Few people know what makes Amazonian guarana so special. “Liquid chestnut” is known to almost everyone who dreams of slim figure. In fact, this unique drug is made from the fruits of the exotic Amazonian guarana.
“Liquid chestnut” is a weight loss product that is familiar to many. Modern housewives study sites that contain information about this product. Some of them have already tried its healing power on themselves and were satisfied with the result.
Many people, studying information about this dietary supplement, do not believe that with its help you can lose 3-6 extra pounds. However, this is true. This is confirmed not only by laudatory reviews.
Several scientists have already conducted a series of tests, thanks to which they have been able to prove the exceptional effectiveness and safety of this product.
What is “Liquid Chestnut”? This drug was created based on the fruits of the Amazonian guarana, and not horse chestnut, as some people think. Guarana fruits resemble horse chestnut fruits only in appearance. This is where their similarities end. Experts were able to establish that exotic fruits contain record number vitamins, antioxidants and microelements. All this makes it very useful for the human body. In addition, guarana fruits contain guaranine. This substance affects the body like the well-known caffeine. It perfectly invigorates and gives a person strength. It also increases the body's endurance, accelerates metabolism and activates the processes of fat breakdown.
The drug "Liquid Chestnut" is very popular among housewives. Sometimes they are not even interested in how it works. They find its extraordinary effectiveness very attractive. At the same time, nutritionists advise all women to study all contraindications to the use of this dietary supplement. Despite the fact that there are not very few of them, in some cases they can play a decisive role.
"Liquid chestnut" should not be taken by pregnant women, as well as nursing mothers and teenagers. The drug is contraindicated for those who suffer from epileptic seizures and various cardiovascular diseases. In addition, there are other restrictions.
The drug "Liquid Chestnut" can be purchased at a pharmacy, or you can order it on the Internet. The latter method is very convenient and allows you to significantly save the family budget. When purchasing “Liquid Chestnut” in online stores, you need to be careful.
It is important that the drug is of original origin. Unfortunately, counterfeit products are not beneficial to a person and can be hazardous to health. Some women, having tried this product, are disappointed in it, not seeing its effect.
Experts attribute this primarily to the purchase of counterfeit goods, as well as to improper use of the drug. For example, some women think that a dietary supplement can solve all their problems. They do not adjust their daily diet in any way and believe in the miraculous properties of the drug. In fact, “Liquid Chestnut” helps burn fat, but it is powerless when a person consumes excess amounts of fatty and sweet foods.
In order to lose weight, you need to follow a certain diet while taking the supplement. First of all, you need to give up harmful and high-calorie foods. It is not necessary to sit on strict diet, but restrictions must be observed at all times. In addition, it is worth paying attention to removing physical activity and maybe sign up for gym, or do the exercises at home. It is worth noting that everyone who approached the problem of getting rid of excess weight comprehensively, achieved a certain result. Experts warn that you should not take more than 1 teaspoon of the product per day. Otherwise, a person may experience headaches and nausea. Doctors warn that if your health worsens, you should immediately abandon Liquid Chestnut and choose a different product for weight loss.
Recently, a lot of scammers have appeared on the Internet who register sites and offer biological active additives, and then disappear after receiving advance payment for the goods. To avoid falling for such a trick, you need to first study reviews of online stores.
“Liquid chestnut” is extremely popular not only among housewives, but also among all those who dream of a slim figure, but cannot lose weight on their own. This drug is effective and at the same time completely safe for health.
Amazonian guarana (paulinia or simply guarana) is gaining more and more popularity. However, is taking medications and drinks with extracts and powders of this plant really effective in reducing the amount of subcutaneous fat? Will this do more harm than good? And what are the conclusions about its effectiveness based on? Let's figure it out.
Amazonian guarana fruits on a tree.
The effectiveness of guarana for weight loss
Manufacturers of guarana preparations justify the benefits of its use by several factors:
- The presence in the fruits of this plant of a specific substance - guaranine, which speeds up metabolism, has an stimulating effect and helps burn fat.
In fact, the mysterious guaranine is the term applied to the regular caffeine extracted from guarana, which, of course, is identical in all respects to the caffeine extracted from the coffee fruit. The only difference between eating guarana and guarana for weight loss is that the concentration of caffeine in guarana fruits is on average 2-3 times higher.
Caffeine, which is familiar to us, has a number of names that indicate the source from which it is obtained, but do not in any way determine the presence of specific properties. So, for example, caffeine extracted from tea is called theine, and from mate - matein, but all this is caffeine and nothing more.
