Guarana extract is taken from the fruit of a Brazilian herb and has been a widely known source of caffeine and other energizers. It allegedly contains more caffeine in comparison to other sources including coffee.
Reported Effects
1) Helps with weight loss.
2) Provides an energy boost.
3) Relief from pain.
Other reported effects include:
Energy Booster – it is a natural energy booster because of its caffeine content, which is released more slowly and is not quick to absorb. As such, it helps in optimizing performance of athletes and people who are engaged in high intensity exercises.
Fatigue reducer – it decreases fatigue but increases endurance and mental alertness.
Weight loss – it reduces retention of fluids and suppresses the appetite. It also has an impact on the metabolism and speeds up the burning of calories for energy. It also has thermogenic effects, which is found in a lot of fat burning products and supplements.
Digestion – it aids in digestion because it contains tannis, which is commonly used to treat diarrhea and other digestion issues.
Aphrodisiac – because of the caffeine content, it has been known as a potent sexual stimulant. Compared to synthetic products like Viagra, this has no side effects.
Pain reliever – it not only increases the resistance of the body against stress and fatigue, but also works against migraines, menstrual pains, and heart issues.
Possible Dangers
The high caffeine concentration may cause heart palpitations or heart issues if taken in excessive doses. Similar to coffee, it will also induce anxiety or restlessness if not controlled.
Consuming this ingredient during pregnancy may lead to complications such as miscarriage and should be avoided.
Other effects may include:
- worsened bipolar disorder
- aggravated bleeding disorders
- may cause glaucoma, as it increases pressure in the eyes
FDA Approved?
Guarana extract has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration for safety or effectiveness, which means that the benefits and risks are not all known.
Studies
Animal toxicity studies in 1998 have indicated that guarana is non-toxic, even at high dosages. The Indians have been harnessing the medicinal properties of guarana for centuries, but Western science has been slowly validating such practices.
In 1989, a U.S. patent was filed and described the ingredient’s ability not only to prevent blood clots but to assist in the breakdown of blood clots that were already formed. Clinical evidence was given with the patent and was further supported in 1991 by a Brazilian research group.
A 1997 study found guarana to have pain-relieving activity, and may be used for migraines and headaches. It may even be used for relief from neuralgia, lumbago and rheumatism.
The antibacterial properties that prevent E. coli and Salmonella have also been reported to be in Guarana extract as well as antioxidant properties. In 1998, scientists showed that guarana extract resulted in a reasonable increase in the blood glucose levels in mice, and even suppressed hypoglycemia that is induced by exercise.
Supplements using this Ingredient:
1. MusclePharm Shred Matrix
2. Top Secret Nutrition Fat Burner
3. Dymatize Dyma-Burn Xtreme
4. Twinlab Ripped Fuel
5. ABB Speed Stack Pumped N.O., 12/22 Fl. Oz. Bottles
6. NOW Energy
7. MHP Thyro-Slim
8. Optimum Essential AmiN.O. Energy Chewables
9. BeautyFit BeautyFuel
10. Optimum Complete Diet Boost
Conclusion
Caffeine is widely known as a good stimulant and is very much available in the market through various products such as coffee, tea, and certain foods. Because guarana seeds are rich in caffeine, it has become very popular as an energy supplement and product.
It is found in many energy drinks, fat burners, supplements, and energy blends. The thermogenic properties and the quick energy boosts are but some of the reasons why it is appealing to athletes and bodybuilders alike. It is quite versatile and works well with other ingredients such as cryptoxanthin and is not usually available by itself.