What to remember:
- Guarana is a plant native to the Amazon with digestive properties.
- It promotes weight loss by activating metabolism thanks to caffeine
- It is important to respect the daily doses to avoid potential consequences.
What is Guarana?
Guarana, scientifically known as Paullinia Cupana, is a small climbing shrub native to the Amazon, mainly cultivated in Brazil. Its name comes from an Amazonian Indian tribe, the Guarani . This tropical shrub belongs to the Sapindaceae family and grows as a vine that can reach 12 meters in height. Also known as " The Eye of the Forest " due to its shape and color, it produces a reddish-orange fruit that, when ripe, splits open to reveal black seeds and white flesh.
What are the benefits of Guarana for your stomach and your health?
Today, guarana is enjoying great success, particularly due to the high caffeine content of its seed. In fact, it contains approximately 4g of caffeine per 100g of guarana , which is approximately 4 times more than that of coffee beans . Due to this caffeine content, guarana is an interesting ingredient that offers numerous benefits for your stomach and your health. Let's take a closer look at how guarana can be a valuable ally in contributing to your well-being.
Guarana's Actions for Weight Loss
Guarana is often praised for its role in weight loss and weight management. Its high natural caffeine content acts as a metabolic stimulant, increasing thermogenesis (body heat production) and speeding up metabolism. This means your body burns more calories, even at rest, which can be especially helpful for those looking to lose weight.
Additionally, the caffeine in guarana can act as a natural appetite suppressant , helping to control cravings and reduce overeating. When combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise, guarana can become a powerful ally in your weight loss efforts.
Guarana, an ally to support your digestion
Guarana's properties go beyond simple weight loss . Its tannin-rich composition provides digestive benefits . Tannins are known to promote the release of digestive enzymes, helping to break down food more efficiently. This can reduce bloating , flatulence, and abdominal discomfort, contributing to smoother and more comfortable digestion.
Guarana: Side Effects?
While guarana offers a multitude of health benefits, it is crucial to recognize that like any active ingredient, it can also present potential side effects if misused.
Side effects of caffeine
Guarana is high in caffeine, which can cause side effects similar to those of excessive coffee or other caffeine consumption. These effects can include nervousness, anxiety, insomnia, heart palpitations, headaches, and tremors. Individuals sensitive to caffeine are more likely to experience these side effects. Because it contains caffeine, guarana can also disrupt sleep if taken late in the day.
Interactions with other drugs
It's important to note that guarana may interact with certain medications. For example, it may increase the stimulating effects of depression medications, asthma medications, or other medications containing caffeine. If you are already taking medications, it is imperative to consult a healthcare professional before adding guarana to your routine.
Digestive sensitivity
Although guarana is generally well tolerated, some people may experience digestive sensitivity to the caffeine or tannins in the ingredient. This can result in stomach upset , nausea, or gastrointestinal discomfort. If you experience these symptoms, it is recommended to reduce or discontinue guarana consumption.
Risks for certain populations
Pregnant women , breastfeeding mothers, people with heart conditions, high blood pressure, anxiety disorders or sleep disorders should avoid or limit their consumption of guarana due to potential health risks.
Guarana in the form of food supplements: indications and dosage
Using guarana in dietary supplement form can offer a convenient and concentrated way to enjoy its benefits. However, understanding the proper indications and following the correct dosage is essential to maximize its effectiveness while avoiding adverse effects.
Indications for the use of Guarana supplements
Guarana supplements are often taken to support weight management, improve mental focus, increase energy levels, and promote healthy digestion. They can also be used to stimulate hair growth and improve hair health.
The recommended dosage
Guarana dosage can vary depending on factors such as age, weight, caffeine sensitivity, and individual needs. However, a typical dosage is usually between 200 and 400 milligrams per day, divided into divided doses if necessary.
It is crucial to follow the specific instructions on the packaging of the product you choose. Since the caffeine content of guarana can be relatively high, it is recommended not to exceed the recommended dose to avoid side effects such as insomnia, palpitations, and restlessness.
Considerations to take into account
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Consult a healthcare professional: Before adding any guarana supplement to your routine, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.
- Caffeine Sensitivity: If you are sensitive to caffeine or have a history of heart problems, anxiety or sleep disorders, it is important to take special precautions.
- Avoid late night consumption: Since guarana contains caffeine, it is recommended not to take guarana supplements late in the day to avoid disrupting your sleep.
Bring guarana to your body with DIJO
At DIJO, we have decided to integrate Guarana into the formulation of our Focus Weight product to allow you to benefit from its benefits on weight management and appetite. This weight food supplement contains a unique formula that combines substances with a prebiotic effect, to nourish your microbiota, with active ingredients, such as guarana, selected for their action on fats and energy expenditure. In addition to a good diet, Prebio slim can be a real ally for boosting your metabolism and better weight management .
You can also discover it within the Weight Regulation Pack , in synergistic combination with our flagship product, the Essential Probiotics , to effectively rebalance your intestinal microbiota while promoting optimal weight management. However, remember that these capsules are not magic. The key is to pay particular attention to your diet and physical activity to lose weight or stabilize it. But, certain plants are known to also target these objectives. This is why we were keen to bring them together in the same treatment.
Sources :
[1] Torres, EAFS, Pinaffi-Langley, ACDC, Figueira, MS, Cordeiro, KS, Negrão, LD, Soares, MJ, da Silva, CP, Alfino, MCZ, Sampaio, GR, & de Camargo, AC (2022). Effects of the consumption of guarana on human health: A narrative review. Comprehensive reviews in food science and food safety, 21(1), 272–295. https://doi.org/10.1111/1541-4337.12862
[2] Lima, NDS, Numata, EP, Mesquita, LMS, Dias, PH, Vilegas, W., Gambero, A., & Ribeiro, ML (2017). Modulatory Effects of Guarana (Paullinia cupana) on Adipogenesis. Nutrients, 9(6), 635. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9060635