- Content of additional substances, which enhance the effect of guaranine for weight loss. In addition to caffeine, guarana does contain some other active substances that affect the body. In particular, theobromine and theophylline, which are pacemakers. However, the content of these substances in a normal portion of guarana is quite insignificant for a healthy person, and for people with heart disease, the use of foreign cardiostimulating substances, especially in unpredictable concentrations, is strictly contraindicated.
To be fair, there are no proven cases of heart attacks associated with guarana consumption. However, according to some data, excessive consumption of guarane-containing energy drinks in adolescence can lead to the development of epilepsy due to the combination of taurine, caffeine and theobromine.
- Content of vitamins A, E and group B. The average inhabitant of the Earth with income that allows him to buy preparations with guarana in our latitudes, as a rule, has no shortage of vitamins of these groups. The deficiency of most vitamins in modern urban residents is associated with liver problems and digestive system caused by an unhealthy lifestyle and bad habits. Guarana in any quantity will not help you solve these problems until you give up junk food, smoking, alcohol, and you won’t start going on hikes and walks more often.
- Availability of research proving the effectiveness of guarana for weight loss. In fact, research results on guarana are quite contradictory. The only internationally recognized laboratory that has seriously studied the benefits of guarana is the US Food and Drug Administration. And according to their research, this plant is quite harmless and can be used as a dietary supplement, but there is no reason to consider it medicine, because guarana does not have pronounced medical properties, including for weight loss.
Manufacturers often talk about human studies in 2001 in the USA, which resulted in an average reduction in body weight of 5 kg over a month and a half. However, in reality, the object of the study was not guarana, but a mixture of popular caffeine-containing plants, the caffeine in which could actually lead to weight loss by increasing metabolism. Other studies conducted since 2001 have shown the effectiveness of guarana only in combination with other drugs (such as linoleic acid), diet and exercise.
What is the result?
Thus, there is reason to believe that guarana helps improve the results of exercise and calorie reduction. However, by itself it will not help you gain harmony.
Not to mention that almost a quarter of the people on the planet are caffeine-resistant, meaning guarana is completely useless for them.
- Antioxidant effect of guarana. Many plants are antioxidants to one degree or another. This is necessary for the normal functioning of almost any plant organism that has a need to preserve fruits. Introduction to diet large quantity fresh, citrus, and other fruits are much more effective and, often, cheaper and healthier than consuming guarane-containing energy drinks.
- Contains substances that impair appetite. This mysterious substance is still caffeine. Recommendations to replace meals with a guarana drink are no different from advice to “wash down” hunger with two cups of coffee.
If the cause of your excess weight is uncontrolled overeating, then most likely this is a consequence of a lack of vegetable protein in the diet or the development of food neurosis. Guarana will not help you in either the first or second case. If increased appetite- a consequence of bad eating habits, then systematically increased consumption of caffeine will simply become another problem.
In any case, uncontrolled overeating should be dealt with by a good nutritionist or psychologist, and not by a nutritional supplement manufacturer.
- By adding additional substances, which make cocktails and guarana-containing products more effective. More expensive and more effective guarana products tend to actually contain “something else.” Since 2001, several US fat-burning energy drink companies have been caught adding ephedrine to export shipments. In addition to the fact that this combination in large doses is deadly for patients with cardiovascular disorders, ephedrine is also addictive and, upon withdrawal, can lead to prolonged depression, overeating, nervousness and other unpleasant consequences.
Side effects
All contraindications of guarana are typical for caffeine-containing products and are mainly associated with overdose. Excessive caffeine consumption typically results in headaches, increased nervousness, sweating, painful photosensitivity, insomnia and increased blood pressure. In some cases of serious excess of the permissible dosage, heart rhythm disturbances may occur.
However, in moderate quantities, caffeine is not only harmless, but also improves metabolism, improves mood and, when consumed systematically, improves cognitive function.
Contraindications
Taking caffeine-containing drugs is contraindicated for insomnia, a number of diseases of the nervous and cardiovascular systems, hormonal disorders associated with mood swings, and mental disorders.
Dosage should also be taken with caution during pregnancy and severe cases of obesity.
The effect of guarana is based on the action of caffeine, which is contained in large quantities in the fruits of this plant. The high cost of guarane-containing products is due solely to advertising costs and playing on the exoticism of the product. In fact, growing, transporting and processing guarana fruit is much easier and cheaper than producing high quality coffee.
