Oxidized LDL cholesterol can contribute to plaque build-up in your arteries. However, most research on the connection between heart health and guarana comes from test-tube studies. More human-based studies are needed before recommendations can be made.

Guarana may aid heart health by improving blood flow and preventing blood clots. Two of these receptors — A1 and A2a — are involved in stimulating feelings of pain This is one reason why caffeine is commonly found in many over-the-counter pain relief medications.

Studies have shown it can significantly enhance their effects The caffeine in guarana may provide pain relief by blocking adenosine receptors, which are involved in stimulating feelings of pain. Due to its strong antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, guarana is popular in the cosmetics industry as an ingredient in anti-aging creams, lotions, soaps and hair products.

Moreover, its caffeine content aids blood flow to the skin Test-tube studies have shown that the antioxidants in guarana may significantly reduce age-related skin damage 9. Guarana has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, making it a common additive in cosmetic products.

It may aid blood flow to your skin, reduce damage linked to aging and minimize undesirable features, such as saggy skin and wrinkles.

Animal and test-tube studies suggest that guarana may protect against DNA damage, suppress cancer cell growth and even trigger cancer cell death 34 , 35 , Another test-tube study found that guarana suppressed the growth of cancer cells in the colon, as well as stimulated their death Scientists believe that the potential anti-cancer properties of guarana stem from its content of xanthines, which are compounds that are similar to caffeine and theobromine.

That said, though the results of test-tube and animal studies are promising, more human-based research is needed. Animal and test-tube studies have found that guarana may have anti-cancer properties.

However, human-based research is required before recommending guarana for treatment. One of these bacteria is Escherichia coli E. coli , which lives in the intestines of humans and animals. Most E. coli bacteria are harmless, but some can cause diarrhea or illness 38 , Studies have also found that guarana can suppress the growth of Streptococcus mutans S.

mutans , a bacteria that can cause dental plaques and tooth decay 40 , Guarana contains compounds that may inhibit or kill harmful bacteria, such as E. coli and Streptococcus mutans. Things like sunlight, poor diet and certain lifestyle choices like smoking can wear down your eyes over time and increase your risk of eye-related disorders Guarana contains compounds that fight oxidative stress, a major risk factor for age-related eye disorders like macular degeneration, cataracts and glaucoma One study found that people who consumed guarana regularly had better self-reported vision than people who consumed it sparingly or not at all In the same study, scientists performed test-tube experiments to discover if guarana could protect eye cells against compounds that create oxidative stress.

Guarana significantly reduced the amount of DNA damage and eye cell death, compared to a placebo That said, there is limited research in the area of guarana and age-related eye disorders. Test-tube studies have found that guarana may combat oxidative stress, which is linked to age-related eye disorders.

However, this area of research is limited, so more human-based studies are needed before providing recommendations. Research shows that guarana has low toxicity in low-to-moderate doses 19 , 46 , In high doses, guarana may cause side effects similar to those of excessive caffeine intake , including 48 , 49 :.

Pregnant women should avoid or limit guarana intake, as caffeine can cross the placenta. Too much caffeine may cause growth abnormalities in your child or increase the risk of miscarriage Although guarana has no recommended dosage, most human-based research has found that doses as low as 50—75 mg can provide the health benefits linked to guarana 16 , Guarana appears to be safe and is widely available.

In high doses, it may have similar side effects to those of excessive caffeine intake. Guarana is commonly touted for its ability to reduce fatigue, boost energy and aid learning and memory.

It has also been linked to better heart health, weight loss, pain relief, healthier skin, lower cancer risk and a decreased risk of age-related eye diseases. Most research shows that doses between 50—75 mg of guarana are sufficient to provide you with health benefits, though there is no official dosage recommendation.

Whether you want to boost your energy levels or simply improve your overall health, guarana may be worth a try. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

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Caffeine acts as a stimulant and affects the activity of certain neurotransmitters in your brain to amp up energy levels. This is why beverages like coffee and energy drinks are often used as a quick fix for low energy and fatigue.

