Is guarana seed extract safe?
On One Hand: It’s Been Around for a WhileGuarana, a plant native to South America whose seeds contain very high concentrations of caffeine, has been used as a stimulant in Europe since 1775, and in its native countries even longer. Like other caffeinated substances, it increases energy, improves focus and suppresses appetite, which makes it popular in energy drinks and weight-loss products.On the Other: It’s Full of CaffeineThe undesirable effects of frequent caffeine consumption in popular stimulants such as coffee have been well-documented. Large quantities of caffeine can cause heartburn, constipation, anxiety and sleeplessness. Since guarana is an herbal supplement, it has not been examined or approved by the FDA, and products that contain guarana are not required to observe safety restrictions. Some people have reported irregular heartbeats after taking guarana.Bottom LineGuarana is a useful alternative to caffeine sources such as coffee and tea, and except in rare cases is not da
