Could you use a little extra energy sometimes? Then look no further, because the extremely potent energy herb guarana might be just what you’re looking for. Guarana, also known as Paulinia cupana, is a common ingredient in energy pills and drinks. It contains about 4.2% caffeine and various other compounds such as guaranine, theobromine, and theophylline. In this article, we’ll take you to the Amazon, where this climbing plant originates.
Guarana Antarctica
Guarana is primarily found in Venezuela and Brazil and has been used for many years to boost energy. The plant’s nutty seeds are a great source of various health benefits, which is one of the reasons it’s incorporated into numerous commercial products. Take, for example, the Brazilian soft drink Guarana Antartica, a beverage that is second only to Coca-Cola in sales? That alone makes guarana one of the most popular sources of caffeine throughout South America. So the herb gives you a significant energy boost and is also said to be great for fat burning. A miracle cure? Maybe... The stimulating effects of guarana are regularly studied, although solid scientific evidence is still pending. In addition to the effects we’ll explain below, guarana is also said to be beneficial for bowel movements.
Energy, alertness, and improved memory
There are many effects when you consume guarana, and most of them are purely positive. The most powerful effect of guarana is the energy boost it provides. Several clinical studies have shown that guarana improves alertness and also strengthens memory. The chemical structure of Paulinia cupana is almost identical to that of caffeine, but stronger. The difference, however, is that guarana is released slowly into the body, providing you with a long-lasting source of energy. This is in contrast to coffee, for example, which gives you a quick burst of energy followed by a mild crash.
In many cases, guarana can also improve a person’s mood. One of the more popular clinical studies conducted on guarana showed strong positive effects after a dose of just 75 mg. Additionally, it has been shown to improve cognitive and physical abilities. Admittedly, those latter tests were conducted on rats, but scientists say the same effects are also expected in humans.
Guarana as a Fat Burner
Another benefit for which guarana is widely used is weight loss. Ancient tribes used guarana to make tea that was believed to suppress hunger, resulting in weight loss. A 45-week study showed that individuals who consumed 75 mg of guarana per day lost an average of 4.5 kilograms during that period. These fat-burning effects are a major reason why guarana is added to numerous energy drinks and supplements to support weight loss and effectively combat hunger.
Using guarana
There are several ways to consume guarana. For example, it can be dissolved as guarana powder. Use hot water, warm milk, or another hot beverage for this. The stimulating properties of guarana are best preserved in the whole nut. Two nuts at a time are sufficient. The guarana nut can be ground using a mortar and pestle or in a coffee grinder. Prepare guarana in the same way as coffee. Reuse the grounds multiple times to extract all the active compounds. Another option is, of course, to buy a product that already contains guarana, but the effects are best achieved when consumed in its purest form. More potent guarana extracts, guarana capsules, and guarana drops are also available.
