by While apple or cranberry take center stage when it comes to healthy juices, people tend to overlook the powerful pomegranate juice. If you like this ruby red fruit, you will also love its juice. Additionally, it is a powerful blend of nutrients that offers multiple health benefits when consumed in moderation. In fact, it is considered one of the best fruits offering medicinal benefits. Even studies have shown that pomegranate juice has several benefits. Scroll down to find out everything!
Health Shots asked Swathi, a consultant dietician at Manipal Hospital in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, to understand more about the benefits of pomegranate juice.
Benefits of drinking pomegranate juice
1. Contains Antioxidants
Pomegranate juice contains anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants that may help prevent cancer and other conditions, says Swathi. A study published in Advanced Biomedical Research found that pomegranate juice can reduce “oxidative stress, free radicals, and lipid peroxidation.” It has also been found that it can prevent cell growth and have anti-cancer effects.
Read also: Add These 8 Foods to Your Diet for Their High Antioxidant Content
2. Promotes Heart Health
The expert says drinking pomegranate juice in moderation can help prevent heart disease. It contains polyphenolic compounds that contribute to heart health. Herbal medicine research in 2017 found that drinking pomegranate juice can reduce the frequency and severity of chest pain, a symptom of heart disease.
3. Good for kidney health
Pomegranate contains potassium which can help reduce the risk of developing kidney stones and manage kidney health, she explains. Studies have shown that a diet rich in antioxidants can also help protect your kidneys, and pomegranate juice is a rich source of antioxidants.
4. Helps Control Blood Pressure Levels
High blood pressure or hypertension is the force of blood pushing rapidly against your arteries, increasing your risk of heart disease. Pomegranate juice contains complex carbohydrates that help improve serum iron and reduce blood pressure, adds Swathi. Drinking it regularly could reduce the risk of developing hypertension.
Select the topics that interest you and let us personalize your feed.
PERSONALIZE NOW
Read also: Dietitian recommends five foods to manage high blood pressure
5. Helps Lose Weight
Pomegranate is high in fiber and is a low-calorie fruit, making it a good option for those trying to lose weight. It also contains polyphenols which can help boost metabolism and prevent the body from losing fat. It also helps prevent and manage various diseases by controlling your weight, says the expert.
6. Strengthens immunity
Do you often develop infections? Do you get sick often? Pomegranate can help you fight these problems by strengthening your immune system. Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, drinking pomegranate juice can help boost immunity and ward off diseases.
7. Improves Fertility
Did you know that pomegranates can boost a healthy libido and help with the production of folate, necessary for conception? It also contains antioxidants that could help increase blood flow to the uterus and support the uterine lining, which is important for a healthy pregnancy.
When is the best time to drink pomegranate juice?
Although you can drink pomegranate juice at any time, it is best consumed in the morning. “Most of its nutrients are assimilated when the stomach is empty. Therefore, consuming pomegranate juice in the morning on an empty stomach is preferable to any other time of the day,” according to the expert.
Are there any side effects of drinking pomegranate juice?
While drinking pomegranate juice in moderation is good for your health, overconsumption can lead to problems. Pregnant women should not consume pomegranate extract because it may contain fruit peels, which is not considered safe. People suffering from diarrhea should also avoid drinking pomegranate juice or pomegranate extract. People who take ACE inhibitors – drugs used to control high blood pressure, treat heart failure and prevent kidney damage in people with diabetes – should also avoid it. Although some research shows that pomegranate juice could have the same effects as ACE inhibitors, it could make the drug too strong to handle.
