Pomegranates Seeds are one of the healthiest fruits on earth. They contain an array of beneficial plant compounds unmatched by other foods. Research suggests that they may have several benefits for your body, possibly reducing your risk of various diseases.
The efficacy and role of pomegranate mainly include anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidation, reducing body inflammation, resisting breast cancer, reducing the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease, etc. This article introduces the efficacy and role of pomegranate, as well as side effects and contraindications.
The efficacy and role of pomegranate - Here are some potential benefits of pomegranates.
1. Antioxidants
Pomegranate seeds get their vibrant red hue from a chemicals. These chemicals called polyphenols are powerful antioxidants.
Pomegranate juice has higher levels of antioxidants than other fruit juices. It also contains three times more antioxidants than red wine and green tea. The antioxidants in pomegranate juice can help scavenge free radicals, protect cells from damage, and reduce inflammation.
2. Vitamin C
One pomegranate juice contains more than 40 percent of your daily vitamin C requirement. Pasteurization breaks down vitamin C, so opt for homemade or fresh pomegranate juice for maximum nutrition.
3. Cancer prevention
Pomegranate juice has recently caused a stir after researchers discovered that it may help stop the growth of prostate cancer cells. Although several studies have been conducted on the effects of orange juice on prostate cancer, the results are still preliminary.
While there are no long-term studies in humans proving that pomegranate juice prevents cancer or reduces the risk, there's certainly no harm in including pomegranate juice in your daily diet. Research so far has yielded encouraging results, and larger studies are underway.
4. Alzheimer's Protection
The antioxidants in the juice and their high concentration are believed to delay the development of Alzheimer's disease and protect memory.
5. Digestion
Pomegranate juice may reduce intestinal inflammation and improve digestion. It may be beneficial for people with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and other inflammatory bowel diseases.
While research on whether pomegranate juice helps or exacerbates diarrhea is conflicting, most doctors recommend avoiding pomegranate juice until you feel better and your symptoms subside.
6. Anti-inflammatory
Pomegranate juice is rich in antioxidants and has strong anti-inflammatory properties. It can help reduce inflammation throughout the body, preventing oxidative stress and damage.
7. Arthritis
The flavonols in pomegranate juice may help block the inflammation that leads to osteoarthritis and cartilage damage. The Pomegranate juice has been studied and found very effective on osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other types of arthritis and joint inflammation.
8. Heart disease
Pomegranate juice is considered the most heart-healthy juice and It protect the heart and related arteries.
Small studies show that this juice improves blood flow and prevents hardening and thickening of arteries. It also slows the growth of platelets and the buildup of cholesterol in the arteries. But pomegranates may interact negatively with blood pressure and cholesterol medications like statins.
Always talk to your doctor before drinking juice or taking pomegranate extract supplements.
9. Blood pressure
Drinking pomegranate juice daily can also help to lower the level of systolic blood pressure. Drinking pomegranate juice daily has heart health benefits, according to a comprehensive review of randomized controlled trials.
10. Anti-virus
Pomegranate juice is rich in immune-boosting nutrients like vitamin C and vitamin E, which can prevent disease and fight infection. Pomegranates have also been shown to have antibacterial and antiviral effects in laboratory tests. Their effect on common infections and viruses is currently being studied.
11. Reduces stroke risk in high blood pressure
High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of heart disease and stroke.
A study has been conducted by Health Professional that people with high blood pressure experienced significant reductions in blood pressure after drinking 5 ounces (150 milliliters) of pomegranate juice daily for two weeks.
Other studies have found similar effects, especially on systolic blood pressure, which is the higher number in blood pressure readings.
12. May Help Reduce Arthritis
Arthritis is a common disease in Western countries.
There are many different types of Arthritis, but most involve some form of joint inflammation.
- Considering the plant compounds in pomegranate are anti-inflammatory, it makes sense that it could help with arthritis.
- Interestingly, laboratory studies have shown that pomegranate extract blocks enzymes known to damage the joints of people with osteoarthritis.
- The extract has also been shown to reduce arthritis in mice, but current evidence based on human studies is very limited.
