Guarana (Paullinia cupana) is a plant native to the Amazon forest, belonging to the Sapindaceae family. Several tribes of Indios considered it a sacred plant thanks also to its tonic and stimulating effect.
Currently used as a supplement against depression and psychophysical fatigue, it is also useful for accelerating the body’s metabolism. Let’s find out the characteristics and side effects of guarana.
Guarana: characteristics and properties
Guarana is a climbing plant, evergreen with alternate, leathery and glossy green leaves. Its flowers are white and produce a fiery red fruit that contains a woody seed, where all the active ingredients are concentrated.
In fact, it is the seeds that contain guaranine, an active ingredient similar to caffeine, which favors the release of adrenaline and noradrenaline.
These two hormones are capable of accelerating the body’s metabolism and heart rate.
Guarana is therefore an excellent stimulant in case of depression and psychophysical fatigue; it is widely used by athletes to increase resistance to physical effort and by students; it is useful for dissolving fats and therefore in slimming diets.
The side effects of Guarana
Guarana can bring various side effects, especially if it is used excessively, prolonged and uncontrolled. In these cases, guarana can cause:
- hypertension,
- insomnia,
- tachycardia,
- palpitations,
- He retched,
- nausea,
- anxiety,
- tremors,
- headache,
- convulsions.
Furthermore, the side effects of guarana can appear and intensify when used at the same time as other drugs, including caffeine.
Intake of guarana is to be avoided in case of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and kidney problems. Before taking it, it is good to consult a doctor, because guarana can interfere with commonly used foods and drugs.
