Guarana

Latin name:

Paullinia cupana

Common name:

Guarana

Family:

Sapindaceae

Origin:

Brazil

Part of the plant used:

Seed

Description

This climbing plant from the Amazonian forest produces fruits whose seeds, once roasted, are crushed before being transformed into a paste by adding water. It is this paste, shaped into sticks and smoked, that the Guarani Indians (from whom the plant takes its name) grate to make tonic drinks. The guarana seed is extremely rich in caffeine, which explains its tonic properties.

This abundant caffeine has another major interest in its involvement in lipolysis (fat burning process). In fact, this fat-burning effect combined with a stimulating action makes guarana a choice ally in slimming strategies. It should be noted that other active compounds in guarana have antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.