13. Reduces Erectile Dysfunction in Men
Oxidative damage can impair blood flow to various parts of the body, including erectile tissue.
Pomegranate juice has been shown to help increase blood flow and erectile response in rabbits.
In a study of 53 men with erectile dysfunction, pomegranates appeared to have some benefit -- but not statistically significant.
14. Improves Memory
There is some evidence that pomegranates can improve memory.
A study in surgery patients found that 2 grams of pomegranate extract could prevent memory deficits after surgery.
Another study of 28 older adults with memory problems found that 8 ounces (237 ml) of pomegranate juice per day significantly improved verbal and visual memory.
Research on mice also suggests that pomegranates may help fight Alzheimer's.
Pomegranate Side Effects Contraindications
Although pomegranates are generally safe and very nutritious, some people may face certain adverse effects. These can include allergies, low blood pressure, drug interactions, and problems during pregnancy. In this article, we will further elaborate on the possible side effects and contraindications of pomegranate.
1. May cause allergies
This is the worst of all pomegranate side effects. Although rare, pomegranate allergies can be life-threatening. Please take any allergy symptoms seriously.
Symptoms of these allergies include itching, swelling, throat irritation, stomach pain, and hives. In severe cases, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat and tongue, and anaphylactic shock may occur.
In one study, one patient had swollen ears and red, itchy skin within 10 minutes of eating a pomegranate. Further investigation revealed that she was allergic to apple and birch pollen.
2. May interact with certain medications
Pomegranates can interact with certain medications, causing unwanted side effects. These include the following (be sure to double check with your doctor):
Changes and breakdown of medications such as amitriptyline (Elavil), desipramine (norpramin), fluoxetine (Prozac), ondansetron (Zofen), tramadol ( Ortan), rosuvastatin (Keshu) and so on.
High blood pressure drugs, such as ACE inhibitors (Capotecan, Vesotec, Purin, Artest, Zestril, etc.) The blood pressure lowering effect of juice may be too great, especially in people who are taking blood pressure medication.
Another report stated that pomegranates can inhibit the action of an enzyme important in drug metabolism.
If you are taking any medications, ask your doctor about pomegranates. This is especially important if you are taking medication for high blood pressure.
3. Blood pressure can drop too much
Studies have shown that pomegranates can lower blood pressure, which is good news for most people. But people with low blood pressure or uncontrolled blood pressure fluctuations must stay away from pomegranates.
This is one reason pomegranates may cause problems during surgery. Therefore, stop pomegranate intake at least two weeks before surgery. Since research on this is limited, it's important that you talk to your doctor.
4. Will it cause fetal growth restriction during pregnancy?
While the juice is safe, not enough research has been done on the safety of other forms of pomegranate, such as pomegranate extract. Therefore, insist on drinking fruit juice during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown that pomegranate juice supplementation reduces abdominal and head circumference in fetuses.
Avoid pomegranates and consult your doctor or midwife if you have a history of allergies.
5. May Cause Digestive Disorders
There is insufficient information in this regard. Excessive consumption of pomegranates can cause many ailments such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea.
According to anecdotal evidence, excessive consumption of this fruit may also irritate the gastrointestinal tract. However, no scientific research supports this idea.
Summary of the efficacy and contraindications of pomegranate
Pomegranates are one of the healthiest foods on the planet, packed with nutrients and powerful plant compounds.
They have a wide range of benefits and may help reduce the risk of a variety of serious diseases, including heart disease, cancer, arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions.
What's more, they can improve your memory and athletic performance.
If you want to reap the many health benefits that pomegranates have to offer, either eat or drink pomegranate juice straight away.
Green juice isn't the only healthy option. Including pomegranate juice in your diet can reduce your risk of chronic disease and inflammation. It's also a great way to get the fruit's nutrients and antioxidants.
There are various brands of pomegranate juice available online. It is a good idea to compare different products and choose the one that is most beneficial.
It's best to check with your doctor before drinking pomegranate juice daily to make sure it won't interfere with any of your medications. Additionally, diabetics should check their blood sugar daily and, if choosing pomegranate juice rather than whole pomegranates, to ensure their blood sugar remains optimal.
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