Most people reach for their morning coffee for the day's first dose of caffeine. Whether brewing a pot of instant coffee, waiting for the espresso to drip, pushing grinds through a French press, or driving through at a coffee shop, coffee is a million-dollar industry that gives Americans their get up and go. Coffee is the source of most of the caffeine consumed in the United States. But for centuries natives to the Amazon rain forest have been reaching for their morning cup of guarana instead. Guarana's popularity is quickly growing in the US now, but in the form of supplements for a one-swallow energy boost instead of sipping on a cup of java. Although guarana's safety has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, common supplements can pack large quantities of caffeine from guarana into pill form for anytime energy on the go.
Guarana 101
The guarana vine grows in the Amazon, the majority being in northern Brazil. The seeds are harvested to make a paste that is used for herbal supplements. The indigenous people from the rain forest used the seed in beverages and as medicine for diarrhea, fatigue and arthritis.
The active components of guarana include caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline. It is used in supplements to stimulate the nervous system for energy and an increased metabolic rate.
Caffeine Basics
Caffeine is considered the most popular and widely consumed drug in the United States. It can be found in many natural sources such as coffee beans, tea and cocoa beans. The amount of caffeine in the average cup of coffee ranges from 100 to 150 milligrams of caffeine. Two cups of coffee per day is considered a safe amount.
Caffeine is most noted for its ability to give instant energy. But too much of a good thing can be dangerous for the body. Caffeine causes constriction of the arteries, so it can make the heart work too hard for some. Over consumption can also cause headaches, nervousness, sleeplessness and stomach problems. There are many groups that should avoid taking in too much caffeine: children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, people with high blood pressure, people with heart conditions, athletes susceptible to dehydration.
How To Take Them
Caffeine is most traditionally taken by drinking coffee. Coffee beans are steeped in boiling water, which extracts the flavor and caffeine components into the water. Guarana can also be taken the same way. Traditionally guarana seeds were brewed in hot water for 10 minutes and then drank throughout the day.
Now these components are added as ingredients or in supplement forms. Caffeine and guarana can be included in supplements as much as five to 10 times the dosage taken from a drink form.
Comparing Quantities
One cup of brewed guarana has about 50 milligrams of caffeine. Depending on the type of coffee bean and the type of preparation, coffee values can range from the low end in instant as low as 40 milligrams per cup to more than 150 milligrams. Tea caffeine levels range from 20 to 90 milligrams per brewed cup, depending on the type of tea leaves and the time steeped. One ounce of dark chocolate can have up to 35 milligrams of caffeine. 12 fluid ounces of a cola soda has about 50 milligrams of caffeine.
High Amounts Are Easy to Find
Energy drinks and supplements vary widely in their caffeine and guarana content. They can range from five to 500 milligrams per ounce. Capsule supplements also vary widely. Always check label details to determine if a product contains a reasonable amount of caffeine and guarana.
References
- "The Natural Pharmacy"; Healthnotes Inc., Three Rivers Press; 2006
- "Understanding Nutrition"; Elanor Noss Whitney, Sharon Rady Rolfes; 2010
- "Nutrition Concepts and Controversies"; Frances Sizer and Eleanor Whitney; 1996
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