There is so much we still don’t know about nature. So much is yet to be discovered. We consider ourselves to be civilized, but some of the so called uncivilized group of people can teach us a thing or two about nature!
Guarana is an herbal shrub, which traces its origin to the Amazon’s Guarani tribe. They used its seeds to brew a common drink. The plant has red fruits that contain black seeds. The Guarani tribe used the seeds to make Guarana extract. Nowadays, Guarana is used mostly for weight loss. It is also used to enhance the performance of the athletes and as a stimulant. It is also used to treat chronic fatigue syndrome and low blood pressure level as well. The food manufacturing industry uses Guarana as a flavoring ingredient too.
Guarana contains a good amount of caffeine. Caffeine stimulates the heart, the central nervous system, and the muscles. It also has chemicals like theophylline and theobromine. In fact, it contains more caffeine than the coffee beans! The caffeine in it helps enhance the metabolism in the body, which in turn helps to burn fat. It also enhances the energy level in the body to an extent.
It is safe to use Guarana in permissible amounts. But, if you take it in excess, it can lead to many health complications. If you have caffeine intolerance, consult a doctor before taking Guarana. The side effects of Guarana depend on the dosage.
According to many researches, the caffeine in Guarana worsens bleeding disorders. While it has not been proved in humans, it is safer to consult your healthcare provider before using it.
Some studies indicate that caffeine in Guarana can affect diabetic people. It may affect the blood sugar level in their body.
If you take Guarana in excess amount, the caffeine in it can lead to diarrhoea. It can also lead to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
The caffeine found in Guarana can lead to irregular heartbeat. People with heart disorders should seek medical intervention before using Guarana.
The high caffeine content in Guarana can lead to elevated blood pressure level in some people. It may adversely affect people who do not consume other sources of caffeine.
The high caffeine content in Guarana may cause loss of calcium in the body. The calcium loss, when continued, can result in brittle bones. You can counter this by eating calcium-rich foods and taking calcium supplements.
Guarana consumption can affect the functioning of the kidneys in the human body. Excess consumption of caffeine can lead to pain or difficulty while urinating. It can also lead to dehydration.
Like coffee, Guarana consumption may lead to the onset of anxiety as it speeds up metabolism in the human body. Some people may also feel snappy! Guarana consumption can lead to insomnia. It is better not to take it in the late hours if you want to have a good sleep.
There is no unanimous medical view on the Guarana usage in women who are pregnant or those who have delivered. However, doctors advise limiting the caffeine intake during pregnancy. So, pregnant women and breast feeding mothers should preferably avoid taking Guarana in excess amount.
It is not safe to take Guarana when using products containing ephedra. Doing so can lead to several health complications like haemorrhage, stroke, etc. It can also increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulants and aspirin.
Consuming Guarana as a supplement or in its brewed form can help enhance energy and increase metabolism. But remember these Guarana side effects to avoid any medical complications. In case you experience serious side effects, make sure to consult your doctor.
Enjoying the treasures of nature entails using common sense. So, now that you know Guarana extract side effects, make sure you use it with caution.
Do you know of any other side effects of Guarana? Share with us in the comments section below.