Pros and Cons of Guarana

This potent stimulant has health benefits, but you need to be careful

Some energy drinks use guarana as one of the stimulants that give them their kick—and a bit of nutritional value.guentermanaus/Shutterstock

If you enjoyed an energy drink recently, chances are it contained an ingredient known as guarana (Paullinia cupana). This plant, which is native to the Amazon rainforest, is the source of a substance associated with several health benefits, along with some cautionary notes.

Guarana is a Brazilian plant highly regarded by natives for its healing qualities. The mature fruit of this climbing vine is bright red and the size of a coffee berry. The black seed in the berries is a significant source of the stimulants of caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline, as well as the antioxidants of catechin, saponin, and tannin.

Health Benefits of Guarana

Kills Bacteria: It’s been suggested that caffeine, along with the tannins or catechins found in guarana, is the source of guarana’s antibacterial properties. However, it’s been shown that guarana can kill Escherichia coli and Streptococcus mutans, bacteria that can cause diarrhea and tooth decay, respectively.