Guarana is a supplement that draws its roots from a berry that grows in the Amazon rainforests and thereabouts. For centuries natives claim the fruit had magical powers and they used it to cure numerous illnesses from fevers to headaches.
If you strip it all down, you’ll find the basis for much of the benefits associated with guarana are due to its high caffeine content. The fruits seeds contain anywhere from 4-8% caffeine, almost twice as much as coffee beans. Caffeine isn’t the only substance found in the seeds; they also contain traces of tannins, xanthine alkaloids, theophylline and theobromine.
How does Guarana/Damiana aid in Weight Loss?
That goes back to its high caffeine content. Caffeine is believed to act as a natural appetite suppressant. It can also stimulate a process in the body called thermogenesis—a process by which the body generates heat and energy production from the food it ingests. Caffeine also acts as a diuretic. That means that it will help the body rid itself of fluids through the urinary tract, also resulting in temporary weight loss.
Obviously because of its high caffeine content, guarana has found its way into many energy drinks. That’s one way to get guarana into the body, but if you don’t want to be bouncing off the walls or bloated from an energy drink, you can introduce guarana through a powder-based product or in the form of a weight loss pill.
What does the research say about Guarna/Damiana?
The clinical research performed on guarana is somewhat spotty. But I found this study: it claims that a human pilot study in 2007 showed that memory, alertness and mood were increased after taking 75 mg of gurarana.
In another study, two groups of dieters were assembled, one group was given a mixture of guarana, yerba mate and daminana, the other was given a placebo—both were subjected to the same daily routine. After 45 days, the group taking guarana showed an average weight loss of 11 pounds, while the group given the placebo averaged just a single pound.
The Bad
- Caffeine based which could lead to nervousness other side effects
- Clinical research is fairly limited
- Shouldn’t be taken if your suffering from diabetes and/or pregnant
The Good
- A natural based substance
- Could increase energy
- Aids in weight loss
- Several studies validate weight loss claims
- Can be taken in a variety of forms
The way we see it
An effective weight loss supplement and should be an effective addition to a dieters weight loss regime. If you suffer ill effects from caffeine–guarana should either be avoided or at least a doctor should be consulted.