Guarana for metabolism: How the plant works

Wouldn't you mind losing weight faster? Then ignite your fat-burning turbo with guarana!

4 Min

Last updated on 29.12.2025

from Paulina

Contents

Guarana (Paullinia cupana) is known as a stimulant and is also said to aid in weight loss. It can help you work towards your ideal weight with energy and enthusiasm. Guarana makes tired people more alert – that's no secret. This soapberry plant from the Amazon region puts coffee beans in the shade, containing five times the amount of caffeine. Guarana is also said to actively influence fat burning. Wouldn't you mind losing weight faster? Then ignite your fat-burning turbo with guarana and learn more about this "slimming aid."*

Guarana – a plant with a history

Guarana, a superfood of the latest generation? Not really. The inhabitants of the Amazon basin have known and valued the "fruit of youth" for centuries. The first people to become acquainted with the Paullinia cupana plant were likely the Quaramis, a South American indigenous tribe.

Legend tells of a shoot of the liana-like plant that grew from the eyes of an Indian woman, bestowing strength and beauty. In 1669, the missionary Félipe Betendorf reported on what was likely the first energy drink in history, brewed by the Maué Indians. Guarana enabled the warriors to stay awake for several days on their hunting trips, thus serving as a natural stimulant.

Guarana has also made history in more recent times. At the beginning of the 19th century, Alexander von Humboldt recognized the potential of this plant, which can grow up to twelve meters tall. In 19th-century Germany, guarana was available by prescription to alleviate migraine symptoms. In the 1990s, many a partygoer raved about energy drinks containing guarana and danced until dawn.

Today, guarana is cultivated commercially. In Brazil, approximately 1,000 tons are harvested annually. The USA is the main consumer. The focus is on the plant's capsule fruits, which contain one to three seeds. The seeds are black to greenish and have a white "eye." This eye is associated with many legends that are still told in the Amazon region today.

Guarana effect: More than just a caffeine kick

We all know coffee wakes you up. But you haven't tried guarana yet. These red, bitter-tasting fruits contain four to eight percent caffeine in their dry weight. For comparison, coffee contains one to two percent caffeine, while black tea can have up to five percent. There's no doubt that guarana will wake you up quickly, and you might even skip your coffee altogether.

Note

Guarana contains five times the amount of caffeine compared to coffee beans and is therefore a perfect stimulant. Its effect can be described as invigorating.

Caffeine is the main active ingredient in guarana. When you take guarana, fatigue and tiredness can become a thing of the past. It's important to pay attention to the dosage , which we'll discuss in more detail below. Guarana can also support your weight loss program, not least because it makes you more active and encourages you to move more – simply because you feel more alert and fitter.

Let's take a closer look at the nutritional values. 100 grams of guarana powder contain:

48.5 grams of carbohydrates (of which 3.5 grams are sugar)
23.5 grams of dietary fiber
14.5 grams of protein
4 grams of caffeine
2.5 grams of fat (of which 0.5 grams are saturated fatty acids)
0.2 grams of salt

Also of interest are the other ingredients, whose interplay is partly responsible for guarana's effects. These include, for example, theobromine, tannins, guanine, D-catechin, and choline. The tannins in guarana, for instance, are responsible for slowing down caffeine absorption, thus making the powder generally better tolerated. Theobromine complements caffeine and has a similar effect. Catechin can be effective against fungi and bacteria, and choline is involved in supplying nutrients to muscles and the brain. Research into the extent to which these ingredients influence each other is still ongoing.

Shed pounds with guarana

Guarana and weight loss have only been linked in recent years. Guarana powder can help reduce hunger and support fat burning .* The effects of guarana on weight loss and fat burning are currently being scientifically investigated in numerous studies. Even the indigenous people of the Amazon are enthusiastic about it and promote guarana as a miracle cure. Let's take a closer look.

Did you know?

Guarana contains five times the amount of caffeine compared to coffee beans and is therefore a perfect stimulant. Its effect can be described as invigorating.

The high caffeine content is the primary benefit for weight loss. When you consume guarana, fatigue seems to disappear, and you're in better shape for workouts or generally more active in your daily life. Those who are active lose weight faster and experience fewer hunger pangs. The fiber contained in guarana provides the necessary energy.

Since guarana is being investigated for its ability to stimulate fat metabolism, you have a real chance of losing weight sustainably and avoiding the dreaded yo-yo effect . Only by boosting fat metabolism during a diet can you escape this vicious cycle. Guarana is one component of this process, but not a miracle cure. Successful weight loss requires a healthy diet and sufficient exercise.

