Guarana is a tropical berry that most commonly grows along the Amazon River in the northern part of Brazil. Single guarana seed contains two to three times as much caffeine as a coffee bean, as well as the stimulants theophylline and theobromine. Guarana has a history of usage that dates back to the time before Europeans arrived in South America. The Guarani, an Amazonian tribe, used to grind it up to make tea. Guarana is a sustainable crop that can be grown naturally in the rainforest.

What is Guarana?

Nowadays, guarana seed extract is known around the globe as a good source of natural caffeine, and it is mainly used as an energy stimulant. It is a common ingredient in many energy drinks, such as AMP, Monster, and Jolt Cola. Guarana is the most popular source of caffeine in Brazil. One of the most popular soft drinks there is called Guarana Antarctica. If you'd like to avoid the sugar intake associated with these kinds of drinks, you can purchase guarana extract capsules or guarana powder.

Side Effects of Guarana

Guarana contains a high amount of caffeine, and some nutrition labels don't accurately list caffeine content. People who are sensitive to the stimulant should be cautious when taking it. Consuming too much caffeine can lead to heart palpitations, high blood pressure, and restlessness. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are often advised to limit their caffeine consumption, so guarana may not be right for them.