What is Guarana and What Are the Benefits?
A Brazilian plant native to the Amazon, Guarana is rich in antioxidants and comes with tonnes of health benefits when added to our routines.
Dubbed “as valuable as gold” thanks to its many health and wellbeing benefits, let’s learn more about the plant, the benefits of taking Guarana and how you can add it to your daily life.
Historical Use of Guarana
Guarana is a Brazilian plant found in the Amazonian basin. The fruit, its seeds and Guarana extract have been used by the Amazonian people for centuries thanks to the therapeutic properties on offer.
Over centuries, Guarana has been used as a stimulant to rival a cup of coffee, and to help treat common ailments such as diarrhoea and arthritis. Amazonian tribes have also traditionally used Guarana for pain relief too.
Around a century ago, Guarana even became a soda drink available in Brazil!
The Main Components of Guarana
The main component of Guarana is caffeine. In fact, the seeds contain four times more caffeine than coffee so it’s perhaps no surprise that it’s a common ingredient found in energy drinks!
Derived from the seeds of the Paullinia Cupana plant, Guarana contains theobromine and theophylline, two compounds that are incredibly similar to caffeine and have similar stimulating effects on the body.
Health Benefits of Consuming Guarana
Research has shown plenty of health benefits of consuming Guarana including:
Reduced Fatigue - Guarana is a major source of caffeine meaning it’s great for reducing fatigue and acting as a natural stimulant.
Better Focus - Guarana is often used to improve focus and mental concentration, making it a great option for those who are studying or need to concentrate.
Weight Loss - Guarana can help to boost metabolism, which can help with weight loss, and some studies have shown that the extract may also suppress genes that aid fat cell production.
Relieve Diarrhoea and Constipation - Guarana has been used for centuries as a natural stomach tonic to help with common problems such as diarrhoea and constipation. It is rich in tannins which are known to help slow down bowel movements.
Pain Relief - The high caffeine content of Guarana means it is also used as a pain relief option. Caffeine binds and blocks adenosine receptors helping to reduce feelings of pain in the body.
Boost Heart Health - Guarana is packed full of antioxidants that can aid blood flow, prevent blood clots and help to prevent heart disease.
Potential Side Effects and Precautions
Guarana is an incredibly safe supplement to add to your daily routines, however like everything, it should only be used in small to moderate quantities.
Overuse of Guarana or taking a too high dose can result in side effects such as:
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Seizures
- Heart Palpitations
- Anxiety
- Upset Stomach
- Shakiness
If you begin to experience side effects you should stop taking Guarana straight away and consult a doctor. It’s important to follow doctors advice when it comes to what supplements are right for you and in what dose.
How Guarana Compares to Other Natural Stimulants
Whilst Guarana is packed full of caffeine, it works differently to a cup of coffee, for example.
The tannins in Guarana are thought to slow down the caffeine release, unlike coffee where you’ll feel the caffeine boost almost straight away.
Guarana offers a much slower, natural and longer-lasting stimulation for the body.
Guaran’s high caffeine content also means it is one of the best natural stimulants and offers one of the largest doses of caffeine of any natural coffee alternative.
Popular Guarana Products and How to Use Them
As we’ve already mentioned, Guarana is a popular ingredient in energy drinks, however if you’re looking for a more natural way to incorporate Guarana into your diet, there are plenty of options.
Guarana is most common in powder form, which you can boil in hot water to create a delicious and nutrient-packed tea.
You can also take Guarana as a standalone supplement, a particularly good idea if you already take vitamins and supplements and therefore have an existing routine that Guarana can be added to.
You’ll also find Guarana in our vegan protein blend powder, making this the perfect choice for a tasty way to add the superplant into your diet!
Scientific Studies Supporting Guarana's Benefits
The good news is that Guarana is an incredibly safe supplement to add to your routine and there are loads of scientific studies on its benefits.
Below are some scientific studies that delve into Guarana and the benefits of adding it to your routine:
A Study of Habitual Guarana Supplementation
Revisiting a Highly Caffeinated Plant from the Amazon
From Regional Tonic to Global Energy Drink
Improved Cognitive Performance and Mental Fatigue
More research continues to be conducted on Guarana and chances are, we’re only going to discover even more amazing benefits of adding the superplant to our daily routines!
Frequently Asked Questions about Guarana
What are the benefits of Guarana?
There are various benefits to adding Guarana to your routine including:
- Natural stimulation
- Better cognitive function and memory
- Diarrhoea and constipation relief
- Aids weight loss
- Regulate hormones and reduce menopause symptoms
- Improve skin health
How do you take Guarana?
You can take Guarana in pill form as a supplement or in powder form. Guarana is also an ingredient in our vegan protein blend.
How long does it take for Guarana to work?
Guarana provides a slow-release stimulation and you can usually begin to feel the energy-increasing effects after around 20 minutes.
How often should I take Guarana?
You can take Guarana daily however due to its stimulating effects we recommend taking it before midday.
Conclusion: Is Guarana Right for You?
Guarana is a naturally powerful antioxidant that can assist in keeping our energy levels up and reducing fatigue as well as providing health benefits such as improved heart health, hormone regulation and relief for common stomach problems.
You can add Guarana into your routine on its own or by combining it with green tea for even more health benefits.
