After all, when you’ve got things to do and places to be, it can be tempting to reach for an extra cup of coffee (or two) to feel awake. But this approach will only take you so far, especially if you’re also craving sustainable mental clarity and precision.* Ahead, learn about the health benefits of guarana, plus how it can help you tackle the day with ease. The fruit, which is about the size of a coffee berry (ahem, yet another powerhouse plant featured in mbg’s focus+ formula), is known for its peculiar appearance. It consists of a red outer skin and white pulp that, when ripe, breaks open to expose a black seed. In turn, it resembles a human eye. Traditionally, this powder is consumed in tea or mixed into beverages, says Naidoo. “But in the modern market, it’s largely available in energy [drinks] and soft drinks,” she adds. Guarana is also found as an extract in some nootropic supplements2, like capsules and tablets. You’ll want to look for the botanical genus and species Paullinia cupana on the label, along with the plant part (i.e., seed extract). As a botanical ingredient, guarana offers an impressive cocktail of native antioxidant compounds, including the unique phytonutrient caffeine. These bioactives collectively are responsible for the ingredient’s many valuable whole-body benefits. The high content of antioxidants in guarana also lends a hand to these cognitive benefits, says Naidoo. These compounds help support brain health, which is key for optimal focus and mental clarity.* Case in point: According to a 2019 scientific review in the journal Global Psychiatry, caffeine is considered to be a nootropic—i.e., a compound that promotes cognitive function.* It works by various mechanisms including increasing blood flow to the brain, which is essential for overall brain health and performance.* The same 2019 review found that guarana improved reaction time and accuracy of task performance in young, healthy adults, further bolstering this botanical’s cognitive benefits.* Moreover, in a 2004 Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior study, guarana was clinically shown to work synergistically4 with Panax ginseng to promote cognitive performance.* Thus, to fully leverage the benefits of guarana, you should consider consuming a product that contains both botanical ingredients (like mbg’s focus+). What’s more, the tannins in guarana may support the formation of stool by regulating water secretion6 in your GI tract, as indicated in a 2012 scientific review in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences.* Additionally, a 2013 review from Skin Pharmacology and Physiology states the caffeine in guarana can enhance blood flow to the skin8, helping it look healthier and more youthful.* For example, guarana can affect blood pressure, so it may have a negative impact if you’re sensitive to caffeine or have blood pressure concerns. Additionally, ingesting too much of the ingredient can cause jitters and contribute to caffeine crashes, while taking it too late in the day can mess with your beauty sleep. As Naidoo notes, we all react to caffeine differently, largely due to the uniqueness of our liver metabolism genetics, as well as our individualized gut microbiomes. That said, it’s important to pay attention to how you react to caffeine-containing ingredients—guarana or otherwise—and use that information to personalize the quantity and timing of your intake. To play it safe, avoid high doses of guarana, as you don’t need much to reap the benefits. “Typically, a dose of less than 100 milligrams is enough to provide benefits,” notes Pasquariello. It’s also a good idea to consult your health care provider before adding guarana to your routine, just as you would with any supplement, she adds. If you’re craving a daily dose of plant-powered brainpower, consider adding mbg’s focus+ to your well-being routine: In addition to guarana seed extract, this nootropic supplement offers instant- and sustained-release caffeine from coffee fruit and beans, L-theanine, Panax ginseng root extract, and vitamin B12.* Together, these ingredients provide focused energy and productivity for whatever your day holds.*