In addition to fighting physical fatigue, some research indicates that guarana can help reduce mental fatigue as well. One study published in the journal Appetite showed that taking it was able to decrease mental fatigue associated with sustained mental effort in participants.

Guarana has long been used as a natural remedy for both constipation and diarrhea. It helps promote regularity and soothe digestive distress. Tannins are plant compounds that can prevent excess water from being excreted into the bowels to stop diarrhea fast.

Research shows that the guarana seed benefits heart health in several different ways. It can help prevent blood clots to reduce the risk of heart attacks and stroke, according to research out of the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.

Not only that, but it can also decrease the oxidation of LDL cholesterol in the blood. This can control the buildup of plaque in the arteries to prevent atherosclerosis. Guarana makes a great addition to any natural skin care routine thanks to its content of both caffeine and antioxidants.

Caffeine helps protect the skin against UV radiation. It also slows down photoaging of the skin and promotes circulation and blood flow. One study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology showed that cosmetics containing guarana helped reduce skin sagging and minimized wrinkles underneath and around the eyes.

Although current research is mostly limited to in vitro studies and animal models, preliminary evidence suggests that guarana could help effectively reduce the growth and spread of certain types of cancer cells.

For instance, one animal study showed that administering it to mice reduced liver cancer proliferation by 58 percent and increased cancer cell death by nearly fivefold.

Other studies have had similar findings. Results show it may help decrease the growth of colon and breast cancer cells as well. Guarana is often used as a weight loss aid. In fact, there are many guarana weight loss products, pills and supplements to help ramp up fat-burning and shed extra pounds.

This is partly due to its content of caffeine. Caffeine has been shown to boost metabolism by up to 11 percent over a hour period in research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Plus, several in vitro studies also show that guarana may slow and inhibit the production of fat cells to help decrease body fat.

Guarana supplements are available in many different forms, ranging from guarana tea to guarana extract and beyond. Guarana seed powder is also often added to beverages and products advertised to help naturally boost energy levels. Although there are no official guarana dosage guidelines available at present, most research shows that doses between 50—70 milligrams may be the most beneficial.

Stick to this dosage to maximize the potential health benefits and minimize the risk of adverse side effects. Low doses of guarana are generally safe and come with minimal risk of adverse side effects.

In fact, multiple animal models have found that it has a low toxicity , even when consumed regularly. Not only is caffeine highly addictive, but it can cause several negative effects on health.

It can even contribute to a caffeine overdose when consumed in large amounts. If you notice these or any other side effects after consuming guarana, consider decreasing your dosage or discontinuing use altogether.

Women who are pregnant should limit or avoid guarana-containing products. Increased caffeine consumption may be linked to a higher risk of birth defects and preterm delivery.

Additionally, guarana is often used as an additive for unhealthy beverages. These include guarana energy drinks or guarana alcohol products. Drinks that this are often pumped full of unhealthy added sugar and extra ingredients. These products essentially negate any health benefits of guarana.

They can actually do more harm than good when it comes to your health. There are many individual ingredients or products known for their ability to increase energy levels, boost fat-burning and fine-tune focus.

How do these ingredients compare? What sets them apart from one another? Taurine is a type of amino acid that is found in the tissues throughout the body. It can also be produced in small amounts. It is available in certain foods, including meat, dairy products and seafood.

It is believed to be associated with a number of health benefits, such as increased fat-burning during exercise and improved heart health. Adderall, on the other hand, is a type of prescription medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy.

When abused or taken in high doses for prolonged periods of time, it may also cause addiction and trigger withdrawal symptoms, similar to caffeine. Caffeine pills boast all the same benefits of caffeine, such as reduced constipation and increased energy levels. However, they also come with the same set of side effects, which can include anxiety, restlessness and headaches.

Coffee and green tea can be enjoyed as is, but guarana is typically found in supplement form or processed guarana drink products, such as guarana soda. In terms of caffeine content, guarana extract is significantly higher in caffeine than coffee. Some studies indicate that the seeds contain four to six times as much caffeine than coffee beans.