Is pomegranate good for health? The answer is evident! The red, juicy fruit has become a so-called superfood among health-conscious people for its medicinal properties. It gained the superfood stature because of polyphenols, powerful antioxidants known for preventing free radicals from damaging cells. While many drink pomegranate juice daily, others add pomegranate extract powder to beverages like smoothies to reap the fruit’s health benefits. But how does including pomegranate—its seeds, juice, or extracts—in daily routine offer overall health and wellness? Read on:
Antioxidants
Pomegranate contains punicic acid and punicalagin, potent antioxidants that protect body cells from damage due to free radicals. Though free radicals are present in the body, a considerable increase in their number can be harmful and may lead to chronic diseases. Polyphenolic compounds in pomegranate effectively prevent the overgrowth of undesirable muscle cells in the walls of blood vessels, which may elevate blood pressure and result in cardiovascular problems.
Anti-inflammatory effects
Acute or short-term inflammation is a body’s normal response to injuries and infections. When left unaddressed, chronic inflammation increases the risk of developing chronic conditions, including type-2 diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer. Pomegranate juice may reduce inflammation in the body because of punicalagin, compounds with anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have also shown that pomegranate improves the biological actions of nitric oxide and, thus, supports cardiovascular health.
Skin protection
The skin’s health and appearance degrade over time due to decreased ability to heal or regenerate and damage by ultraviolet rays. Pomegranate extract powder is good for skin rejuvenation as it helps prevent age-related skin issues and promotes repair of the dermis, improving skin tissues’ ability to regenerate and heal. On the other hand, prolonged exposure to UVA and UVB radiation results in photoaging, hyperpigmentation, or malignant and benign tumors. Adding pomegranate juice or extract powder to the diet allows skin cells to withstand UV-induced damage.
What precautions should you take when consuming pomegranate daily?
As mentioned already, pomegranate is rich in antioxidants; it’s common for people to believe that its daily consumption may help prevent cancer, but it may not be entirely accurate. Although pomegranate juice extracts may help slow down the reproduction of cancer cells, their consumption in a short period may put a person at a higher risk of death from cancer. Increasing the amount gradually and consulting an oncologist before consumption is imperative as pomegranate may interact with medications, making them less effective.
Furthermore, pomegranate juice may protect LDL cholesterol from damage responsible for causing plaque formation in arteries. Consumption of pomegranate juice improves blood flow and prevents arteries from becoming thick; however, more studies are required to learn whether or not it is beneficial. Also, drinking pomegranate juice helps lower systolic blood pressure but not diastolic blood pressure. Though pomegranate consumption may help improve cardiovascular health, consulting a healthcare professional is wise.
Consumption of eight to twelve ounces of pomegranate is considered safe. If you have diabetes or other health condition, consult your doctor before using pomegranate juice powder because it may interact with other medications and supplements.
