Health Benefits of Guarana

Scientific Name: Paullinia Cupana, Syns. P. Crysan, P. Sorbilis
Parts used: Seeds

Origins & Properties

Guarana is a Brazilian plant native to the Amazon basin. This plant was introduced to European colonizers and to Europe in the 16th century by Felip Betendorf, Oviedo, Hernández, Cobo, and other Spaniard chroniclers. By 1958, guarana was commercialized.

Mature guarana fruit is about the size of a coffee berry. It resembles the human eye, with a red shell encasing a black seed covered by a white aril. Guarana extract is made by processing the seeds into a powder.

Common Uses

Amazonian tribes have used guarana for centuries for its therapeutic properties.

Today, 70% of guarana produced is used by the beverage industry in soft and energy drinks, while the remaining 30% is turned into powder.

Benefits

• Antioxidant: Neutralizes potentially harmful molecules called free radicals
• Fatigue & Brain: Helps maintain concentration and mental energy
• Skin: Improves skin appearance

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Image Source: Canva