During one of my trips into the Amazon Rainforest, I heard about the Guarani tribe, and their ancient herb they use to fight fatigue and maximize physical endurance.
It works.
We were on a grueling 18 hour trek through the jungle. But the whole time my mind was crystal clear. I never felt worn out.
That amazing herb is guarana (Paullinia Cupana). But it’s not just for energy. Traditional healers use the plant seeds as medicine. It treats a long list of ailments ranging from diarrhea and constipation to migraines and malaria. It’s also been shown to prevent dangerous blood clots.
When I returned from my visit, I analyzed the guarana seeds I brought home. I found they’re rich in a substance called guaranine. It’s very similar to caffeine but with one big difference.
Guaranine’s caffeine is bound together with healthy fatty acids. You get a gradual release of caffeine and no coffee jitters.
But under the microscope I discovered something else. Guarana contains other compounds with amazing anti-aging properties. Just as they energize your body, these compounds wake up your skin. Here’s how they can make your skin look young and vibrant again.
Guarana Reverses The Effects Of Skin Aging
In addition to caffeine, guarana contains theophylline and theobromine. These are two catechins also found in chocolate. Catechins are powerful antioxidants.
Extracts from guarana seeds contain high levels of these catechins. They protect skin from damage caused by oxidative stress. You see, free radicals generated by oxidation speed up the aging process. They break down skin tissue and collagen.
Studies show guarana releases caffeine and catechins when it’s applied to skin.1 These antioxidants can help reverse the effects of skin aging and restore skin’s natural health.
Recently German researchers tested a combination of guarana, creatine and glycerol on a group of 43 people.2 They applied the combination cream to their faces for 6 weeks. The results were amazing.
The cream noticeably reduced sagging cheeks in the jowl area. It also significantly reduced crow’s feet and wrinkles under the eyes.
Guarana also helps smooth skin. That’s because caffeine is a vascoconstrictor. It tightens up your blood vessels. When you apply caffeine to your skin it helps reduce puffiness and create a smooth surface.
Caffeine can also have a slight dehydration effect. When applied to skin it helps shrink skin cells and fat cells, making your skin appear more toned. A few cellulite products are starting to add guarana for just this reason.
Put Guarana’s Energy To Work For You
Guarana is fast becoming a new global superfood. You’ll see it advertised in energy bars or energy drinks like Monster. You’ll also find it in a variety of herbal teas.
And you’ve probably noticed guarana advertised extensively on the internet. It’s in products for weight loss, athletic performance, and energy. But beware.
Some unethical manufacturers list this herb on the label. But they’ve really just added a lot of chemical caffeine. Only buy guarana from providers you know and trust.
Tea Haven sells whole guarana seeds online. They also blend guarana tea with black, green, oolong or rooibos teas for a nicer flavor. You can enjoy 1-3 cups of the tea a day as long as you’re not sensitive to caffeine.
Guarana is safe. But it may have blood thinning effects. Don’t use it if you’re taking aspirin or prescription anticoagulants like Warfarin or Plavix. And if you’re pregnant or nursing, avoid guarana and caffeine.
To Your Good Health,
Al Sears, MD
1. Heard CM, et al. In vitro transdermal delivery of caffeine, theobromine, theophylline and catechin from extract of Guarana, Paullinia Cupana. Int J Pharm. (2006) Pubmed/16600539
2. Peirano RI, et al. Dermal penetration of creatine from a face-care formulation containing creatine, guarana and glycerol is linked to effective antiwrinkle and antisagging efficacy in male subjects. J Cosmet Dermatol. (2011) Pubmed/22151935