On-Premise and Office Boardroom Waters (such as Whitehole Springs, Sole Arte, Hildon, Belu, Deeside etc...), Fatigue mitigation– guarana (Paullinia Cupana var) consumption can leave people feeling more energetic, and sustained consumption of guarana supplements can boost people’s energy levels in their day-to-day life. It’s safe to say Brazilians have a sweet tooth, and if you have ever tasted guarana soda, then you’ll be able to attest to this! Carbonated water, sugar, (E150d) caramel colour, citric acid, (E211) sodium benzoate and (E202) potassium sorbate (preservatives), ascorbic acid (antioxidant), guaraná extract and natural flavours.

Improved cognition– boosts mental performance and allows for the maintenance of accuracy while conducting cognitive tasks These were drunk by warriors and hunters for energy, with the boast that they needed no other food than this, and could keep going for days. Guarana, also known as Paullinia Cupana Var acted as a herbal supplement for ancient warriors. The guarana plant itself is more than just a caffeine buzz. It’s a symbol of Brazilian history and pride. It’s also an economic boost, since guarana production helps supply the worldwide energy drink industry with caffeine, which in this case is known as guaranine.

PASSPORT GINGER FIZZ

Read on to find out why guarana soda has such adoration within the Brazilian culture. What is Guarana? Guarana Because it’s high in caffeine, consumption should be kept in moderation. Energy drinks or sodas that contain it also contain extra sugar and other additives that can be harmful to health. To taste a South American brand, try Brazil’s Guarana Antarctica (find it in Latin markets and online). It was created in 1921, and the canned soft drink has been zipping around the world ever since. It’s Brazil’s most popular soda, after Coca-Cola. (It tastes a bit like ginger ale, if slurped while chewing Double-Bubble gum.)

I love Guarana soda. Thank goodness I can get it in grocery stores in the USA, because I really would be sad without it. Lately I’ve even been substituting my morning coffee with a Guarana Antarctica soda – diet of course. Additionally, guarana is often used as an additive for unhealthy beverages. These include guarana energy drinks or guarana alcohol products. Drinks that this are often pumped full of unhealthy added sugar and extra ingredients. These products essentially negate any health benefits of guarana. They can actually do more harm than good when it comes to your health. Guarana vs. Other Energy Drinks/Supplements The reason for its massively popular following throughout the entire country is because Guaraná beverages have a unique, sweet taste. Some of the potential guarana benefits include increased weight loss, enhanced brain function, better heart health and improved skin health. It may also help reduce the growth of cancer cells, fight fatigue and promote regularity. Mixing a high amount of caffeine and a high amount of sugar is a perfect storm that probably isn’t going to leave you feeling very well,” Czerwony warns. “Caffeine makes your blood sugars rise, and the extra sugar is going to make it even higher. But that doesn’t last, so then, you’re going to crash.”In addition to a hefty serving of guarana-derived caffeine, energy drinks are loaded with sugar. One brand, for example, contains about 27 grams of added sugar per can. For context, The American Heart Association recommends adults limit added sugar to no more than 25 to 36 grams in an entire day. The music starts up at 19:00," Michiles explained. "All along the beach, stalls sell food and drink, and guaraná of course. People drink turbinado ["turbocharged"] – a non-alcoholic shake with guaraná, avocado, peanuts, and dance till 3, 4 or 5 in the morning. Guaraná gives you so much energy." The Appellation of Origin is the recognition of a decades-long fight to defend a product that should not be reduced to a commodity," said Maurizio Fraboni, an Italian development socioeconomist who has been working with the Sateré-Mawé to protect their culture for years, alongside organisations such as Slow Food.

There's also the Festa de Guaraná (The Guaraná Festival), set up in 1979 by an enterprising mayor to celebrate the fruit's harvest. The festival is held in late November or early December and it's the highlight of Maués' social and business calendar, drawing tens of thousands of revellers to a three-day celebration on Ponta de Maresias beach. The soda developed by Guarana Antarctica still holds the lion’s share of soda production and sales.

PASSPORT PUNCH EXOTICA

Guaran á Antarctica is one of many brands of fizzy soda made from this fruit. Today, up to two-thirds of guaraná harvested is made into soda beverages. The soda is a sweet mix of apple and berry flavors with 36g of sugar in a can of 12 fluid ounces and 30mg of caffeine. The thing is, most of us aren’t getting guarana straight from the source. And unless you have access to your own guarana plant (which, true, you can buy online), you’re not getting that fresh-from-the-earth seed to reap those direct health benefits.