PHOTO CREDIT: ©2012, Geoff Gallice, CCBY-SA 3.0
Guarana – a Brazilian Wonder
Guarana is a vine that grows in the Brazilian rain forest. Tribes all along the Amazon have used it for thousands of years to improve the health of their people. Guarana was a staple of the Brazilian diet and could be found in soda, syrups, candies, and other products since the early 1900s.
And even today, millions of people in Brazil still use guarana as a tonic herb that improves their vitality and gives them energy. Guarana is known for its ability to purify the blood and to help reduce fatigue. It also has antioxidant properties that help it to fight the aging process. No wonder Brazilians are so beautiful!
If you’re interested in using guarana, you’ll be thrilled to know that it can also be used to treat digestive system issues such as diarrhea, gas, and stomach upset. In addition, it can be used to help suppress the appetite and aid in weight loss.
If you’re suffering from fatigue and general low energy, taking guarana can help to put some pep in your step. It’s also known to help make the heart stronger and to increase sexual performance.
Guarana does contain a great deal of caffeine and tannins. This is probably the reason it works to stimulate the brain and the rest of the nervous system. It also works to thin the blood and provide energy that way.
Guarana can be found in many sources including whole seeds and powder. It can also be found in energy drinks and is still a common ingredient in Brazilian soda. If you want to take guarana, make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
It’s also important to make sure that you don’t combine guarana with certain drugs such as MAO inhibitors that work to thin the blood. Guarana can interact with some medications and should not be combined with them. Talk to your healthcare provider to find out if guarana is safe for you.
Guarana should also not be taken with appetite suppressants or supplements containing ephedra. Together it will act to speed the heart up too much. Make sure to read labels before taking guarana.
If you’re looking for an overall supplement that can help to increase your energy and decrease your appetite, guarana may be the right choice for you. You can stock up on powdered guarana to keep in your cupboard. Taking it as part of your daily routine can help to keep you looking and feeling young.