Guarana, also known as Brazilian cocoa or Paullinia cpuana, is a creeping shrub that comes from Venezuela and north Brazil, specifically in the Amazon rain forest. The fruit is usually small, bright-red in color, containing black seeds.

Guarana seeds have high quantities of caffeine and can contain anywhere from 4-8% of caffeine, which is more than coffee beans that only contain less than 2.5%. The seeds also are rich in xanthin alkaloids theophylline and theobromine, as well as tannins.

Guarana has the reputation of a stimulance and as such, works a lot like coffee but is much more potent. It is believed the guarana helps to increase mental alertness, fights fatigue, as well as increase stamina and endurance. The drinks and sodas that come from guarana are considered to be very popular in Brazil (where guarana is considered a health tonic). It’s almost as popular as cola-based sodas.

Some sweet, carbonated guarana drinks can include brands like Guarana Antaractica, Guarana Brahma, and Kuat, which is produced by Coca-Cola. In the United States and Mexico, guarana has become a popular item in energy drinks and teas.

In addition to the properties that guarana provides as a stimulant, it’s also a a popular ingredient in herbal weight loss pills. Some evidence does seem to indicate that guarana my curb your appetite and increase the burning of fat.