Guarana: benefits, properties and precautions

Guarana is a plant that is largely unknown to the general public.

Everyone has heard of it, without really knowing what it's used for.

Yet this plant has been used for thousands of years by the Amerindians of Amazonia, in Brazil. It was eaten to keep fit during expeditions and to help withstand hunger. It was rightly considered a sacred fruit! It is also known as the eye of the forest, because of the appearance of the fruit.

It was only in the 18th century that Europeans began to learn about this plant, thanks in particular to the German physician Christian-François Paullini.

It is basically a liana in the Sapindaceae family that produces red berries in which the seeds are found. The seeds are then shelled and dried for several days before being ground into powder. Guarana is now considered to be a superfood with many virtues, the main one being to keep you fit!

Aurélie Canzoneri, a naturopath with a passion for nutrition, explains Guarana: its benefits, Guarana drinks, the effects of Guarana and more.

By The Aroma-Zone editorial team

Updated on 3/16/2025Reading time: 0 min.

What is the composition of Guarana?

Guarana seeds contain a very high concentration of caffeine. In fact, it is one of the plants with the highest caffeine content in the world! Guarana is now world-renowned for being naturally rich in caffeine, but that's not all. The form of caffeine it contains is absorbed very slowly by the body, so its action is released over a long period, keeping you energised throughout the day if Guarana is taken in the morning, for example.

But that's not all! Guarana also contains:

alkaloids, which help increase attention and combat fatigue
theophylline, as well as theobromine, which provides a stimulating effect while improving mood
adenine, which helps combat the effects of ageing
hypoxanthine, known for its stimulating effects
xanthine, excellent for sports recovery and for improving muscle and joint pain
as well as mucilage, pectin, tannins, amino acids, essential fatty acids, mineral salts, trace elements and vitamins A, E, B1 and B3.

That's it! Guarana is definitely a plant that deserves to be better known.

What are the benefits of Guarana?

Guarana is said to have many virtues. Guarana has multiple benefits and is recommended in particular for the following reasons:

It's a real stimulant! Studies have demonstrated its stimulating power. Guarana helps combat fatigue and drowsiness and improves alertness. If you're looking for a boost, a little extra energy, Guarana is the plant for you!
Guarana increases resistance to stress.
It improves memory and cognitive functions. Once again, research has been carried out and scientific studies have shown that Guarana significantly improves memory capacity.
Guarana helps to improve concentration and intellectual faculties in general.
It is rich in antioxidants, which help to combat cell ageing, which in turn can help to reduce the visible effects of ageing.
It can help regulate intestinal transit, relieving constipation but also slowing down rapid transit.
It improves sporting performance.
Guarana is also known for its slimming properties as part of a healthy, varied diet, making it ideal for people wishing to maintain their weight.
Finally, it is also thought to have aphrodisiac properties.

Guarana powder

Guarana powder helps combat fatigue and drowsiness and improves alertness. If you're looking for a boost, a little extra energy, Guarana is the plant for you!

Discover ORGANIC Guarana powder

How should guarana be taken?

Guarana is widely used in ready-made energy drinks sold in shops, but I don't recommend them because they are often too sweet and don't allow you to take full advantage of the plant's benefits.

On the other hand, you can make your own Guarana energy drinks (with or without sugar, or with fruit to sweeten the drink, baobab fruit pulp, for example) and this is even one of the best ways to use it, particularly for athletes (bearing in mind that for long-term sporting effort, sugar may be useful for maintaining energy levels).

Guarana can also be taken in other forms:

Guarana capsules
Guarana powder, diluted with water, in smoothies, vegetable juices, cakes or even salad dressings.
An infusion of Guarana or in combination with green tea.

Effects of Guarana: how should it be used?

If you wish to take a Guarana cure, you should first consult a health professional for advice and avoid "self-medicating"...

Because of its high caffeine content, Guarana is not recommended in a number of cases:

Children
During pregnancy and while breastfeeding
Cardiovascular disorders, hypertension, cardiac arrhythmia
Insomniacs
Hyperthyroidism
Panic attacks
Headaches
Epileptic seizures

Guarana should not be combined with other medicines or substances with the same effects, so as not to amplify them, and is not recommended for people who are sensitive to caffeine.

It is advisable to take Guarana at the start of the day, given its stimulating properties.

How should Guarana be combined?

Here are a few ideas for combinations to help you make the most of the virtues and benefits of Guarana according to your needs:

Guarana can be combined with tea or Acerola for an immediate tonic effect.
It can also be combined with Ginseng as a cure for even more energy over the longer term.
Or Spirulina to improve sports performance and muscle recovery after exercise.

To find out more about superfoods, browse our guide.

Our best recipes with Guarana

Guarana is known for giving you a boost and reducing fatigue. If you're feeling exhausted and/or have a hard day ahead of you, or simply need a quick boost, here's an energising smoothie recipe.

Guarana - watermelon - red berry smoothie - Aroma-Zone

Guarana & Matcha Tea Toning Gel - Aroma-Zone

Article written by Aurélie Canzoneri, Naturopath

Aurélie Canzoneri is a certified Naturopath and creator of food, beauty and well-being content. She is renowned for her compassionate, well-informed advice and her many healthy, delicious recipes.