7 things you don’t know about Guaraná
What is Guaraná?
Guaraná (Paullina cupana) is a climbing shrub native to the Amazon Rainforest. It gets its name from the local Guarani tribe, translating as 'secret eyes'. The fruit is about the size of a hazelnut and hangs in long bunches. As it ripens, the fruit splits to reveal a black seed and white aril, resembling an eye.
Embedded within Maue-Sateres culture and tradition, guaraná is considered as a gift from the gods, as its ‘secret eyes’ have many secrets of their own...
What are the effects of Guaraná?
Many of us have become dependant on coffee to get us through our busy lifestyles and schedules; whether that’s working longer hours, enduring grizzly commutes or running round after the kids.
For a natural energy booster, Mother Nature knows best, and guaraná offers a traditional, healthy solution to suit a busy, modern lifestyle.
Twice the power of coffee, without the crash
What’s one of the first things we do in the morning? We prepare a hot pot of pick-me-up.
However, by 10am we find ourselves reaching for that energy fix once again as the caffeine stimulation wears off. Unlike the peaks and troughs associated with coffee and energy drinks, guaraná releases energy gradually, making that buzz last longer throughout the day.
The benefit? You can cut down on the caffeine without compromising on energy.
Coffee for people who don’t like coffee
Not a fan of the bitter black stuff but in need of a boost? Guaraná has an exotic, fruity taste which has been likened to bubblegum. It’s a grown-up way to experience some childhood nostalgia and the perfect coffee alternative.
How to take Guarana
Forget power naps - guaraná is an ingredient available in a wide variety of products. From tonics to guaraná powder, capsules and even gum, so you can take it on-the-go to suit your busy lifestyle.
Take a look at our GoGo Guaraná range here.
The benefits of Guaraná on mental performance
As well as giving you a mental boost for 45 minutes, research from John Hopkins University discovered that caffeine can enhance memories for up to 24 hours.
When trying to discover the best ways for soldiers to overcome fatigue, scientists at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research found that caffeine also makes you more logical and speeds up reaction time.
It’s fuel for your workout and may aid weight loss
For centuries, Amazonian tribes have used guaraná as a natural stimulant to help improve athletic performance, increase energy and as an aphrodisiac.
It seems they might have been onto something, as a recent Spanish study showed that athletes who’d consumed caffeine burned 15% more calories for three hours after exercise than those who were given a placebo.
This could be because the consumption of caffeine increases the release of adrenaline, which can make your heart beat faster, send blood to your muscles and tell your liver to release sugar into the bloodstream for energy.
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