Guarana Herb Info
The guarana herb (Paullinia Cupana) originally comes from the Amazon region. It is a climbing shrub or vine that is found not only in Brazil, but in Uruguay as well. Guarana seed extract was first used by the native South American Indian tribes the Quaramis for various bowel troubles. Later, it was used as an herbal tonic to prevent many diseases, but its main function was to use it as a drink.
In fact, it has been used for centuries by the natives of that area after times of extreme prolonged physical exertion. Brazilians today drink it like tea and in various other forms. Today, natives of the Amazon region carry long poles of it to chew on as a substitute for food.
What are the benefits of guarana herb? It is supposed to be a general tonic for the body, increasing energy and preventing fatigue. It's also supposed to be able to break down the build up of lactic acid pain from muscle stress -- a pain every bodybuilder or weight trainer knows well.
It also is believed to be useful for diarrhea relief, the elimination of fevers, as a tonic for alcoholic hangover symptoms and state, as well as to help alleviate menstural-related headaches. In America and in Europe, it is mainly used for the relief of nervous headaches. In fact, some herbalists recommend it as a tonic for constant headache relief.
Another athlete-centric ability guarana herb is supposed to have is to be able to act as a muscle relaxer but to also help even out the central nervous system, inciting the body's thermogenic (fat burning) process, thus burning fat cells.
(This is perhaps why it's become more and more popular as of late.) In fact, it's often an ingredient in many fat burning supplements or weight loss supplements on the market. You'll most often see it as guarana seed extract in ingredient lists. What makes it such an energy booster?
According to medical researchers, guarana herb has a compound in it called tetra methylxanthine that is a caffeine-like substance that is released slowly over many hours, unlike caffeine which is released all at once. Lastly, it's believed to have strong antioxidant capabilities as well although not as pronounced as something like Green Tea.
Precautions, Guidelines, & Side Effects
Be advised that guarana seed extract is classified as a stimulant. Consequently, pregnant and/or nursing women should not take it without first consulting with their doctor. Those taking medication should also strongly consider talking to their doctor before taking Guarana herb. If you do take products that have guarana herb in it, adhere to recommended dosages.
If you don't like the after effects of caffeine, we recommend you should probably avoid it. Specific side effects reported include nervous jitters, dizziness, nausea, and anxiety. In extreme cases where too much was consumed it's reported that for some, their anxiety borders on paranoia.
I hope this web page has been useful to you.
Yours in health, hope, and harmony, Nutritional-Supplement-Bible.com
|