Guarana
Guarana or Guaraná,
Paullinia cupana (syn. P. crysan, P. sorbilis), is
a shrub or small tree in the Sapindaceae family, native
to Venezuela and northern Brazil. The seed of the
Guaraná fruit is a central nervous system stimulant
with thermogenic and diuretic properties. Guaraná
is used as an ingredient in soft drinks and energy
drinks and separately as a dietary supplement to promote
health and weight loss.
Guaraná plays an important
role in Tupi and Guaraní Brazilian culture.
The name 'guaraná' is derived from the Tupi-Guarani
word wara'ná. These tribes believed it to be
magical, a cure for bowel complaints and a way to
regain strength. They also tell the myth of a 'Divine
Child' that was killed by a serpent and whose eyes
gave birth to this plant.
Beverages
In addition to other chemicals, the guaraná
plant contains caffeine (sometimes called guaranine),
theophylline, and theobromine. Water extracts of the
guarana plant are central nervous system stimulants
due to the caffeine content. Energy drink manufacturers
typically add synthetic caffeine or caffeine derived
from coffee decaffeination. Energy drinks containing
guaraná include Pepsi's Josta, Golly Guaraná,
Socko, 180, Bawls, Rockstar, AMP, V, SoBe Adrenaline
Rush, Glaceau VitaminWater: Energy, Guaraná
Power, Mountain Dew MDX, Monster, Crunk!!! Energy
Drink, Sprite 3G, Jolt Cola, Von Dutch and Full Throttle.
Vores Øl and Molson Kick are beers containing
guaraná. While they may not be beverages, other
foods containing guaraná are X-it mints and
Jolt gum.
Brazil produces several brands of soft drink from
guaraná extract that contain no added caffeine.
Each differs greatly in flavour; some with very little
natural guarana fruit taste. In Brazil, sales of guarana
drinks are second only to cola drinks. They are typically
fizzy and sweet, with a very fruity aftertaste. Most
guaraná drinks are produced in Brazil and consumed
there or in nearby countries, such as Paraguay. Major
brands include Guaraná Antarctica and Guaraná
Brahma from AmBev, Kuat, and Guaraná Jesus,
a local Brazilian brand named for the druggist that
formulated it. Many local producers also create drinks
not for export.
Image sources: botanical;
berries;
harvest;
beverages.
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