Guarana (Paullinia cupana). ID: 46-52

Guarana is a climbing plant famous for its fruit, which for many resembles the human eye! It belongs to the family Sapindaceae, which originates from the Amazon basin and is very common in Brazil. Guarana has large leaves and flower clusters and is best known for its seeds, which are about the size of a coffee bean. Today, 70% of guarana production is used to make soft drinks and energy drinks, and the remaining 30% is processed into powder. From this powder comes its extract, which is often found in dietary supplements.

Properties: Guarana seed is an effective stimulant: it contains about twice the concentration of caffeine found in coffee beans (about 2–4.5% caffeine in guarana seeds, compared to 1-2 % for coffee beans). Protects our cells from free radicals, but also premature aging. Helps to stimulate the body and reduce fatigue. Helps improve cognitive performance and reduce mental fatigue. Improves secondary memory, to increase alertness but also mood. Improves the endurance and performance of athletes. Reduces appetite and promotes the reduction of body weight and fat. Improves sexual performance. Combat diarrhea and constipation. Soothes migraines.

Active Ingredients: Guarana (known as caffeine) contains a wide variety of xanthine alkaloids in addition to caffeine, including the heart stimulants theophylline, theobromine and other substances such as polyphenols, which can form complexes with caffeine. The main natural phenols found in guarana are catechins and epicatechins.

List of guarana seed ingredients: Flax <14,200
Caffeine 9,100-76,000
Catechutanic acid Choline D-catechin Fat <30,000
Guanine Hypoxanthine Glue Protein < 98,600
Resin <70,000
Saponin Starch 50,000-60,000
Tannin 50,000–120,000
Theobromine 200–400
Theophylline Tibonine Xanthine 0-2,500

• Weight Loss
• Athletic performance
• Antioxidant
• Aphrodisiac
• Memory
• Headache
• Stimulation

How to use: Decoction (fruits), Dissolve in a glass of water, juice or smoothie (powder). Do not consume before bed.

Side effects: Due to the high doses of caffeine it contains, some people may experience insomnia, nervousness, increased heart rate, stomach upset. It should also be avoided by people with heart problems and kidney damage.