Pomegranate is good for our health thanks to the precious antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substances it contains. Whether in the form of juice or seeds to add to culinary preparations, pomegranate brings important benefits to the heart, brain and gut and is helpful even during menopause....CONTINUE READING
So let’s delve deeper into the properties of the pomegranate, also trying to understand any contraindications of this fruit.
Today we talk about the benefits, risks and warnings related to the consumption of pomegranate, both in the form of seeds and juice
In these winter days there is nothing better than bringing pomegranate to the table! Whether in the form of grains to add to salads and fruit salads or as juice, to be enjoyed as a snack, breakfast or even why not, to make tasty Christmas drinks or to toast the end of the year.
The pomegranate is a true elixir of life, as science testifies. Indeed, experts define the pomegranate as a functional food since this fruit shows important health benefits, being antibacterial, anti-tumor and even capable of protecting the skin from the damage of UV rays.
All thanks to the antioxidants contained in pomegranate such as anthocyanins, ellagic acid and punicalagins. Today let’s see what the latest scientific research says on the health benefits of pomegranate.
Pomegranate and brain
Including pomegranate in your daily diet is a winning move when it comes to protecting the proper functioning of the brain and preventing neurodegeneration.
In fact, studies have shown that regular intake of pomegranate improves cognitive function (Molani Gol et al, Curr Pharm Des, 2023).
Pomegranate punicalagin is an anti-inflammatory substance found only in the seeds, peel and juice of the pomegranate. Punicalagin counteracts brain inflammation, loss of memory and of learning ability related to advancing age.
Not only that, pomegranate has also been shown to protect the cerebellum, which is the part of the brain responsible for complex motor functions, such as maintaining balance and coordination.
With age, this part of the brain can deteriorate with consequences that can result in falls and accidents. Pomegranate counteracts free radical damage to the cerebellum with improvements in coordination and movement capacity (Verdu et al, Antioxidants, 2023). Pomegranate has also been shown to act in case of stroke.
In fact, taking pomegranate extracts allowed for faster recovery and reduced the time spent in hospital (Bellone et al, Nutr Neurosci, 2019).
Pomegranate and microbiota
Pomegranate juice is an excellent prebiotic, useful for nourishing and supporting the good bacteria that populate the intestinal microbiota (O Flaherty et al, Microorganisms, 2023). In particular, bacteria use the ellagic acid contained in the pomegranate to produce urolithins, which are substances with anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor action (O Flaherty et al, Microorganisms, 2023).
Pomegranate in menopause
Yes, taking pomegranate has also been shown to alleviate the symptoms related to menopause, such as hot flashes, irritability, hair loss and fatigue. Each part of the pomegranate, namely juice, seeds and peel, brings these benefits thanks to its ability to regulate hormonal imbalances.
Pomegranate seed oil, rich in unsaturated fatty acids, phytoestrogens and polyphenols, is able to reduce the urogenital symptoms that menopause can bring with it (Adel Mehraban et al, Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 2022).
Pomegranate against the damage of passive smoking and for heart health
Thanks to its richness in polyphenols, pomegranate combats free radicals and is also protective when it comes to counteracting the harmful effects caused by exposure to passive cigarette smoke.
In particular, pomegranate juice is able to protect the heart and aorta, with an anti-atherosclerotic action (Benedetti et al, Antioxidants, 2023). In general, pomegranate juice, one glass a day, is cardioprotective.
If taken regularly it can, in about 3 months, help reduce episodes of angina by 50% and improve the quantity of blood reaching the heart by 17%, even in people with a history of myocardial ischemia (Benedetti et al, Antioxidants, 2023). Not only that, pomegranate juice also helps reduce bad LDL cholesterol and increase good HDL cholesterol at the same time.
In 4 weeks, 200 ml of pomegranate juice per day reduced LDL cholesterol, going from an average value of 150 to 130 mg/dL (Anoosh et al, Procedia Social and Behavioral Sciences, 2010). A glass of pomegranate juice, approximately 240 ml, taken regularly also helps to keep blood pressure under control, both in terms of systolic and diastolic pressure (Sahebkar et al, Pharmacol Res, 2017).
Pomegranate, risks and warnings
Studies have shown that the intake of pomegranate is generally safe within a healthy and varied diet and without excesses. However, it has also been reported that it is possible, in a small group of people, that gastrointestinal disorders or flu-like symptoms may rarely occur, due to an allergic reaction (Zare et al, J Complement Integr Med, 2023)…CONTINUE READING>>
