Nutri Courses

Advisory

Guarana

Guarana is a plant native to the Amazon. It produces fruit rich in caffeine and antioxidant-active substances. It is, among other things, a source of tannins, which can help regulate cholesterol levels and support heart health. Due to its caffeine content, its consumption is not suitable for children, pregnant, and breastfeeding women.

Hello,
is guarana also suitable before exercise like coffee? Does it increase cortisol levels like coffee?

Guarana has the same stimulating effects as coffee because it contains caffeine. However, caffeine is bound to guaranosides, which influence its metabolism process. Therefore, it is more suitable to consume guarana with a longer interval before exertion than coffee (approximately 30 - 50 minutes).

Hello,
is it advisable to use guarana during PMS/before menstruation if I exercise and need energy and strength during my training period? Or is it better to let hormones function naturally and "come to terms" with having less energy?
And one more question, what effect does combining it with coffee have? Does it not cause unpleasant trembling, sweating, or anxiety if a person consumes 1-2 medium-strength coffees per day?
Thank you in advance for your response, have a nice day :)

Guarana has fewer side effects than coffee, which may make it seem more advantageous in this regard. However, it is still a source of caffeine, which is better to avoid during PMS. As an alternative, try adaptogens; they have a significantly more favorable effect on the course of PMS.

While combining guarana with coffee does stimulate the nervous system and the cardiovascular system to higher activity, it also increases the risk of synergism in side effects. Even though it depends on the metabolic individuality of the person, i.e., in relation to caffeine, on the ability to efficiently metabolize this substance, try to avoid this combination as it unnecessarily stresses the entire organism.

Test the effects of adaptogens with ginkgo; it is a more advantageous route.

Questions answered by

Mgr. Martin Jelinek
Lecturer and author of the educational system

Mgr. Martin Jelínek has been systematically involved in nutrition education since 1999. He is the founder of ATAC, the educational company behind NutriCourses, and the author of an educational system focused on nutrition, healthy lifestyle, and the practical application of nutrition knowledge.

He graduated from the Faculty of Science at Masaryk University in Brno. Throughout his professional career, he has combined nutrition, education, and the practical application of acquired knowledge. His educational system also includes the ZOF (Zone of Optimal Functioning) learning application, where students turn theory into practical work with meal plans.

In 2007, he launched the first intake of a six-month course focused on the education of nutrition advisors. Over time, this course became the foundation for the further development of the educational system and a range of specialised courses.