What you must 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, its scientific name Paullinia Cupana, is a small climbing shrub native to the Amazon, mainly cultivated in Brazil. Its name comes from a Native American tribe in the Amazon, the Guarani . This shrub from tropical regions belongs to the Sapindaceae family and grows like a liana that can reach 12 meters in height. Also known as " Eye of the Forest " because of its shape and color, it produces a red-orange fruit which, when ripe, opens to reveal black seeds and a white flesh.
What are the benefits of Guarana for your stomach and your health?
Today, guarana is very successful, particularly due to the high caffeine content of its seed. In fact, it contains around 4g of caffeine per 100g of guarana , which represents around 4 times more than that of coffee beans . Due to this caffeine content, guarana constitutes an interesting ingredient allowing you to benefit from numerous benefits for your stomach and your health. Let's see in more detail how guarana can be a valuable ally to contribute to your well-being.
The actions of Guarana for weight loss
Guarana is often praised for its role in weight loss and weight management. Its richness in natural caffeine acts as a metabolic stimulant, increasing thermogenesis (body heat production) and accelerating metabolism. This means your body burns more calories even when resting, which can be especially helpful for those looking to lose weight.
Additionally, the caffeine in guarana may act as a natural appetite suppressant , helping control cravings and reducing overconsumption of food. When combined with a balanced diet and regular physical activity, guarana can become a powerful ally in your weight loss efforts.
Guarana, an ally to support your digestion
The properties of guarana go beyond simple weight loss . Its composition, rich in tannins, provides benefits for digestion . 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 used incorrectly.
Caffeine-related side effects
Guarana is high in caffeine, which can cause side effects similar to those of drinking too much coffee or other sources of caffeine. These effects may include nervousness, anxiety, insomnia, heart palpitations, headaches and tremors. Individuals sensitive to caffeine are more likely to experience these adverse effects. By containing caffeine, guarana can also disrupt sleep if taken late.
Interactions with other medications
It is 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 that contain caffeine. If you are already taking medication, 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 contained in the ingredient. This may result in stomach upset , nausea, or gastrointestinal discomfort. If you experience these symptoms, it is recommended to reduce or stop guarana consumption.
Risks for certain populations
Pregnant women , nursing mothers, people with heart conditions, hypertension, 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 the form of dietary supplements can offer a convenient and concentrated way to enjoy its benefits. However, it is essential to understand the appropriate indications and follow an adequate dosage to optimize 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.
Recommended dosage
Guarana dosage may 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 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 using DIJO
At DIJO, we have decided to integrate Guarana into the formulation of our Focus Slim product to allow you to benefit from its benefits on weight and appetite management. This weight food supplement contains a unique formula which 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, 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 close 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
