Is Guarana Safer than Coffee?
Nutrition Diva explains the link between guarana and caffeine.
Monica Reinagel, M.S.,L.D./N
Q: I see an ingredient called guarana in a lot of energy drinks. They claim it packs 3-4 times the punch of coffee, without the downside. Is it safe?
A: Just like coffee, guarana gets its “punch” from caffeine. The amount of caffeine in various guarana concoctions will vary but if a product claims to pack 3 times the punch of coffee then it likely contains 3 times the caffeine.
Caffeine—no matter the source–offers a number of potential benefits, including increasing energy and concentration and protecting against a number of neurological disease. If you over do it, however, you may experience some unpleasant side effects. In huge quantities, caffeine can even be toxic. If you’re trying to avoid caffeine, then you’ll want to avoid energy drinks made with guarana.
See also: Benefits of Caffeine
Energy drink photo from Shutterstock