Guarana, a vine that grows in the Amazon, bears both seeds and nuts. A 17th century Jesuit missionary wrote that local inhabitants prized a drink made from this plant because it gave them more energy for hunting and allowed them to go for extended periods without eating. In modern times, this caffeine-rich substance is used in popular energy drinks
Guarana and Caffeine
According to a November 2010 article in "Mayo Clinic Proceedings," guarana seeds contain more caffeine than any plant in the world, with levels ranging from 2 percent to 8 percent. In fact, it contains four times as much caffeine as coffee. The plant also contains the stimulants theobromine and theophylline. Caffeine has been shown to improve endurance during athletic activities, but it can also raise heart rates and blood pressure. Other side effects include insomnia, nervousness, irregular heart beats and nausea.
Guarana and Metabolic Disorders
A study published on February 22, 2011 in "Phytotherapy Research" examined the effects of self-reported guarana consumption among elderly Brazilians. People who used guarana regularly had lower rates of obesity and diabetes. Women had lower levels of both total cholesterol and "bad" LDL cholesterol, while men had a smaller average waist circumference. Frequent guarana users also had lower levels of a substance called advanced oxidative protein product, which suggests that this plant has an antioxidant effect.
Caffeine and Metabolic Disorders
Studies of caffeine and metabolic disorders indicate that its effects are similar to those of guarana. According to a review paper published in the 2010 issue of the "Journal of Alzheimer's Disease," epidemiological studies indicate that the consumption of caffeine, usually in coffee, is associated with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Regular coffee drinkers also have lower rates of Alzheimer's disease. The author cautions, however, that this correlation does not indicate a causal link between caffeine intake and reduced rates of cognitive disorders in the elderly.
Guarana and Seizures
Some people experience seizures after guarana consumption. The May 2001 issue of "Pharmacotherapy" reported that a 22-year-old man with no history of neurological problems was taken to the emergency room after suffering seizure-like activity and unresponsiveness. After ruling out alcohol and drug consumption, the doctors concluded that an herbal stimulant containing guarana may have been the cause. A 2007 article in "Epilepsy & Behavior" reported that four people developed seizures after drinking guarana-containing beverages and that the seizures no longer occurred after patients stopped using energy drinks.
References
- "Mayo Clinic Proceedings"; Energy Beverages: Content and Safety; John P. Higgins, et al. November 2010
- "Phytotherapy Research"; Habitual Intake of Guaraná and Metabolic Morbidities: An Epidemiological Study of an Elderly Amazonian Population; Krewer C. Costa, et al.; February 22, 2011
- "Pharmacotherapy"; Seizure Activity and Unresponsiveness After Hydroxycut Ingestion; D.R. Kockler, et al.; May 2001
- "Journal of Alzheimer's Disease"; Caffeine, Diabetes, Cognition, and Dementia; G.H. Biessels; 2010
- "Epilepsy & Behavior"; New-onset Seizures in Adults: Possible Association With Consumption of Popular Energy Drinks; S.J. Iyadurai, et al.; May 2007
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