Guarana is an ingredient very commonly found in energy drinks meant to help increase your stamina, provide you with energy, and help you focus. It is also found in some nootropic supplements as a way to provide a natural alternative to unhealthy vices like prescription medicine or nicotine.
Guarana Benefits
Here’s a list of some of the most significant benefits of supplementing with Guarana…
- Boosts weight loss
- Enhances athletic performance
- Reduces fatigue
- Increases energy levels
- Improves focus and concentration
Reduces Fatigue
Guarana naturally contains a high amount of caffeine, which can help boost energy levels and reduce fatigue. Guarana is not as intense as caffeine however, which can be a good thing. Some people don’t like the side effects caffeine can cause, and Guarana tends not to produce those side effects since it is milder.
Enhances Athletic Performance
Guarana is used in a lot of energy drinks and pre workout powders, and for good reason. The effect it has on your energy and focus levels can lead to much better performance in the gym. The biggest problem people have when trying to exercise is lack of energy and focus, and Guarana just so happens to help benefit both energy and focus levels.
What Is Guarana?
Guarana is a plant that was named after an Amazonian tribe, the Guarani. The seeds of the Guarana plant were brewed into a beverage that is now used as a medicine in many different tribes and cultures. In modern times, Guarana is used as an ingredient in energy drinks to help give you the effects of caffeine, and boost your concentration.
Guarana can also be found in some nootropics, in order to help provide for the people who need caffeine in their brain supplements. While many nootropics avoid the use of caffeine, some people require it to get the kick start they need to get through their day and keep their sanity. Nootropics attempt to utilize natural ingredients to help substitute unhealthy prescription drugs, stimulants like nicotine, and sugary energy drinks that end up doing more harm than good.
How Does Guarana Work?
Guarana works by utilizing natural caffeine, and has even been seen to be more effective than coffee in some ways. It has been used to help increase energy levels, boost your ability to lose weight, improve your bowel health, and help keep you focused and motivated.
The way Guarana works is relatively simple. It accomplishes all of these incredible feats by stimulating the central nervous system, cardiovascular system, and muscular system. Other than caffeine, it also utilizes two chemicals known as theophylline and theobromine, which stimulate the body similarly to caffeine.
Guarana Side Effects
Guarana side effects are also similar to the side effects of caffeine. Although it is generally regarded as safe when taken responsibly, taking too much can lead to many negative side effects like insomnia, nausea, increased heart rate, anxiety and pain throughout your digestive system.
Pros of Guarana
- Good for people who like stimulants
- Can help kick start your day
- Better than coffee
Cons of Guarana
- Not good for people who are sensitive to caffeine
- Can cause negative side effects
Guarana Benefits – Summary
Overall, Guarana is a good ingredient to include in a nootropic blend or stack if you require an intense stimulant like caffeine. It may not be suitable for those who do not like caffeine, or who are sensitive to the side effects. If you want to take brain and memory supplements that can help boost your ability to perform, make sure you look at our Nootropics category page!
I’m not just a supplement analyst. I’m an extremely qualified one! I am a Certified Nutrition Coach (CNC) and actually received my certification directly from the National Academy of Sports Medicine. I am also a Nutrition & Wellness Consultant, certified by the American Fitness Professionals Association (AFPA).