POMEGRANATE

POMEGRANATE

Outline Information The pomegranate, or Punica granatum, is a bush that creates a red organic product. Ordered as a berry, the pomegranate organic product is around 5–12 cm (2–5 inches) in distance across. It is red, round and looks sort of like a red apple with a bloom molded stem. The skin of the pomegranate is thick and unpalatable, yet there are many eatable seeds called arils inside. The arils are what individuals eat either crude or prepared into pomegranate juice. Pomegranates have an amazing supplement profile one cup of arils (174 grams) contains. 

Fiber: 7 grams, Protein: 3 grams, Vitamin C: 30% of the RDI, Vitamin K: 36% of the RDI, Folate: 16% of the RDI, Potassium: 12% of the RDI

 

 

How does it work? 

Pomegranate contains a variety of chemicals that might have antioxidant effects. Some preliminary research suggests that chemicals in pomegranate juice might slow the progression of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and possibly fight cancer cells. But it is not known if pomegranate has these effects when people drink the juice. 

Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for: High blood pressure. Some research shows that drinking pomegranate juice daily can lower systolic blood pressure (the top number) by about 5 mmHg. Lower doses might work the same as higher doses. Pomegranate juice doesn’t seem to reduce diastolic pressure (the lower number).

Possibly Ineffective for: A lung disease that makes it harder to breathe (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD). Drinking pomegranate juice does not seem to improve symptoms or breathing in people with this condition. High cholesterol (hyperlipidemia). Taking pomegranate doesn’t seem to lower cholesterol in people with or without high cholesterol. 

Insufficient Evidence for: Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). Early research shows that drinking pomegranate juice might help to keep the arteries in the neck (carotid arteries) clear of the build-up of fatty deposits.Clogged arteries (coronary heart disease). Some early research shows that drinking pomegranate juice might improve blood flow to the heart. However, drinking pomegranate juice does not seem to prevent narrowing of blood vessels in the heart (stenosis). Also, there is not enough information to know if drinking pomegranate juice helps to prevent heart disease-related events such as heart attack.Dental plaque. Early research shows that rinsing with pomegranate extract mouthwash for one minute once or twice daily reduces dental plaque.Diabetes. Early research shows that drinking fresh pomegranate juice 1.5 mL/kg improves blood sugar in some people with diabetes.Erectile dysfunction. Early research shows that drinking pomegranate juice daily for 4 weeks does not improve erectile dysfunction in men.Muscle soreness after exercising.Early research shows that drinking pomegranate juice twice daily for 15 days reduces muscle soreness after exercising in the elbow but not the knee.Dialysis. Research on pomegranate in people on dialysis is inconsistent. Some early research shows that drinking pomegranate juice for a year decreases the number of high blood pressure medications that people on dialysis need to take. Pomegranate juice might also improve "good" (HDL) cholesterol and triglycerides and reduce the chance of going to the hospital for an infection in some people on dialysis. But other early research shows that drinking pomegranate juice before dialysis sessions or taking pomegranate extract for only 4 weeks does not improve blood pressure or cholesterol in people on dialysis.Menopausal symptoms. Early research shows that taking pomegranate seed oil for 12 weeks does not reduce hot flashes but might improve sleep in some women with symptoms of menopause.Metabolic syndrome. Early research shows that drinking pomegranate juice daily for one month improves blood vessel function in adolescents with metabolic syndrome.Muscle strength.Early research shows that taking pomegranate extract can improve muscle strength recovery after exercise.Obesity. Early research shows that taking a product containing pomegranate seed oil and brown marine algae reduces body weight in obese women with liver disease. Other research shows that drinking pomegranate juice for one month helps overweight and obese patients maintain weight. But it doesn't seem to improve blood sugar or insulin sensitivity in these patients.Gum disease (periodontitis). There is some evidence that painting the gums with pomegranate fruit peel extract in combination with gotu kola extract might improve gum disease.Prostate cancer. Early research shows that drinking pomegranate juice or taking pomegranate extract for up to 2 years might slow the progression of prostate cancer. Other early research shows that taking a combination of pomegranate powder and other ingredients for 6 months can slows the rising of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in men with prostate cancer. PSA levels are linked with prostate cancer growth, with faster increases indicating more growth.Rheumatoid arthritis. Early research shows that taking pomegranate extract twice daily for 12 weeks can improve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.Inflamed and sore mouth (stomatitis).Applying a gel containing pomegranate extract to the gums improves symptoms in people with fungal infections in the mouth.Sunburn. Early research shows that taking pomegranate extract by mouth does not prevent sunburn.Vaginal parasite infections (trichomoniasis). Early research shows that taking pomegranate extract might clear up trichomoniasis infections in women,  Diarrhea, Dysentery, Hemorrhoids, Intestinal worm infestations, Sore throat, Other conditions. 

Side Effects & Safety 

Pomegranate juice is LIKELY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth. Most people do not experience side effects. Some people can have allergic reactions to pomegranate fruit.

Pomegranate extract is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth or applied to the skin. Some people have experienced sensitivity to pomegranate extract. Symptoms of sensitivity include itching, swelling, runny nose, and difficulty breathing.

Pomegranate is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when the root, stem, or peel are taken by mouth in large amounts. The root, stem, and peel contain poisons. 

Special Precautions & Warnings: 

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Pomegranate juice is POSSIBLY SAFE for pregnant and breast-feeding women. However there is not enough reliable information about the safety of using other forms of pomegranate, such as pomegranate extract. If you use pomegranate, stick with the juice during pregnancy or breast-feeding. Check with your healthcare provider first.

Low blood pressure: Drinking pomegranate juice can slightly lower blood pressure. Drinking pomegranate juice might increase the risk of blood pressure dropping too low in people who already have low blood pressure.

Allergies to plants: People with plant allergies seem to be more likely to have an allergic reaction to pomegranate.

Surgery: Pomegranate might affect blood pressure. This might interfere with blood pressure control during and after surgery. Stop taking pomegranate at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery. 

Dosing 

By mouth:

For high blood pressure: 43-330mL of pomegranate juice has been used daily for up to 18 months.