- relieves fatigue, increases performance;
- helps against arthritis, reducing inflammation in the joints;
- improves digestion, stopping diarrhea;
- cures hangover;
- reduces the risk of developing CVD: atherosclerosis, ischemia, heart attack;
- normalizes the condition of dysentery and neuralgia.
Improved cognitive abilities are another property that is noted by manufacturers, users and even scientists. With regular use of the extract, memory is strengthened, concentration is increased and the learning process is optimized (the results are quite high).
Calming properties are often mentioned: supposedly the extract helps relieve stress, improve sleep, and strengthen the heart muscle. Although this is a rather controversial point. After all, the main effect of guarana is psychostimulating. This means that, on the contrary, it activates the body’s mental activity, relieves fatigue, drowsiness and lethargy, increases performance and muscle tone, accelerates responses, sharpens hearing and vision.
For weight loss
Guarana is most often offered for weight loss - as part of fat-burning and appetite-suppressing food additives. Theoretically, seed extract should promote weight loss because:
- has a tonic effect, promotes physical activity, which allows you to burn extra calories;
- improves digestion, increasing the absorption of beneficial nutrients and preventing the deposition of fats;
- has a fat-burning effect (the advantage of caffeine);
- improves metabolism;
- reduces appetite, saving you from hunger while dieting;
- prevents the appearance of cellulite;
- relieves swelling, removing excess fluid from the body (has a mild diuretic effect);
- relieves psychological fatigue, preventing compulsive overeating;
- normalizes liver function, accelerating the process of cleansing the body of toxins and other harmful substances.
So, theoretically, there should be benefits for weight loss from guarana. In practice, I use dietary supplements based on it to help someone fight extra pounds. At the same time, there are also negative reviews that they do not lead to any weight loss.
In sports
Guarana is included in sports nutrition as a natural source of caffeine, a psychostimulant, a tonic, and an energy drink. Such additives:
- provide a boost of energy and vigor, increase performance, allowing you to give your best in training;
- control the water-salt balance to prevent dehydration;
- accelerate metabolism;
- restore muscles after training, reducing soreness;
- tone;
- promote mental concentration;
- improve physical indicators of endurance, strength, reaction;
- relieves fatigue and overwork for several hours, which often cause failures in the training program.
Athletes note a surge of strength and increased performance after consuming sports supplements with guarana. But you shouldn’t place too much hope on it: it doesn’t contribute to muscle growth in any way. The only advantage of this type of nutrition is the additional dose of energy needed to get the most out of your workouts.
With the world - one by one. In some South American countries, they make guarana bread, which is considered a national dish. The seeds are hulled, soaked, and ground into powder. The dough is kneaded from it, from which loaves are formed and kept in hot water with sugar for several hours.
How does the guarana-based miracle supplement work?
The South American liana promotes the rapid burning of fat deposits.
Therefore, metabolism accelerates and the body receives energy without resorting to food. Endurance is developed in those people who do physical exercise. When taking guarana, a person on a diet does not feel lethargic and tired. This ensures good results and productivity during training. The medicinal drug is used in the fight against cellulite, obesity, decreased potency and memory, migraines, poor circulation, and poor concentration. Acts as an immunomodulator and antidepressant. Promotes rehabilitation after illness, is used as a general strengthening agent. Thanks to the drug, tissue is renewed, wounds heal, the regeneration process is accelerated, and swelling is relieved.
When taken, cholesterol levels in the blood decrease, mood improves, and the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract improves. Migraines are more easily tolerated depending on weather changes.
Research
Which of the above beneficial properties of guarana are officially confirmed? And why is pharmacology in no hurry to produce medicines from its extract? The answers are in the research results.
1991
Study of the medicinal properties of guarana at the University of Brazil. It was found that the extract reduces the level of thromboxanes in the blood. Accordingly, they made the assumption that it reduces the risk of stroke and heart attack. But in order for the findings to be officially recognized, additional research was required, which has not been carried out since then.
1997
Experiments on rats. One group had guarana seed powder added to their food for several months, the other did not. According to the results, animals from the first group developed physically better, were less likely to get sick and had stronger memory.
year 2001
Human research. One group was given a mixture of Paraguayan holly, common thorns and guarana, the second - nothing. After 45 days, the average weight loss in the first group was 5 kg, in the second - 0.5 kg. The conclusions about the benefits for weight loss were refuted due to the fact that the mixture included 2 more ingredients, and each of them could have a similar effect on the body.
2002
Experiments on mice. Guarana extract was added to the food in combination with omega-6 fatty acid. The result is a reduction in fat and getting rid of bacterial diseases.
