Guaraná

Guaraná (gwa-ra-naa) is a climbing shrub native to South America and is commonly found in the Amazon region of Brazil. This shrub bears bright red fruit and as it ripens it splits apart revealing small black seeds. For centuries the natives in this region have used these small black guaraná seeds by grounding them into a powder which they then add to food and beverages to increase mental alertness and reduce fatigue.

Guaraná seeds contain a very high percentage of xanthine alkaloids - caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine. It's believed these alkaloids contribute significantly to guaraná's therapeutic activity. Consuming guaraná seed extract has been associated with increased physical endurance, enhanced memory retention and alertness, appetite suppression and a minor thermogenic effect, possibly promoting weight loss. These seeds have been used to treat conditions such as premature aging, migraines, headaches, fatigue, and obesity; guaraná has also exhibited anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant properties.

Some weight loss supplements may shown an ingredient labeled as guaranine. Guaranine was the initial name given to the stimulating substance found in guaraná, however later it was discovered that this was simply just caffeine.

Guaraná's alternate names include: Brazilian cocoa, cupana, guaraná kletterstrauch, paullinia sorbilis, quaraná, and quarane.

Guaraná & Weight Loss

The effectiveness of guaraná as a weight loss supplement is largely due to the high percentage of caffeine. Guaraná seeds contain almost twice as much caffeine as coffee beans, and when ground into a powder 30 to 50% may entirely consist of caffeine! Caffeine in high doses has been shown to successfully suppress appetite and act as an effective stimulant, enhancing physical performance thereby increasing energy expenditure.

Is Guaraná Safe?

The primary active chemical ingredient of guaraná is caffeine, as well as two other xanthine alkaloids: theobromine, and theophylline. For those who are allergic or otherwise react negatively to caffeine or zanthines, it's strongly advised that you do not consume products containing guaraná. Guaraná should also be avoided by women who are pregnant or nursing.

High doses of guaraná seed extract can often lead to side-effects similar to those associated with high doses of caffeine, including nervousness, anxiety, insomnia, headaches, high blood pressure, and heart palpitations.

Diet Pills Containing Guaraná

Diet Pill Ingredients

Caffeine - Powerful metabolic stimulant and appetite suppressant.
Calcium - May play a key role in fat storage and breakdown.
Chromium - May help to maintain blood sugar levels & suppress appetite.
Garcinia Cambogia - Rich in hydroxycitric acid, a natural carbohydrate inhibitor.
Green Tea - Packed full of potent anti-oxidants for optimum health.
Guarana - Potent source of caffeine and natural stimulant.
Hoodia Gordonii - The slimming cactus.
L-Tyrosine - Mood enhancing & metabolism boosting amino acid.
L-Carnitine - Essential for increased fat oxidation.
Niacin - Vitamin B3, lowers LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Scutellaria Root - Drought hardy perennial native to southwest China.
Thiamin - Vitamin B1, the "brain energizer" vitamin.
White Willow Bark - Traditional pain reliever and anti-inflammatory.
Yerba Mate - A medium sized evergreen plant native to South America.