A brief introduction about GUARANÁ

What is guaraná? From where it comes from? Are questions that can appear when you read this word.

This is why I decided to write about this really interesting plant, to clarify doubts and give always new information and data about it.
The guaraná plant or better Paullinia cupana, has a botanic family Sapindaceae, the plants that compose this family are in temperate climates and tropical climates,what explains the origin, that is Brasil, to be more precise from the Amazon rain forest.
Guaraná comes from tupi guarani, a indigenous language of the native peoples of the amazon forest.
The plant is a vine and usually it shows in the forest as shrub, but as it is a climbing plant it is not possible to generalise this shape. Composed of white or light yellow flowers, the fruits have red, white and black colours, and seems small eyes. 


The plant has been used for a long time in Brazil, as the name itself has indigenous origin the first to discover the use of this plant were them. Now a days the most popular part from this plant that is used is the fruit, but also other parts can be used, as the leaves, trunk, and seeds, all them have different properties and  usually teas are made from it.
Most currently the guaraná fruit has been used i different ways as processed in the form of fruit syrup, used in brazilian cuisine, is part of the composition in some beauty products and also used in the manufacture for soft drinks production.

Now that some information about this plant was given, is time to say why is so special and what are the benefits for use in nature.

Benefits:
Astringent
Aphrodisiac
Analgesic
Antibacterial
Antiblenorrhagic
Antidiarrheal
Antitermico
Diuretic
Physical and psychic stimulant
Stimulates memory
Improves concentration
Intestinal regulator
Fatigue retardant
Perspiration
Tonic
Vasodilator

Even with all those benefits nothing is perfect, so is good to remember that guaraná has substances analogous to caffeine  as theobromine, theophylline and guaranine. Due to it if is used in excess and in long term can cause insomnia and Hyperactivity.

 Bibliografy:
http://www.teses.usp.br/teses/disponiveis/89/89131/tde-14092012-095758/pt-br.php
https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sapindaceae
http://www.portalsaofrancisco.com.br/alimentos/guarana
http://mundoeducacao.bol.uol.com.br/biologia/guarana.htm

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