Guarana contains more caffeine than coffee, but both substances have health benefits. Consuming too much caffeine from any source can cause unwanted side effects.
Guarana and coffee contain different plant chemicals but share caffeine in common. Caffeine is a stimulant, and having too much of it can cause side effects such as anxiety and palpitations.
This article discusses whether the effects of consuming caffeine are different depending on whether it comes from guarana or coffee.
On average, guarana contains more caffeine than coffee, which can vary depending on the preparation.
In addition, a
Guarana comes from Paullinia cupana seeds and is native to the Amazon basin.
Guarana producers make guarana by shelling, washing, drying, or roasting the seeds. They then grind the seeds into a powder.
How to add guarana to the diet
People can
- as a food flavoring
- as tea
- in energy drinks
- in dietary supplements
They can buy guarana in tablet or capsule form, as liquid, or as a multi-ingredient supplement, especially in weight loss products.
Evidence of coffee use dates back to the 15th century when people used it within the Sufi monasteries of Yemen. However, research suggests that it originally came from Ethiopia.
Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora are the main plants that provide coffee for human consumption.
Making coffee is
How to add coffee to the diet
The most common way to consume coffee is as a brewed beverage. People can buy the roasted coffee beans whole and grind them at home. Alternatively, they can buy ground coffee or other preprepared coffee products, such as freeze-dried coffee.
No evidence indicates that guarana is healthier than coffee or vice versa. Research suggests that both substances can have beneficial effects on human health.
Guarana contains flavonoids and proanthocyanidins. These plant compounds could have
Coffee may help prevent inflammatory and oxidative stress-related conditions, including obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes.
People may respond to guarana and coffee in different ways. Unless a substance causes unwanted side effects, consuming either in moderation can be part of a nutritious diet.
Read about the health benefits and disadvantages of coffee.
The table below lists some of the possible effects of guarana and coffee.
| Possible effects of guarana | Possible effects of coffee |
|---|---|
| improves alertness | |
| mild diuretic | increases attention |
| increases wakefulness | increases performance in short-term, high intensity and endurance exercise |
| reduces hunger and thirst | may lower cancer risk |
| treats headaches | may |
| treats heavy menstrual bleeding | may |
| treats digestive disorders | may lower liver disease risk |
| boosts energy and endurance | |
| supports weight loss | |
| increases concentration and memory |
The table below lists possible unwanted side effects of guarana and coffee. Side effects may occur due to the caffeine content in the substances, particularly if people consume them in high doses.
| Guarana | Coffee |
|---|---|
| jitteriness | insomnia |
| agitation | headaches |
| confusion | tremor |
| high blood pressure | palpitations |
| dehydration |
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that
Daily doses of caffeine from guarana can range from
The caffeine in coffee and guarana can help boost mental alertness, energy levels, and exercise endurance. Guarana contains a higher percentage of caffeine than coffee.
People can consume guarana as a tea, energy drink, or dietary supplement. People tend to consume coffee as a brewed beverage.
The FDA suggests that consuming 400 mg of caffeine per day is safe, but too much caffeine can cause side effects, such as jittering, tremors, agitation, and anxiety.