Although pomegranates are mostly enjoyed for their crisp, tart flavor, research indicates that they may also offer some amazing health advantages.
Actually a berry, pomegranates were first domesticated in western Asia, the Mediterranean region, and the Middle East. Pomegranates are currently grown more extensively worldwide in the modern era, particularly in regions like tropical Africa and the western United States.
The husk, or outer layer, of pomegranates, is a spherical fruit that resembles leather. The fruit is composed of two layers: the mesocarp, which is a softer inner membrane-like layer, and the epicarp, which is a hard outer layer. The red, juicy arils that are most commonly connected to pomegranates are found in the mesocarp. The juicy red capsule that encloses both the pomegranate seed and the seed itself is called an aril.
The advantages of pomegranates have been known to ancient societies for millennia. Pomegranate was used as food and medicine for many conditions, from controlling bowel motions and preventing food from spoiling to lowering infections and halting blood loss. Modern pomegranates are typically solely eaten for their pulpy, juice-filled arils and seeds, but research indicates that other portions of the fruit may also offer some quite remarkable health advantages.
Benefits of Pomegranates for Health
According to research, pomegranates may have many health advantages, including heart health promotion, antioxidant activity, and a lower risk of obesity.
1. Extracts from pomegranates may improve heart health.
Since heart disease is one of the major causes of death worldwide, scientists and medical professionals are constantly looking for fresh and efficient methods to support heart health. Pomegranates and pomegranate extract have several advantages, one of which is that they may support a robust cardiovascular system.
In one study, hemodialysis patients who drank pomegranate juice or were assigned to a control group were monitored for eight weeks. The purpose of the research was to evaluate how pomegranate juice affected the subjects' cardiovascular systems. Following the trial, the pomegranate juice group experienced a significant decrease in triglyceride levels and blood pressure, which was not observed in the control group.
In another trial, 200 milliliters (mL) of pomegranate juice per day for six weeks was reported to help considerably lower blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes. Reduced blood pressure makes the heart work harder to pump blood throughout the body, which supports a healthy cardiovascular system.
2. Extract from Pomegranates May Help Joint Health
Pomegranates and pomegranate extract, according to studies, may help lessen osteoarthritis symptoms. Debilitating symptoms of osteoarthritis include bone spurs, edema, stiffness, decreased mobility, and aching joints. Studies indicate that osteoarthritis, sometimes known as "wear and tear" arthritis, has a significant inflammatory component that contributes to the crippling condition.
A laboratory study evaluated the effects of pomegranate extract on osteoarthritis-indicating cells. According to the study, pomegranate extract can lessen inflammation and delay the symptoms of cartilage deterioration.
According to findings from other research, pomegranates help people with osteoarthritis by significantly reducing inflammation and discomfort as measured by the visual analog scale (VAS).
Another trial with 19 female volunteers who had osteoarthritis and were controlled with a placebo discovered that taking pomegranate supplements dramatically decreased the body's inflammatory levels.
3. A potent antioxidant is pomegranate extract.
Pomegranates are known for their tasty arils, but they also contain a number of other beneficial chemicals and substances that may add to their overall health benefits.
Pomegranates are rich in many minerals, including polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids, and magnesium, according to research. Pomegranate leaves are also rich in antioxidants, such as apigenin and quercetin.
Because of its high ellagitannin and anthocyanin content, studies have shown that pomegranate juice has more antioxidant activity than powerful antioxidants like red wine and green tea. Pomegranate juice has also been shown to lessen the generation of free radicals and oxidative stress brought on by macrophages.
4. Diabetes and Pomegranate Extract
Pomegranates and pomegranate extract, according to studies, may help people with type 2 diabetes.
Pomegranate extract administration over a ten-day period was shown in animal experiments to decrease blood sugar and increase insulin levels during fasting. One hormone that aids in bringing blood glucose into cells so the body can use it as fuel is insulin. Research conducted on humans has revealed that drinking pomegranate juice enhances beta cell function in addition to lowering fasting blood sugar levels. The pancreatic cells known as beta cells, which are adversely impacted by diabetes, are responsible for producing insulin.
Pomegranate extract was tested in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled experiment on forty diabetics who had also experienced a heart attack. Pomegranate extract was found to dramatically lower blood sugar levels following meals after a month-long study. Furthermore, there was a decrease in hemoglobin A1C and fasting blood sugar levels.
5. Obesity and Pomegranate Extract
Over the past 50 years, excess body weight has grown to be a serious public health concern.
Based on estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO), the prevalence of obesity has nearly tripled since the mid-1970s. In 2016, 39% of adults worldwide were overweight, and 13% were obese. The excessive buildup of body fat that causes a body mass index, or BMI, of more than 30 is referred to as obesity. Numerous health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, high cholesterol, and an increased risk of dying young, have been related to obesity. Pomegranates and pomegranate extract, according to studies, may help people who battle obesity.
Pomegranate extract was tested for its health effects on 48 overweight and obese volunteers over the course of 30 days in double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled research. Following the trial, the pomegranate extract group showed reduced levels of insulin, blood sugar, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or bad cholesterol. Pomegranate extract was also discovered in the study to considerably lower inflammation and increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good" cholesterol levels. The pomegranate seed oil has been shown in laboratory experiments to have anti-obesity properties, including the ability to function as an antioxidant and stop fat from building up in liver cells.
Benefits of Pomegranate Seeds for Health
Are pomegranate seeds edible? Without a doubt, the answer is yes! Pomegranate seeds are high in fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals, according to studies. Other beneficial minerals, such as the phytonutrient isoflavone, are also present in pomegranate seeds.
Heart-healthy polyunsaturated fats like linoleic and linolenic acids are found in pomegranate seed oil.
According to studies, pomegranate seeds function as a prebiotic for gut bacteria, which promotes gut health and a diversified gut microbiome. Prebiotics provide nourishment for gut microorganisms that the human digestive system is unable to process. Even using pomegranate seed powder as a functional snack to boost the fiber and nutritional value of baked foods like cupcakes has been researched.
Side Effects of Pomegranate Seeds
Eating pomegranate seeds can have negative effects, even though they are usually thought to be safe. For instance, a comprehensive study discovered that constipation and other gastrointestinal issues were the most frequent adverse effects of pomegranate seed consumption. The review also discovered that eating pomegranate seeds caused urinary tract problems and symptoms similar to the flu.
According to case studies, the most common adverse impact of pomegranate seeds on people with fruit allergies was allergic responses.
If there are any side effects, they usually result from consuming a lot of pomegranate seeds without allowing the body enough time to digest them.
Conclusion
The benefits of pomegranate extract may be numerous and include heart health promotion and potent antioxidant activity. Pomegranate may hold the key to long-term maximum health and fitness when incorporated into a wellness regimen.
