When considering a new supplement or addition to your weight loss efforts, you should be sure all of your questions are answered. You’ll find answers to the most common guarana questions here.

Where does guarana come from?

Guarana is actually the name of a climbing shrub in the Amazon. The shrub produces bright red berries and inside the berries are small black seeds. The guarana you hear in conjunction with energy and weight loss is actually the seeds of the plant, often processed into an extract form. Guarana has been used for thousands of years in the Amazon and is immensely popular in Brazil through guarana soft drinks.

How does guarana work?

Guarana is much like a glorified coffee bean. The seed is rich with caffeine, up to three times more than you’d find in the actual coffee bean, and that caffeine is released over a period of time. The seeds are transformed into extracts or dried for use in commercial products and by consuming either a powdered form of guarana or a product containing the plant extract, you’ll see a rise in energy and performance. The high levels of caffeine and other natural elements of the plant give you boosts in energy, metal alertness, memory, metabolism, and many other areas.

Will guarana help me lose weight?

Guarana is often used in weight loss programs or in part of weight loss supplements. Guarana helps increase metabolism through the high caffeine content. It also works as an appetite suppressant helping to curb your appetite at meal times. Finally, guarana gives you an energy boost to encourage more physical activity. The fat burning, reduced appetite and extra energy to exercise should contribute to any weight loss program.

Is guarana safe for breastfeeding mothers?

While a great supplement for losing weight after childbirth, guarana is not recommended for breastfeeding mothers. The high caffeine content found in products like guarana is heavily discouraged during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

What are the risks if I take guarana?

The risks associated with guarana are very similar to those associated with any highly caffeinated product. Mild side effects include head aches, mild anxiety, jittery behavior and hyper activity. More serious side effects exist for those with cardiac conditions, high blood pressure, pregnancy, and diabetes. You should always discuss the risks and potential side effects with your care giver.

Is guarana legal?

Yes! Guarana is a natural product derived from a plant found in the Amazon rain forest. The seeds of the plant are processed for their energy and weight loss properties just as coffee would be. Guarana is a major ingredient in many soft drinks and other products in Brazil for generations, but is just becoming more well-known outside of South America. Guarana is not a controlled substance and is not identified as part of a ban or limitation by any sporting authorities. In competitions, however, the caffeine in guarana would need to be limited in the same fashion as any other caffeinated product.