Good to know

A Korean study, for example, vividly illustrates the effect of caffeine on fat metabolism. The subjects were given caffeine approximately half an hour before training. Compared to the control group, their blood levels after caffeine intake showed a higher proportion of fatty acids. This suggests that caffeine stimulates fat metabolism.

We also utilize the positive effects of guarana in our fat burner capsules. Whether you want to lose weight or simply get in shape – our fat burners will help you.

Guarana and beauty

Guarana is also found in numerous beauty products. Manufacturers take advantage of its high caffeine content. Check your bathroom; you'll probably find it in the following products:

Shampoo : Caffeine helps improve blood circulation to the scalp.

Shower gel : Caffeine is said to awaken the senses and dispel fatigue.

Skin cream : Caffeine can invigorate and revitalize the skin.

Eye cream : Caffeine is said to reduce swelling and alleviate under-eye bags and puffy eyes.

Taking guarana – what are the possibilities?

Guarana powder is not a pleasant taste experience. The powder tastes bitter and is bone dry. If you want to consume guarana on its own, you'll have to get creative and stir the powder into muesli, yogurt, or a drink.

It's much simpler with capsules. You don't have to worry about the dosage. This is important because with a strong stimulant like guarana, you absolutely must keep an eye on the dosage. This can be quite difficult with drinks, which is why capsules are the ideal beverage alternative.

Capsules are convenient and you can take them on the go. That's why our SHEKO Fat Burner comes in capsule form. These small capsules support fat burning * and help you lose weight **. In addition to the included guarana extract, you'll find the protected brand extract Sinetrol®¹ and a highly effective nutrient complex of zinc and chromium on the ingredient list. Taking three capsules daily will support your successful weight management and contribute to an increased fat metabolism*.

The side effects should not be underestimated.

An overdose of guarana is unlikely. The recommended daily intake is approximately 20 grams. This corresponds to about ten teaspoons of the dusty powder that you would have to choke down.

Side effects can occur much earlier, however. If you are sensitive to caffeine, even small amounts can cause restlessness, tremors, sleep disturbances, or a racing heart. Generally, taking one to three grams of guarana poses no health risk.

People with the following medical conditions should be cautious and consult a doctor before consuming guarana:

Kidney dysfunction
Hyperthyroidism
Anxiety disorders
Cardiovascular problems

Summary and Conclusion

Guarana is a modern superfood that everyone is talking about, but it has a long history. This member of the soapberry family grows in the Amazon region, where it has been cultivated and consumed for centuries. Even in Germany, its medicinal properties have been known since the beginning of the 19th century.

Guarana seeds contain a high concentration of caffeine, many times higher than coffee beans. This means guarana can provide you with energy. The combination of its various ingredients also supports fat burning*. Therefore, the SHEKO Fat Burner... based on guarana, zinc, chromium and Sinetrol®¹. The latter also helps to reduce body fat*.

FAQ about Guarana

Many diets promise the moon, but ultimately fail due to the yo-yo effect. With guarana, you can support your fat burning and keep your weight management under control!**

What is Guarana?

Guarana is a plant from the Amazon region. The bushes can grow to over ten meters tall and belong to the soapberry family. The guarana seeds are dried, ground, and used as the basis for various products.

How does guarana work?

The effects of guarana are determined by its high caffeine content. Users report a real energy boost. They are more alert, more productive, and able to concentrate better. In combination with other ingredients, guarana influences fat metabolism and can boost fat burning.

Does guarana have side effects?

The caffeine content of guarana can cause side effects and interactions with certain medications. A daily intake of 300 milligrams or more of guarana is considered an overdose. Side effects such as high blood pressure, tremors, and anxiety can occur. Unlike coffee, guarana is not considered toxic.

Is guarana a drug?

Guarana is not a drug and is not addictive. Unlike coffee beans, its caffeine content is many times higher. At the same time, substances like theobromine and theophylline provide natural stimulation of the body and a clear mind.

How much caffeine does guarana contain?

Generally, the caffeine content is significantly higher than that of coffee. Looking at the specifics, the figures can vary considerably. While coffee contains approximately 1.2 percent caffeine, the caffeine content of guarana ranges from 0.9 to 7.6 percent.

¹ Sinetrol® is a patented citrus fruit and guarana extract and a registered trademark of Fytexia.

*The approval process for the health-related claim is not yet complete.

** As part of a low-calorie diet, 140mg of guarana extract in 3 capsules daily, consumed with 1-2 glasses of water before meals, contributes to weight loss.