Guarana

Guarana is a plant that grows in the Brazilian rain forest and has been consumed by Brazilians for years in the form of soft drinks, energy drinks, and nutritional supplements. The plant is leafy and shrub-like, and the guarana berry itself resembles coffee in both looks and properties. Guarana is actually consumed much like coffee is consumed and for many of the same reasons. Guarana has naturally occurring caffeine, just like coffee, only guarana contains up to three times as much caffeine as coffee. Another difference is that guarana has more benefits than coffee, since guarana doesn't just contain caffeine but also antioxidants, tannins, and some antibacterial properties. In Brazil, guarana is generally considered a healthful tonic.

Guarana benefits also extend to the category of weight loss. Everyone is looking for a fast, effective, and safe way to lose weight these days, and guarana seems to fit the bill for many people. Guarana has appetite reduction properties, sending a message to your brain that you are already full so that you don't eat as much. In addition, guarana gives you an energy boost, making it easier to get out there and exercise and burn off all of those excess calories. Also, guarana has fat-burning properties, which help with your body's natural metabolism.

The natural antioxidants contained in guarana make it beneficial for you like eating blueberries or taking acai. Additionally, people have reported improved cognitive function through taking guarana. This means improved memory function and less mental fatigue. Other guarana benefits include increased physical endurance and stamina, and more energy.

Despite all of these guarana benefits, it is a good idea to discuss it with you doctor or health care professional if you are considering taking guarana. Especially if you are taking any other medications or supplements or are a pregnant or nursing woman, your doctor may not want you to consume guarana, as there have been some serious side effects and even deaths reported from various combinations of guarana with other substances, such as ephedra. For pregnant and nursing women, the concern has more to do with the high caffeine content of guarana. In general, doctors and midwives recommend that women who are pregnant or nursing limit or eliminate their consumption of caffeine, as it is unclear what effect this can have on the baby.