Is This Better Than Coffee?

Dear Subscriber,

I have a quick question for you…Are you a coffee drinker? If so, then today’s article is something you’ll REALLY want to read. And even if you’re not, you’ll still want to read it to find out the best way to get a steady, stable supply of energy to power you through your day.

Enjoy!

Yours For Health,
Shane Shiels
Shashido Enterprises
Adelaide’s Premier Health & Fitness Expert

Is This Better Than Coffee?

Most of us reach for a cup of coffee whenever we need a quick “pick-me-up.” And with good reason… caffeine is a proven mental performance booster. One study published in the journal Neorology found that caffeine can cut the risk of mental decline by as much as 50%! [1] And despite it being the most widely used drug in the world, the caffeine found in coffee has its drawbacks. It gives you a quick boost of energy… but then gives you a quick release that leaves you tired and fatigued. Which begs the question… is there something out there that’s  better than coffee? Maybe. It’s called guarana. It’s common to the Amazon Basin and is found in abundance in Brazil. You’ve probably heard of it. But here’s what you may not know…It’s active ingredient, guaranine, is a form of caffeine that’s about 2.5 times stronger than the caffeine found in coffee. But that’s not what makes it so special.What does is how it delivers the energy boost it gives you. See, unlike coffee, guarana is chock-full of fatty acids that are not readily water-soluble.This prevents your body from quickly absorbing the guaranine. The result is a slow and steady energy release that escalates over hours. A team of Brazilian scientists studied the effects of guaranine on rats. The result was that the rats showed improved memory and increased physical activity and endurance. [2]
Another human study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology recruited 26 college students.After taking guarana tablets, the students were given a battery of tests that measured memory, alertness and mood. Students who took the guarana tablets performed substantially better than the placebo group.[3]
The boost in performance can’t just be chalked up to the caffeine, either. The study’s lead author, Andrew B. Scholey, said that guarana’s “…effects on cognition were larger than would be expected with caffeine alone.” So is guarana better than coffee? If you don’t like crashing after an energy spike, guarana could be better for you, as it can provide more steady energy throughout your day. You’ll want to take it as a supplement, rather than getting it from an energy drink. Energy drinks are high in calories (mostly sugar) and you really don’t know how much guarana is in there. It’s best you know exactly how much you’re taking, since you don’t need that much to feel the effects. As little as 37mg-75mg should do the trick (based on the college student study). And finally, if you have ANY known heart conditions, then talk to your doctor before using guarana or any caffeine product. One more thing – don’t forget that the BEST way to naturally boost your energy levels over time is to eat “clean” and train hard. That’s why if you’re serious about taking your health and fitness to the next level, why not take advantage of your FREE Fitness Consultation? (an $87 value) During this consult, you’ll receive detailed information on how to get fit and trim that’s tailored to YOUR body. There’s no obligation and it’s totally and completely free.

References:

1. Ritchie, K., et al. The neuroprotective effects of caffeine: A prospective study (the Three City Study). Neurology 69. 2007 Aug 7:536-545.
2. Espinola EB, et al. Pharmacological activity of Paullinia cupana in laboratory animals. J Ethnopharmacol. 1997 Feb;55(3):223-9.
3. Haskell CF, Kennedy DO, Wesnes KA, Milne AL, Scholey AB (January 2007). “A double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-dose evaluation of the acute behavioral effects of guaraná in humans”. J. Psychopharmacol. (Oxford) 21 (1): 65–70.

Quote Corner

“It’s not who you are that holds you back, it’s who you think you’re not.” – Anonymous

Eat Yourself Thin

Fava Bean Salad
(Serves Four)

 1 (540 gram) can fava beans, drained
2 medium fresh tomatoes, chopped
1 small onion, diced
1 cucumber, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 lemon, juiced
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
salt and black pepper to taste

1. Combine fava beans, tomatoes, onion, and cucumber in a salad bowl. Toss with garlic, parsley, lemon juice, and olive oil. Season with cumin, and salt and pepper to taste.

Prep: 20 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Ready: 20 mins

Per Serving – Calories: 239 /  Fat: 11.1g / Cholesterol: 0mg  / Sodium: 555mg / Total Carbs: 30.2g / Fiber: 7.9g / Protein: 7.8g

Recipe from AllRecipes.com.

Shashido Enterprises
Adelaide, S.A.
Phone: 0420 347 550    Email : shashido@bigpond.com

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