Guarana, an Amazonian superfood and staple in energy drink industry, boasts more benefits than just caffeine. Packed full of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals from Paullinia cupana fruit’s four to six times higher caffeine concentration than coffee seeds and has proven successful at relieving mental weariness and fatigue – ideal for students undertaking cognitive tasks as well as relieving fatigue from physical activities and supporting weight loss and controlling body fat.

The Guarana Tree (Sinensis guarana Liana), native to Brazil’s rainforests and used traditionally in medicine for millennia long before European naturalists explored South America or Alexander Humboldt wrote his Nova Genera et Species Plantarum (1821), has long been recognized in traditional Brazilian medicine (1,2). Even before European naturalists discovered South America or Alexander Humboldt described its species in 1821, local tribes grew it both for consumption as well as medicine (2,3); tribes used it both ways as both food and medicine; local tribes used it both ways; gathering small reddish to brown fruits before crushing them and mixing pulp from within to create beverages to combat fever, pain or cramps while also increasing physical prowess (3,4).

Since ancient times, both guarana and coffee have been consumed as stimulants to increase energy levels (4,5). Although most agree that guarana has less adverse effect on nervous system than coffee (although research indicates they both may produce similar outcomes), high doses can still have powerful stimulant properties (4,5).

Guarana and coffee have both been linked with increased blood pressure and heart rate when consumed excessively, so it is best to consume these foods in moderation and consult your physician prior to making changes to your diet.

Guarana is an excellent source of vitamins B2 and B5, magnesium, potassium and manganese as well as anti-oxidants which are essential to good health. Furthermore, guarana’s rich content of chromium makes it a valuable mineral in managing healthy blood sugar levels and decreasing diabetes risks.

Does Guarana Have More Benefits Than Coffee? That depends entirely on what your goals are. For quick energy boosts or quick bursts of energy in short duration, coffee may be your better option; but for long-term energy maintenance purposes guarana could provide just what’s needed! However, be wary not to consume it before bedtime as even in low doses it could interfere with restful slumber! Additionally it should be avoided by those suffering from digestive disorders or hypersensitivity to caffeine as guarana can make matters worse!