2006
Human research. It has been proven that guarana does not promote weight loss.
2007
Human studies. Four control groups were given guarana extract in different dosages to their food. In the first two, where the daily portion did not exceed 75 g, an increase in mood and energy was noted. In the second two (more than 75 mg), a noticeable improvement in cognitive abilities was recorded: memory, attention, thought processes.
2007
A scientific publication about epileptic seizures that could be caused by energy drinks containing guarana (in combination with caffeine, ginkgo and ginseng). The study was conducted by the Department of Neurology at Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, USA. Four cases of epilepsy have been described. All victims drank large quantities of energy drinks. After they stopped using them, the attacks did not recur. Therefore, it was suggested that the extract of this plant can stimulate the central nervous system so strongly that it can lead to neurological diseases.
Bottom line. In the USA there is GRAS status, which is assigned to products recognized as safe for health. So, supplements (any kind - sports, weight loss, general strengthening) with guarana extract do not have such a code. This means that the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) declines responsibility for possible negative consequences after their use, does not officially confirm their medicinal properties and prohibits their use for the diagnosis, treatment or prevention of any diseases.
Interesting fact. Since ancient times, men of Brazilian tribes took guarana with them to hunt. It allowed them to withstand multi-day treks through the jungle, improved their physical performance, and they returned home with rich booty.
Correct use of guarana-based preparations
So, you purchased a dietary supplement and immediately began using it.
Simply taking the drug will not lead to rapid weight loss. If you intend to drink the product and sit at the computer or lie down watching a movie, then there will be no effect. Don't expect such a miracle! You will only waste your money and waste your time. It is also very important to eat right and do at least light physical activity. During training, the Amazon vine will promote the release of energy from fat cells. With this approach, in 30 days you will lose 3-5 kg without harming your health.
It will be good if, after taking a drug containing guarana, you jog for about 30 minutes. This will promote intensive fat burning in all areas of the body. If jogging is not possible, do some simple exercises. This way, you will significantly increase your chances of losing excess weight.
Possible harm
Lack of research, refutations of official medicine, refusal of the FDA to recognize the medicinal properties of guarana - all this forces manufacturers and consumers to take responsibility for the production and use of supplements based on it. No one can accurately formulate a list of contraindications and side effects, since they are only hypothetical. Therefore, when using them to lose weight or improve workout performance, you need to be extremely careful.
Guarana fruit
Contraindications
A typical list of contraindications prescribed in most sports supplements and dietary supplements for weight loss:
- individual intolerance;
- tendency to allergies;
- age under 18 years;
- serious mental disorders, severe diseases of the central nervous system, epilepsy;
- pregnancy;
- lactation.
Experts recommend expanding the list of contraindications given by most manufacturers and additionally including the following diseases:
- disturbances in kidney function (given the diuretic effect);
- slow metabolism;
- insomnia;
- imbalance, tearfulness, irritability, frequent mood swings, emotional instability;
- problems with cardiovascular system: hypertension, tachycardia, heart failure;
- PCOS;
- hormonal imbalances, especially those associated with dysfunction of the thyroid gland.
Experts advise that if you have any chronic diseases, before taking guarana, undergo a medical examination and consult a doctor to see if this is possible.
Side effects
Due to non-compliance with contraindications and dosages, side effects may occur:
- weight gain (if you take supplements and don’t exercise);
- excessive excitement, anxiety, incomprehensible anxiety, irritability, hyperreflexia;
- sleep disturbances (observed in those who take supplements in the afternoon or have an overly sensitive nervous system);
- tremor of limbs, muscle cramps;
- migraine;
- allergy;
- digestive disorders, ranging from mild nausea to uncontrollable vomiting;
- increased heart rate and pulse, increased blood pressure to critical levels;
- dehydration of the body;
- disturbances in kidney function due to increased load.
Do not forget about epileptic seizures, which were diagnosed in several patients in the United States due to the use of guarana energy drinks.
About the effect of caffeine and other energy drinks
Many sources indicate that guaranine differs from caffeine in having a milder and more gentle effect. Does not irritate the intestinal mucosa, is less likely to cause side effects, and weakly stimulates the nervous system. And at the same time, many who have used supplements based on it note an effect that is typical of absolutely all energy drinks - herbal and synthetic.
Guranine forces the body to synthesize a fairly large amount of energy at once, which ideally should be evenly distributed throughout the day. And then a one-time surge occurs. It is not surprising that a person feels an unprecedented surge of strength. But after the effect of the plant extract ends (after 6-7 hours, which is much longer compared to caffeine), there is nowhere to get energy from, since it has all been used up. The result is a sharp loss of strength, performance, lethargy and drowsiness.
