Guarana: benefits, properties and precautions

Guarana seeds contain a very high concentration of caffeine. In fact, it is one of the plants with the highest caffeine content in the world! Guarana is now world-renowned for being naturally rich in caffeine, but that's not all. The form of caffeine it contains is absorbed very slowly by the body, so its action is released over a long period, keeping you energised throughout the day if Guarana is taken in the morning, for example.

But that's not all! Guarana also contains:

1. alkaloids, which help increase attention and combat fatigue

2. theophylline, as well as theobromine, which provides a stimulating effect while improving mood

3. adenine, which helps combat the effects of ageing

4. hypoxanthine, known for its stimulating effects

5. xanthine, excellent for sports recovery and for improving muscle and joint pain

6. as well as mucilage, pectin, tannins, amino acids, essential fatty acids, mineral salts, trace elements and vitamins A, E, B1 and B3.

That's it! Guarana is definitely a plant that deserves to be better known.

Guarana is said to have many virtues. Guarana has multiple benefits and is recommended in particular for the following reasons:

• It's a real stimulant! Studies have demonstrated its stimulating power. Guarana helps combat fatigue and drowsiness and improves alertness. If you're looking for a boost, a little extra energy, Guarana is the plant for you!

• Guarana increases resistance to stress.

• It improves memory and cognitive functions. Once again, research has been carried out and scientific studies have shown that Guarana significantly improves memory capacity.

• Guarana helps to improve concentration and intellectual faculties in general.

• It is rich in antioxidants, which help to combat cell ageing, which in turn can help to reduce the visible effects of ageing.

• It can help regulate intestinal transit, relieving constipation but also slowing down rapid transit.

• It improves sporting performance.

• Guarana is also known for its slimming properties as part of a healthy, varied diet, making it ideal for people wishing to maintain their weight.

• Finally, it is also thought to have aphrodisiac properties.

Guarana powder

Guarana powder helps combat fatigue and drowsiness and improves alertness. If you're looking for a boost, a little extra energy, Guarana is the plant for you!

Discover ORGANIC Guarana powder

Guarana is widely used in ready-made energy drinks sold in shops, but I don't recommend them because they are often too sweet and don't allow you to take full advantage of the plant's benefits.

On the other hand, you can make your own Guarana energy drinks (with or without sugar, or with fruit to sweeten the drink, baobab fruit pulp, for example) and this is even one of the best ways to use it, particularly for athletes (bearing in mind that for long-term sporting effort, sugar may be useful for maintaining energy levels).

Guarana can also be taken in other forms:

1. Guarana capsules

2. Guarana powder, diluted with water, in smoothies, vegetable juices, cakes or even salad dressings.

3. An infusion of Guarana or in combination with green tea.

If you wish to take a Guarana cure, you should first consult a health professional for advice and avoid "self-medicating"...

Because of its high caffeine content, Guarana is not recommended in a number of cases:

• Children

• During pregnancy and while breastfeeding

• Cardiovascular disorders, hypertension, cardiac arrhythmia

• Insomniacs

• Hyperthyroidism

• Panic attacks

• Headaches

• Epileptic seizures

Guarana should not be combined with other medicines or substances with the same effects, so as not to amplify them, and is not recommended for people who are sensitive to caffeine.

It is advisable to take Guarana at the start of the day, given its stimulating properties.

Here are a few ideas for combinations to help you make the most of the virtues and benefits of Guarana according to your needs:

• Guarana can be combined with tea or Acerola for an immediate tonic effect.

• It can also be combined with Ginseng as a cure for even more energy over the longer term.

• Or Spirulina to improve sports performance and muscle recovery after exercise.

To find out more about superfoods, browse our guide.

Guarana is known for giving you a boost and reducing fatigue. If you're feeling exhausted and/or have a hard day ahead of you, or simply need a quick boost, here's an energising smoothie recipe.

Aurélie Canzoneri is a certified Naturopath and creator of food, beauty and well-being content. She is renowned for her compassionate, well-informed advice and her many healthy, delicious recipes.