New research suggests that regular consumption of guarana may be linked to a lower risk of metabolic disorders, such as high blood pressure, obesity and metabolic syndrome.
Guarana has stimulating properties when taken orally and has been studied for cognitive enhancement, mood enhancement and weight loss, but evidence of effectiveness is unclear. Guarana has been used to enhance athletic performance and to reduce fatigue. Historically, it has been used as an aphrodisiac, diuretic and astringent. It has also been used to prevent malaria and dysentery, diarrhea, fever, headache and rheumatism.
The recent case-control study included 637 adults who were at least 60 years old. A total of 421 participants were classified as habitual guarana drinks, while the remaining 239 served as the control group and did not drink any guarana.
The researchers found that the prevalence of high blood pressure, obesity and metabolic syndrome was lower in the guarana group than the control group. Additionally, males who drank guarana generally had lower waist circumferences, while women in the guarana group had lower cholesterol compared to the control group.
Although the results are promising, additional research is needed to confirm these early findings.
For more information about guarana, please visit Natural Standard's Foods, Herbs & Supplements database.
References
1.Costa Krewer C, Ribeiro EE, Ribeiro EA, et al. Habitual Intake of Guaraná and Metabolic Morbidities: An Epidemiological Study of an Elderly Amazonian Population. Phytother Res. 2011 Feb 22. doi: 10.1002/ptr.3437. View Abstract
2.Natural Standard: The Authority on Integrative Medicine. www.naturalstandard.com
http://www.depsyl.com
http://back2basicnutrition.com/
http://bionutritionalresearch.olhblogspace.com/
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