On a note. The cases of epilepsy described by the Barrow Neurological Institute are not the only warning of possible harm. Not long ago, the story of an American teenager who died after drinking too much energy drink (which again included guarana extract) and coffee received wide resonance.
Release forms
Guarana-based supplements come in different forms. This applies to both those produced by sports nutrition companies and those intended for weight loss.
Powder
It is believed that guarana extract in powder is the most useful, highly concentrated and effective form of release. It is distinguished by a light brown or dark yellow tint. It is slightly bitter, so some manufacturers add flavor enhancers and flavorings to it. Quickly dissolves in warm water or any other liquid. Dilution proportions are indicated in the instructions for the drugs.
The most expensive of all forms of release.
Beverages
They have a high tonic effect. May be carbonated. Usually they contain many other auxiliary components. In sports nutrition, these are protein-carbohydrate mixtures, creatine, herbal energy drinks (schisandra, yohimbe, synephrine, geranium, ginseng, green tea), L-carnitine, vitamins and amino acids. Diet drinks for weight loss contain diuretic and laxative extracts, herbs to reduce appetite, and fat-burning ingredients.
More convenient to use than powder. You don’t need to dilute it with anything, but you can take it with you to work, training or a walk. They have excellent taste. However, they contain too many chemicals (preservatives, sweeteners, flavors) and are not concentrates. Accordingly, the benefits may be much less than from using powder additives.
When purchasing energy drinks for weight loss, pay attention to their calorie content. If it is usually zero for powder and capsules, then for drinks it is up to 50 kcal per 100 ml due to additional ingredients.
Capsules and tablets
The most popular form of release. This is the same powder, but enclosed in an artificial capsule shell (made of gelatin or microcellulose). Tablets are compressed crushed seeds. The color, smell and taste differ significantly from one manufacturer to another and depend on additional ingredients.
Using liquid chestnuts
The Tupi and Guarani Indians also used guarana fruits during military campaigns. With a huge caffeine content and light weight, the fruits were the best stimulant available, and therefore helped soldiers make long journeys and remain combat ready. The Indians also used guarana to treat headaches, fever, arthritis, diarrhea and hangovers.
Currently, guarana is a regular ingredient in many energy drinks, and is also added to sweets, lollipops and teas. Guarana extract became popular in the preparation of sports nutrition, and then began to be used as a dietary supplement for weight loss.
Advertisements for liquid chestnuts mention: increasing energy, restoring strength, increasing endurance, cleansing the intestines, improving immunity, accelerating metabolism.
How to lose 5 kg by taking liquid chestnuts?
The main effect is due to a large dose of caffeine. It does not burn fat, but it encourages activity, which helps you lose weight. There is no point in simply taking dietary supplements containing guarana; it helps those who strive for a normal diet and exercise at least a little. Start doing exercises, walking in the evenings, and break away from your chair during the day. In the process of losing weight, 70% is normal nutrition, and 30% comes from activity. Guarana will improve the result, but to get it, you need to take care of yourself.
How to use
The use of guarana dietary supplements in food is clearly stated in the instructions: dosage, frequency of use, duration of use, what to drink and dilute.
The approximate daily dosage is from 200 to 800 mg. If you use less, you may not achieve any results. If more, due to an overdose, side effects may occur with further health complications.
For weight loss
- Dosage - 200-500 mg per day;
- 1-2 times a day in the first half (before 16.00);
- take half an hour before meals to suppress appetite;
- capsules and tablets are washed down with plenty of water, tea or juice;
- the powder is diluted in warm water, green tea or kefir;
- weight loss course - 1-1.5 months;
- You can repeat weight loss no earlier than in a month;
- To enhance effectiveness, it is advisable to follow a low-calorie protein diet and exercise.
In sports
- Dosage - 600-800 mg per day;
- the first time - in the morning during or after breakfast, the second time - half an hour or even 15 minutes before training, but no later than 17.00;
- Take capsules and tablets with plenty of water or a protein shake;
- dilute the powder in warm water or a protein shake;
- Duration of use - 1 month;
- the interval between courses is 2-3 weeks;
- To enhance effectiveness, it is advisable to follow a protein diet.
Despite the fact that the powder dissolves more easily and quickly in boiling water, it is not recommended to brew it in this way, since most of the beneficial substances are lost and there is a risk of not achieving the declared effect.
