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Guarana
A caffeine-packed herbal supplement from Brazil.
BACKGROUND
The South American plant, commonly found in Brazil, known as guarana is still under the radar in North America. But it has grown in popularity. Guarana is best known for its fruit, which contains approximately three times as much caffeine (or guaranine) as coffee beans! Studies have shown that guarana may help with memory, mood and physical endurance. Studies have also shown that there may be a metabolic benefit to guarana, especially when combined with yerba mate. One research example showed an 11 pound weight loss over a period of 45 days using a mixture of guarana, yerba mate, and damiana.
The most common way guarana is ingested in Brazil is via soft drink products. And they get plenty of it, since Brazil is documented as the third highest consumer of soft drinks in the world. But, there are other ways to get guarana. It comes in herbal teas and even candy form.
PRO
- Studies show varying health benefits to guarana, especially in combination with other substances.
CON
- The benefits of guarana are not verified by the FDA
- Guarana is sometimes combined with other chemicals that can be dangerous for people with cardiac issues
- Extremely high in caffeine
INGREDIENTS
The chemical composition of guarana seeds is as follows:
- Vegetable fiber
- Reddish resin
- Starch
- Water
- Pectin, malic acid, mucilage, dextrin, salts
- Guarana-tannic acid
- Caffeine
- Yellowish steady oil
- Pyro-guarana acid
- Reddish colorant
- Amorphous substances
- Saponin
Depending on the actual method with which you take guarana, the ingredients list will vary. It is advised that you read the ingredients label before taking.
EXERCISE
Since guarana is not a proprietary substance that goes hand-in-hand with a specific diet company, exercise regimens need to be put together independently.
CONCLUSION
Guarana on its own may be an unnecessary and pricey proposition. Since it has the same effects as caffeine (appetites suppression, mood enhancement) it would be much cheaper to simply drink a couple cups of coffee. There are lesser substantiated benefits, specifically when combined with other substances. If price is not a concern and you're up for a little experimentation, go for it. But consider discussing with your doctor if you have any cardiac concerns.
Common Misspellings
gaurana, garana, garrana, goranna, gorana, geurana
Related Diets: Acai, Cha de Bugre, Ginseng, Phentralene, The Amazon Diet
