Guarana's Many Health Benefits

Guarana is a Brazilian plant native to the Amazon basin. Also known as Paullinia cupana, it's a climbing plant prized for its fruit. A mature guarana fruit is about the size of a coffee berry. It resembles the human eye, with a red shell encasing a black seed covered by a white aril.

Guarana extract is made by processing the seeds into a powder. Amazonian tribes have used guarana for centuries for its therapeutic properties. It contains an impressive range of stimulants, such as caffeine, theophylline and theobromine. Guarana also boasts antioxidants, such as tannins, saponins and catechins.

Today, 70% of guarana produced is used by the beverage industry in soft and energy drinks, while the remaining 30% is turned into powder.

Here are some of the health benefits of this amazing plant.

Rich in Antioxidants

Guarana is loaded with compounds that have antioxidant properties. These include caffeine, theobromine, tannins, saponins and catechins. In fact, guarana has an antioxidant profile similar to that of green tea.

Antioxidants are important because they neutralize potentially harmful molecules called free radicals. These molecules can interact with parts of your cells and cause damage linked to aging, heart disease, cancers and other diseases.

Can Reduce Fatigue and Improve Focus

Guarana is best known as an ingredient in popular energy drinks. It's an excellent source of caffeine, which helps you maintain focus and mental energy. In fact, guarana seeds may contain four to six times more caffeine than coffee beans.

A study found that people who took a guarana-containing vitamin supplement felt less fatigued while completing several tests, compared to those who took a placebo.

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May Promote Weight Loss

Guarana may have properties that help promote weight loss.

First, guarana is a rich source of caffeine, which may boost your metabolism by 3-11% over 12 hours. A faster metabolism means your body burns more calories at rest.

Secondly, test-tube studies have found that guarana may suppress genes that aid fat cell production and promote genes that slow it down.

May Boost Heart Health

Guarana may reduce the risk of heart disease in two ways. First, the antioxidants in guarana appear to aid blood flow and may prevent blood clots. Second, studies have shown that guarana may decrease the oxidation of "bad" LDL cholesterol. Oxidized LDL cholesterol can contribute to plaque build-up in your arteries.

However, most research on the connection between heart health and guarana comes from test-tube studies. More human-based studies are needed before recommendations can be made.

May Provide Pain Relief

Historically, guarana was used by Amazonian tribes as a pain reliever. The pain-relieving properties of guarana are due to its high caffeine content.

Caffeine plays a role in pain management, as it binds and blocks adenosine receptors. When caffeine binds to these receptors, it can reduce sensations of pain.

May Improve Skin Appearance

Due to its strong antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, guarana is popular in the cosmetics industry as an ingredient in anti-aging creams, lotions, soaps and hair products. Moreover, its caffeine content aids blood flow to the skin.

Test-tube studies have shown that the antioxidants in guarana may significantly reduce age-related skin damage.

Summary

Guarana has been used by Amazonian tribes for its therapeutic effects for centuries.

Guarana is commonly touted for its ability to reduce fatigue, boost energy and aid learning and memory. It has also been linked to better heart health, weight loss, pain relief, healthier skin, lower cancer risk and a decreased risk of age-related eye diseases.

Whether you want to boost your energy levels or simply improve your overall health, guarana may be worth a try.