Guarana
The indigenous people of the Amazon rain forest have used crushed guaraná seed as a beverage and a medicine. Guaranáhas bene used traditionally for diarrhoea, to decrease fatigue and to help maintain healthy joints. It also has a history of use in treating hangovers from alcohol abuse and headaches related to menstruation.
Caffeine and the closely related alkaloids theobromine and theophylline make up the primary active constituents in guaraná. Caffeine’s effects are well known and include stimulating the central nervous system, increasing metabolic rate, and having a mild diuretic effect.
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