Despite the fact that taking guarana under certain conditions (including physical training and diet), really helps to increase the effectiveness of weight loss measures by accelerating metabolic processes; you can achieve a similar effect by drinking a cup of strong coffee without sugar with lemon 20-30 minutes before training and another cup of coffee in the morning.
Guarana is added to almost all energy drinks.
Overdose should be treated with caution. If you follow the instructions on the package, it is quite difficult to exceed the dosage, but you should not deliberately take a “loading dose” of caffeine and mix the use of guarana with other high-caffeine products, as this is fraught with headaches, insomnia and constipation.
There are contraindications, consult your doctor.
As everyone knows, guarana ( Paulinia, Amazonian guarana) is a plant whose seeds are an alternative to coffee. Interestingly, in Brazil, the homeland of the best coffee in the world, many people still prefer “tea” made from guarana powder. Also, a large number of carbonated drinks are produced based on guarana; it is added to confectionery, main courses, and so on. What is the reason for such devotion to this product?
Properties of Amazonian guarana. How to take it?
Guaranine– a substance contained in the seeds of the plant – is a derivative of methylxanthines. In other words, it is very close in its chemical structure to, the invigorating properties of which are known to everyone. The advantage of guaranine is that its effect on humans is stronger than that of caffeine. It is more invigorating, has a better effect on metabolism and more noticeably helps the body break down fats. This means that consuming guarana is “more profitable” than drinking coffee.It can be taken in several forms. Here is a sample list of sources containing guarana seed extract.
1. Ready-made sports and energy drinks
2. Sports nutrition
3. Pure Guarana Powder
4. Guarana tablets
5. Complex dietary supplements for weight loss and tone
6. Vitamin and mineral complexes with guarana
7. Instant teas
If you don’t want to bother with preparing the drink, you can buy a can of energy soda and drink it. If you don’t want to replenish your supply of this “soda” every 2-3 days, you should purchase a package of tablets and simply take them in the quantity recommended by the instructions.
People who want to try the product in its natural form can order online or purchase in store healthy eating pure powder and then prepare guarana “tea” from it at home. However, in this case, there is a possibility that you will not like the taste of your “creation”: it does not look like coffee, it is generally difficult to compare it with anything, it is very unique and not everyone will like it.
If you are one of those for whom the taste is no less important than the effect, then there are numerous types of instant drinks with guarana at your service. They are produced by literally everyone and everything: from Herbalife (black tea extract with the addition of guarana seeds and lemon peel) to the 4Life company. The latter relatively recently began producing a drink containing guarana, ginseng, transfer factor and other ingredients that increase tone and immunity.
There is also a group of people who are interested in Amazonian guarana, so to speak, medically. The fact is that it helps to lose weight, and its tonic effect comes in handy for chronic fatigue. In addition, the use of guarana has a good effect on endurance and helps make you more efficient. sports training. If this is about you, then you either need to choose sports nutrition with guarana (before use, do not forget to consult a doctor or trainer!), or turn to complex dietary supplements for weight loss containing this ingredient.
Contraindications
The number of supplements, drinks and products containing guarana is enormous. Even if you just want to treat yourself and buy yourself a pack of some delicious cookies, it is possible that it will also contain guarana. She is literally taking over the market!However, don’t let the availability, prevalence and apparent harmlessness of guarana give you the impression that it is a useful analogue of caffeine that can be consumed in any quantity.
A popular recipe among students, sleep-deprived people and desperate weight loss enthusiasts is to mix sparkling water, such as Coca-Cola (which also contains caffeine), with coffee and guarana tablets or powder. But after consuming such a huge dose of caffeine and guaranine, what usually comes is not a surge of vigor, but headache, high blood pressure, nervousness and diarrhea. So, a contraindication to taking guarana is primarily in excess of its reasonable quantities. In addition, in rare cases, an allergy develops to it, so people with hypersensitivity to this product are also undesirable to take it.
The remaining restrictions are the same as for drinking coffee. For hypertensive patients, people with heart problems, people with insomnia, and neuroses, it is better to avoid Amazonian guarana.
Reviews of guarana
To illustrate the “possibilities” of Amazonian guarana, we present several reviews about it with our comments.« I have long since replaced coffee with a special instant drink with guarana. It invigorates in the same way, but lasts noticeably longer!»
This is true; Due to the content of a large amount of tannins, the absorption of guarana occurs more slowly than caffeine, so the effect of guarana lasts longer. However, this is not only an advantage, but also a disadvantage, because it turns out that you can take guarana only in the first half of the day, no later than 8 hours before bedtime. Otherwise, insomnia is guaranteed.
« I like coffee better because of the taste, but it gives me a stomach ache. It’s interesting, because guarana has a similar composition, but it is very well tolerated».
The presence of astringent components allows guarana to have less irritating effect on the stomach and to a lesser extent enhance the secretion of its glands. This is what causes this effect.
« I was told that guarana has a healing effect, helps with joints and vision. I took pills - not the slightest result».
Unfortunately, therapeutic effect You shouldn't expect anything from guarana. The FDA (Food and Drugs Administration) has not confirmed that it has medicinal properties.
« Honestly, I don’t see any difference in effect with regular coffee. And that one, to be honest, doesn’t have much of an effect on me. The best way getting rid of drowsiness means getting enough sleep, and nothing else helps».
For people who are not very sensitive to caffeine, guarana... I would like to continue “what poultice for the dead”, but let’s not experiment with such scary expressions. Let's just say it's not particularly effective as a toner either. Well, individual sensitivity to guarana may vary.
« I took dietary supplements for weight loss with guarana, green coffee, garcinia and other well-known components, which, according to the Internet, help to lose weight. Somehow the effect is not enough, only minus three kilos in a month and a half».
If the package with the dietary supplement really contains what is written on it, then it will work. True, only if the supplement is taken against the background of diet and increased physical activity. Unfortunately, although guarana predisposes to weight loss, we must remember: it’s just aid, and not a guarantee of achieving an excellent figure.
Guarana is a shrubby vine native to the Amazon.
The plant gained its fame thanks to its amazing berries, which have unique properties, including the ability effective reduction weight. In the countries where they grow, the fruits are valued as highly as tea or coffee.
Benefits of Guarana for Weight Loss and Health
Energy
Eating berries gives a powerful invigorating effect, since the fruits and seeds contain the biologically active chemical ingredient guaranine, which has a similar chemical structure to caffeine, but which is 4-7 times stronger than caffeine and can provide the body with sustainable energy.
Fruits directly stimulate the central nervous system.
To combat fatigue and increase activity levels, they can be taken in small doses, the effect lasts for 3-4 hours.
Today, popular energy drinks and sports nutrition are produced based on the berries.
Weight loss
For weight loss, guarana is important, first of all, for its fat-burning properties. Weight loss after consumption is mainly due to the thermogenic effect of guaranine.
Thermogenesis is a vital part of metabolic processes, the consequence of which is the body's production of heat to maintain a constant body temperature and ensure the functioning of all its systems, therefore, by stimulating the process of thermogenesis, we increase energy expenditure, which helps burn calories.
The product is able to speed up a person's basic metabolism by up to a record 80%, which only happens during intense physical activity. In just a month of taking supplements based on fruit extract, you can get rid of 4-5 kg of excess weight in just a month, without harm to your health.
In addition, berries have excellent diuretic properties, helping to get rid of excess fluid in the body. Another benefit of guarana for weight loss is its appetite suppression. Research conducted in 2011 showed that the fruits of the Amazonian vine help treat metabolic disorders in older people.
Nutritional supplements and dosage
Many weight loss products contain guarana extract alone or in combination with other herbal ingredients. Since products containing these berries are powerful neurostimulants, they are best taken in the morning or before lunch. At night, supplements are taken to improve alertness to avoid, for example, falling asleep while driving. The usual dosage is 2-4 grams per day.
Effects of using Amazonian berry supplements
Activate fast burning fat,
Significantly increase concentration and improve memory,
Dramatically reduces the feeling of fatigue (synergy with ginseng),
Increases strength and endurance (synergy with ginseng),
Fight drowsiness, especially while driving,
Stimulates the nervous system and blood circulation,
Increase the body's resources (short-term effect),
Tonic effect during sports (synergy with spirulina),
Strengthen immune system, lower cholesterol.
Fat-burning dietary supplements with guarana contain important amino acids, enzymes, guaranine, theophylline, vitamins A, E, B1, B3, PP and microelements such as calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, as well as selenium and strontium. All nutrients are harmoniously balanced.
Possible side effects
According to experts, guarama used for health and weight loss is not harmful product for consumption. However, in high doses, berry extract can cause insomnia, nervousness and anxiety, stomach irritation, nausea, increased heart rate and breathing, increased blood pressure, diuresis and headache.
It should also be noted that the severity of side effects depends to some extent on individual sensitivity to caffeine and age. Ultimately, with proper and judicious supplementation side effects do not arise. Although there are several groups of people for whom consumption is unsafe.
Contraindications
Pregnant and nursing mothers,
Neurological disorders (depression, panic attacks),
Bleeding disorders
Diabetes mellitus
Hypertension, diseases cardiovascular system, atherosclerosis.