Sample diagram for beginners
Guarana is a tropical, exotic plant that often causes allergic reactions and digestive disorders. Therefore, beginners should gradually introduce supplements with its extract into their diet. They prefer to buy powder. Although it is concentrated, it is easily divided into dosages:
- 1-3 days - dilute 50 mg in 100 ml of warm water and drink half an hour before lunch once a day;
- days 4-6 - 100 mg per 150 ml of water;
- Days 7-9 - 150 mg per glass of water.
Starting from day 10, in the absence of side effects and undesirable consequences, you can switch to the dosage regimen recommended by the manufacturer in the instructions. Next time you can buy capsules or a drink. This rule works both for weight loss and for increasing the effectiveness of training.
General Tips
It is important to note that guarana is not a fat burner. It gives additional energy to the body. Therefore, you should not expect that you will be able to simply take the drug and lose weight. For the time being, it is necessary to develop a strategy for nutrition and exercise. Otherwise, there will be extra stress on the body, which can negatively affect health. The extract helps strengthen the calorie deficit by expending additional energy.
About guarana for weight loss, watch this video (opinion of a nutritionist):
Ratings
Buy a product with guarana, taking into account the purpose of use. If you are actively involved in sports and want to get the most out of your workouts, go to a sports nutrition store. If you dream of losing weight and becoming the owner of a slim figure without cellulite, order weight loss supplements. Some of them can be found at the pharmacy.
Sports nutrition
- Pure Guarana+ - powder. KFD Nutrition (Poland). $30.57 for 300g.
- Guarana Liquid is a coffee-cherry energy drink. Power System (Germany). $24.58 for 20 ampoules, 25 ml each.
- Organic Guarana Powder - powder. Ufeelgood (Russia). $12.03 per 100 g.
- Guarana 1600 is an energy drink. With the taste of peach, raspberry, cherry, cranberry. NPO ST (Russia). $15.36 for 20 ampoules, 25 ml each.
- Guarana Extract Capsules - capsules. Be First (Russia). $9.37 for 120 pcs.
- Guaranax - capsules. Olimp (Poland). $6.91 for 60 pcs.
- Guarana extract (caffeine 11%) - powder. Protein.Company (Russia). $6.28 for 50 g.
- Guarana Capsules - capsules. GeneticLab Nutrition (Russia). $5.99 for 60 pcs.
- Super Guarana - tablets enriched with calcium. Scitec Nutrition (Hungary). $4.47 per 100 pcs.
- Extra Guarana is a mocha flavored protein bar. ProteinRex (Russia). $0.92 for 1 piece. weighing 40 g.
Preparations with guarana for sports nutrition
Many sports supplements containing guarana extract are labeled as a “fat burner”. Therefore, they can be actively used when losing weight, if you regularly go to workouts at the same time.
For weight loss
Weight loss supplements are often called Liquid Chestnut or Amazon Guarana, which are essentially the same thing.
- Pomme Guarana (guarana, apple, silica) - fat burning capsules. $34.57 for 90 pieces.
- Guarana - capsules for weight loss. MyVita (Russia). $9.92 for 60 pcs.
- Guarana is a natural weight loss supplement. OstroVit (Poland). $8.6 for 90 tablets.
- Turboslim express weight loss - fat-burning capsules and sachets for brewing with green tea, garcinia, L-carnitine. Evalar (Russia). $8.51 for 18 capsules and 3 sachets.
- GuaranaBio is a liquid chestnut from Brazil. LifeFood (USA). $7.51 for 150 g.
- Ginger with L-carnitine and guarana is an instant drink. Fat burner (Russia). $3.83 for 20 bags.
- Guarana (liquid chestnut) extract - powder. Russian roots (Russia). $3.69 for 50 g.
- Guarana active - weight loss capsules with gotu-kola and Chinese lemongrass extracts. Smirnov and Partners (Russia). $3.38 for 30 pcs.
- Energy Guarana-Karkade - hibiscus herbal tea for weight loss with apple and lemongrass. Milford (Russia). $1.84 for 20 bags.
- Guarana power with cherry flavor is a fat-burning drink. Slim Fruit Family (Russia). $1.38 for 1 ampoule 60 ml.
Preparations with guarana for weight loss
Despite the suspicious attitude of official medicine and the FDA towards guarana, supplements based on it have proven themselves to be excellent fat-burning agents and sports nutrition with the effect of energy drinks. There are much more positive reviews than negative ones, and the risk of undesirable consequences is not so high compared to herbal counterparts. Even coffee is significantly inferior to it, acting more aggressively not only on the gastrointestinal tract, but also on other body systems.
