Guarana, an excellent natural tonic
Fatigue-fighting stimulant from the Amazon
Guarana is traditionally consumed by the Amazon Indians Satéré Mawé as an appetite suppressant and to improve alertness during their forest runs. The seed was introduced as early as the 18th century in Europe, where it was consumed for its stimulant and diuretic properties.
Today, guarana is mainly consumed for its anti-fatigue properties. The seed is a key ingredient in commercially sold energy drinks.
Guarana contains between 4 and 6% caffeine, that is three to four times more than coffee. Furthermore, the caffeine contained in guarana (also called guaranine) has the advantage of being released more gradually than coffee in the body.
This seed is also part of what are called natural nootropics, because its active compounds help improve cognitive functions and boost our brain. Thus, studies show that guarana supplementation improves memory and learning ability, for example. And its tannins allow caffeine to be released over time,
Another notable effect of guarana: it helps our body to burn fat more easily. Therefore its consumption is recommended as part of slimming diets, or simply to stay in shape.
Cultivation of organic guarana
Guarana traditionally grows in the tropical forests of the Americas. It grows mainly in Brazil, where it is still very popular both as a traditional remedy among indigenous peoples and also as a beverage.
Also read the Guarana, a healthy drink?
Guarana comes from a shrub that produces orange-red fruits with eye-shaped seeds. That is why guarana is also called « eye of the forest ». It takes its name from the Guarani Indians, an indigenous tribe found in the Brazilian Amazon. The Satéré-Mawé Indians traditionally call it “Warana”, a protected designation of origin that can be found on quality products.
The guarana seeds consumed by indigenous peoples come from wild harvesting or from an extractivist mode of production (forest planted with other species of food and medicinal plants).
Given the success of guarana as an energizing superfood, industrial producers have begun to take an interest in its production and intensify it, even if that means favoring monoculture and genetically modifying the plant for higher yields.
Today, the two production methods coexist, one traditional with organic guarana seeds, and the other more intensive, intended more for energy drinks. To make the most of guarana’s benefits while protecting the environment and the Amazon rainforest, organic guarana should be preferred.
How to consume it?
Traditional consumption of guarana
Guarana is consumed as pure seeds, in capsules or powder, diluted in water or juice. It can be used for occasional fatigue or as a course of treatment.
Indigenous tribes consume roasted guarana seeds, then grind them into powder and dilute them in water. This bitter drink is the traditional beverage of the Satéré-Mawé Indians. They call it çapo.
It is used as a ritual drink to welcome guests, or as a medicinal beverage. They are the true guardians of this plant : « guaraná cannot develop into a shrub without the Sateré Mawé, and the Sateré Mawé cannot live without guaraná ».
Guarana: powder, seeds, or capsules?
Guarana is rarely found in this traditional form in our regions. You can buy organic guarana powder, to dilute in water, juice, or yogurt once or twice a day, but its bitter taste may put some people off.
Les gélules de guarana bio sont à consommer sous forme de cure. Si la poudre peut être plus facilement dosée, les gélules sont le format le plus pratique. Les graines de guarana bio peuvent se mâcher directement dans la bouche ; on conseille de ne pas dépasser dix graines par jour.
Lire aussi | Nos conseils pour bien choisir le guarana en poudre ou en gélule
Guarana can also be used in organic cosmetics for its antioxidant and anti-aging properties. It is sometimes included as an ingredient in anti-aging creams. When taken internally, it is also an excellent ally for skin beauty !
Precautions for use
Guarana should preferably be consumed in the morning, to make the most of its energizing effects. Beware of risks of insomnia in case of overdose or consuming guarana too late in the day !
It’s best not to exceed 5g of guarana per day, or even less if you also consume coffee or another source of caffeine.
Why choose organic guarana?
Industrial guarana loses some of its benefits
The great success of guarana in Brazil and beyond has led industry to cultivate the seed intensively.
The industrial cultivation of guarana is carried out with large amounts of fertilizers and pesticides, which causes irreversible damage to the soils and waters of this fragile ecosystem, the Brazilian Amazon.
Moreover, the industrial roasting of guarana is done in iron ovens, which allows faster drying but disrupts the chemical composition of the seed. It thus loses some of its beneficial properties.
For health and the environment, choose organic, fair-trade guarana
Organic guarana comes from a production method that forbids chemical fertilizers and pesticides. There is therefore no risk of finding pesticide residues when you consume certified organic guarana.
It is also preferable to choose fair trade guarana : this way you will be assured that it comes from small plantations in the Amazon rainforest and that producers earn a decent income.
Traditional guarana growers, primarily Indigenous tribes, possess age-old expertise in the cultivation and processing of this plant. By consuming organic, fair-trade guarana, consumers help ensure that this know-how is respected and preserved.
The guarana native to the Satéré Mawé Indians, for example, is marketed through fair trade, which ensures both the nutritional quality of the product and the preservation of the environment and traditional know-how. People therefore pay particular attention to labels and origin when buying guarana.