Guarana has a beneficial effect on the human body. Extracts and powders that have a chocolate flavor are prepared from the fruits and seeds of the plant. They are added to drinks and medicines. Guarana is in demand due to its high caffeine content, which maintains body tone and is included in the composition sports supplements. But it has contraindications for use and can cause harm to the health of people who cannot tolerate the components of the product.
Description and composition of guarana
This evergreen vine is native to Paraguay and Brazil. It has red inflorescences and fruits that are similar in shape to chestnuts. When ripe, they burst and the seeds fall to the ground. They are valuable because they are a source of guaranine. After freeing them from the shell and frying, they are ground in water. The resulting paste is dried and prepared into a powder used in the preparation of energy drinks, sports supplements, tinctures and medicines.
The fruits of the plant contain:
- essential oils;
- sodium;
- saponin;
- polyphenols and amides;
- zinc;
- tannins;
- xanthine alkaloids;
- manganese;
- taurine;
- vitamins of group B, PP, E;
- theobromine;
- theophylline;
- magnesium.
The active component guaranine is similar in pharmacological properties to caffeine.
Useful properties
The liana is used not only in traditional, but also in folk medicine. It is used:
- in case of problems with gastrointestinal tract to reduce excess weight;
- in order to normalize metabolism;
- to relieve hangover and reduce hunger;
- to stimulate the functioning of the nervous system;
- as a tonic;
- to relieve chronic fatigue syndrome;
- to improve performance during physical activity.
The plant is able to remove toxins and excess fluid from the body and normalizes myocardial function. Antioxidants delay the signs of aging and also prevent the development of malignant tumors.
Water with lemon and honey on an empty stomach - benefits and harm to the body, is it effective for losing weight?
Harm of guarana and contraindications
The use of vines should not be abused, given its negative properties. Some side effects may occur:
- insomnia;
- dizziness;
- excitement;
- nervous breakdown;
- headache;
- cardiac arrhythmias;
- increased frequency of urination;
- irritability;
- worries for no reason;
- increased heart rate.
The food supplement is contraindicated for:
- atherosclerosis;
- pregnant women;
- diabetes mellitus;
- migraines;
- stomach ulcer;
- heart diseases.
Elderly people are not recommended to use the product, but athletes, on the contrary, are advised to use it. But it will be beneficial if used in moderation.
Guarana in sports nutrition
Climbing perennial Guarana Amazonica ( liquid chestnut) has also proven itself well in sports, cosmetology and dietetics. By regularly using the product, you can shortest time get the expected result. Guarana powder is a component that is included in dietary supplements, energy drinks, weight loss teas, and lollipops.
Amazonian guarana is added to sports nutrition. In the pharmacy, the products are presented in the form of capsules, tablets with vine extract, as well as liquid extracts. It has been proven that the product energizes, promotes the release of adrenaline, improves training results, and increases the endurance of athletes.
It is recommended to take a dietary supplement or drink one glass of an invigorating drink before going to the gym. But first you need to consult with a trainer or doctor, determine the dosage and method of use, and also strictly follow the instructions for use.
Guarana is widely used as a pain reliever. Athletes resort to it after an injury or bruise.
Liana for weight loss
Reduce overweight Just taking a supplement will not work. Needed physical activity. Capsules should be taken 60 minutes before training. During this time, the product will begin to work and will contribute to the effectiveness of classes. The effect of guarana will last about four hours. You can use the product no more than twice during the day. After six o'clock in the evening it is contraindicated for use, since overstimulation may occur before bedtime.
Duration of admission food additives should not exceed 30 consecutive days. The break after a monthly course should be at least two months. Within 25-30 days of using the product and only in combination with exercise You can get rid of excess weight up to 5 kg.
The plant has a stimulating effect on the functioning of nerve endings, accelerates the breakdown of fatty acids, which promotes weight loss. Experts emphasize its specific actions:
- laxative effect;
- diuretic effect;
- decreased fatigue and appetite;
- long-term physical activity.
The powdered drug should be taken half a teaspoon twice a day. Dissolve in a cup of water, fruit drink, milk, yogurt or juice. The first dose is in the morning, the second is three hours before bedtime. Otherwise, the caffeine contained in it will prevent you from falling asleep. Tea with guarana perfectly heals the body and helps correct problematic parts of the body, replacing green tea. It is indispensable for increasing tone, provides quick results when losing weight, saturates the body with vitamins, increases its protective properties, and normalizes blood pressure.