One study found that people who consumed guarana regularly had better self-reported vision than people who consumed it sparingly or not at all ( 45). Guarana contains compounds that fight oxidative stress, a major risk factor for age-related eye disorders like macular degeneration, cataracts and glaucoma ( 44). Things like sunlight, poor diet and certain lifestyle choices like smoking can wear down your eyes over time and increase your risk of eye-related disorders ( 43). It’s common for eyesight to progressively worsen with age. However, human-based research is required before recommending guarana for treatment. SummaryĪnimal and test-tube studies have found that guarana may have anti-cancer properties. That said, though the results of test-tube and animal studies are promising, more human-based research is needed. Scientists believe that the potential anti-cancer properties of guarana stem from its content of xanthines, which are compounds that are similar to caffeine and theobromine. One study in mice found that those fed guarana had 58% fewer cancer cells and nearly a five-fold increase in cancer cell death, compared to mice that did not receive guarana ( 36).Īnother test-tube study found that guarana suppressed the growth of cancer cells in the colon, as well as stimulated their death ( 37). Meanwhile, the caffeine in guarana may relieve constipation by stimulating contractions in your intestines and colon that push contents toward the rectum.Ĭancer is a disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth of cells.Īnimal and test-tube studies suggest that guarana may protect against DNA damage, suppress cancer cell growth and even trigger cancer cell death ( 34, 35, 36). The tannins in guarana may relieve diarrhea by preventing water loss. High doses provide more caffeine and may have laxative effects. Low doses of guarana do not provide much caffeine, so they are more likely to have an anti-diarrhea effect. This may relieve constipation by pushing contents to the rectum ( 26). On the other hand, guarana is rich in caffeine, which may act as a natural laxative.Ĭaffeine stimulates peristalsis, a process that activates contractions in the muscles of your intestines and colon. This allows tannins to waterproof the walls of your digestive tract, restricting how much water is secreted into your bowels ( 25). Tannins are known for their astringency, which means they can bind and contract tissue. It may have anti-diarrhea properties because it’s rich in tannins, or plant-based antioxidants. Guarana has been used for centuries as a natural stomach tonic to treat digestive problems like chronic diarrhea and constipation ( 1).
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |