Chances are you’ve seen Guarana listed as an ingredient in something you have eaten. Many people are familiar with Guarana as an ingredient in foods or supplements they eat or drink but have no knowledge of what it is.

Guarana is a plant found in Venezuela and northern Brazil in the Amazon rainforest. The fruit is small, red and contains black seeds. The seeds are naturally rich in caffeine, containing about 4-8 percent caffeine, which is more than coffee beans. Guarana is used as a stimulant to increase mental alertness, to help counter fatigue and to increase stamina and physical endurance. In Brazil, drinks and sodas made from Guarana are very popular. It is believed that Guarana can also help suppress appetite and help with fat burning.

Some studies have been conducted on Guarana for fat burning as well as alertness and mood.

Because Guarana contains a significant amount of caffeine, people who are sensitive to caffeine should avoid Guarana. Guarana has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety or efficacy. Consult with your physician prior to taking any supplement or food item that contains Guarana, especially if you have heart problems or high blood pressure, kidney disease, an overactive thyroid or an anxiety/nervous disorder. Guarana can also be found in MetaboUp!