Guarana, also known as Paullina Cupana, is a small plant that has been used in medicine since ancient times. Guaraná comes from a Guaraní indigenous tribe, which stood out for preparing drinks based on this bush, hence its name.

This plant and its seeds are used as a food supplement. Its uses are wide and varied, among which are: increased energy, aphrodisiac, obesity, among others. 

What is Guarana?

• Scientific name : Paullinia cupana
• Family: Sapindaceae
• Species: Paullinia cupana; Kunth 1823
• Class: Magnoliopsida
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Order: Sapindales

It is a small bush with fruits that has its origin in the Amazon. You can also get it in several countries: Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, and Paraguay.

It has small showy fruits rich in vitamins. It is stimulating due to the high dose of caffeine and is used in the form of a drink. A wide variety of benefits have been demonstrated that have led to the production of capsules and other medicines based on this fruit.

What is Guarana suitable for? Properties and health benefits

This fruit has a dose of caffeine, which releases adrenaline, and serves in various fields of health. Next, we will indicate some of its benefits and properties.

• Fight cardiovascular problems. This is one of the benefits that are still under scientific study. Still, according to analysis data from the drug agency, it has been pointed out that Guarana has Catechins, which fight free radicals. This antioxidant effect can improve cardiovascular diseases.
• Improves appetite in sick patients. According to some studies, this fruit can slightly improve appetite in cancer patients. This helps reduce loss of appetite. 
• Provides energy. Combined with other supplements rich in vitamin C and B, Guarana improves athletic performance.
• Reduces sleepiness. The dose of caffeine makes it possible for you to develop a higher state of alertness.
• It serves as an aphrodisiac. Its stimulating properties have a positive effect on the nervous system. It is often used with other herbs and is known as the herb of love.
• Fight mental and physical fatigue. It has stimulating properties typical of caffeine that will allow you to stay alert and active, reducing fatigue.
• Regulates the intestine. This property makes it an ally for a slimming diet.

Properties of Guarana

• It has energizing properties.
• It is diuretic
• Guarana is known for its aphrodisiac properties.
• It is antioxidant
• It has satiating properties.
• It has analgesic properties that calm body aches.

Benefits of Guarana in health

Although the Guarani people began to use this fruit, its benefits were unclear. Today medical and pharmaceutical studies have shed light on the many health benefits. This natural plant is an ally to maintain good health and provide relief.

Guarana is one of the components used in various energy drinks and modern-day medicines.

• Some studies indicate that it improves blood circulation, contributing to better cardiovascular health.
• Improves digestion
• Relieves stomach bloating, which brings relief to your gut.
• It helps patients suffering from erectile diffusion.
• It has been pointed out benefits in the comfort of migraines.

Nutritional value per 100 g of Guarana

• Carbs : 1.03g
• Sugars: 0g
• Dietary fiber: 0 g
• Fat: 0g
• Proteins : 0g
• Water: 98.35g
• Thiamine (vit. B1): 0 mg (0%)
• Riboflavin (vit. B2): 0 mg (0%)
• Niacin (vit. B3): 0 mg (0%)
• Vitamin B6: 0.833mg (64%)
• Vitamin C: 0mg (0%)
• Calcium: 0mg (0%)
• Iron: 0mg (0%)
• Magnesium : 0mg (0%)
• Phosphorus: 0 mg (0%)
• Potassium : 0mg (0%)
• Sodium: 85mg (6%)
• Zinc: 0mg (0%)

How to use Guarana?

With the number of properties and benefits this plant has, its use has spread everywhere. 

You can benefit from its properties, even if you do not live in any country where this shrub occurs. Here are some ways to use it.

• Capsules. This type of presentation allows you to have an adequate dose and attack some specific conditions. Do not exceed the time of use indicated by the package or your trusted doctor.
• Beverages. There is a diversity of energy drinks, ideal for athletes and sportspeople. In Brazil, it is taken as a soft drink.
• Food supplement. Nutritional supplements can provide you with the dose of Guarana you require to maintain an ideal weight. At the same time, it reduces fatigue. You can get sachets of rich flavors.
• In tea, This presentation as a herbarium is expected in the Amazon and the countries where it occurs. Leave the leaves resting in hot water.
• In fruits. It is about taking the fruit and eating it directly. You can also make juices, and they can be used for pastries, etc.

In medicinal formats or as a food supplement, it is necessary not to exceed its consumption and always consult a health professional.

Advantages and disadvantages of Guarana

The advantages of this versatile fruit and its plant have become evident in its benefits and uses. Therefore, we want to summarize the most important advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages

• It is a safe fruit for human consumption
• It is beneficial for health
• Accounts with varied presentations consume Guarana so that there is no margin of boredom.
• The cost of Guarana-based products is affordable.

Disadvantages

• Side effects may arise after excessive use of Guarana.
• Pregnant women should avoid its consumption.

Of course, this plant’s advantages, properties, and benefits are comprehensive. However, its disadvantages are derived from misuse or in patients in whom its consumption is not recommended. If you seek the advice of experts, you can consume it free of side effects.