While searching through collagen, supplements, and other product reviews, maybe you came across the mention of pomegranates. Should you include these fruits in your diet?
Low in calories but packed with nutrients, pomegranate is considered one of the healthiest fruits. The other good news is that there are also many ways to consume this fruit. From pomegranate extracts to pomegranate juice, you can add this nutritional powerhouse to your diet how you see fit.
Whether you’re curious about pomegranate benefits for weight loss or general pomegranate powder benefits, we’ve got you covered. Continue reading to find out more about the benefits of pomegranate powder.
Benefits Of Pomegranate Powder
Pomegranate powder has many health benefits. These include:
- Supporting healthy blood pressure and heart health.
- Improving sexual health and function.
- Supporting healthy weight loss.
- Improving brain health.
- Enhancing digestion and immunity.
Health Benefits Of Pomegranate Powder
While pomegranate fruit contains various nutrients, pomegranate powder also offers plenty. The nutrients in pomegranate powder[1] include calcium and potassium. Not only that, but pomegranates also have antioxidant effects.[2]
Inevitably, this gives way to various health advantages, including:
Supporting Healthy Blood Pressure
Pomegranate, also called Punica granatum, is frequently considered a great fruit for overall heart health. Its antioxidant content gives way to anti-inflammatory properties, which may support your cardiovascular system in various ways. It may even lower high blood pressure.
Research demonstrates that pomegranate fruit extract may significantly reduce blood pressure.[3] On top of this, other scientific reviews indicate pomegranate juice, thanks to its antioxidant properties, may also lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.[4]
Atherosclerosis[5] is the hardening of the arteries, which can lead to chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death[6] in the United States, meaning we should be actively seeking out ways to prevent it. And these preventative methods might just involve incorporating more pomegranate into your daily diet.
Better Sexual Health
Are you curious about how to increase testosterone? Or are you wondering what testosterone-boosting foods you should try? Pomegranates should be at the top of your list.
While we all know the many health benefits of sex, issues can arise in the bedroom due to hormonal imbalances. Testosterone therapy is sometimes considered for erectile dysfunction.[7]
In other words, you may want to reconsider the best time to take a testosterone booster pill. Instead, adding foods like pomegranates might just be an all-natural solution or sexual aid. Yet, the results are a little mixed.
Scientific research further indicates that pomegranate has been shown to decrease testosterone[8] in both rats and healthy humans. Thus, more research would help determine, more specifically, the effect pomegranate has on human sexual function.
Supports Healthy Weight Loss
Pomegranates can further be a great addition to any weight loss diet. These fruits are low in calories.[9] This means they can fill you up while not adding extra pounds.
Pomegranate supplements are even shown to increase feelings of fullness.[10] This could help keep cravings at bay and help maintain a caloric deficit. A caloric deficit – big or small – is necessary to lose weight.
Yet, it’s important to note that your overall diet also matters here. Taking the best appetite suppressants or the best fruit and vegetable supplements both require balance and moderation.
Understanding how much protein or how many grams of sugar per day to lose weight can be critical in your weight loss journey. Additionally, exercise is an important factor in creating a calorie deficit.
Improves Brain Health
Pomegranate has recently been researched concerning Alzheimer’s disease. Like green tea,[11] which is packed with antioxidants, pomegranate may reduce oxidative stress in the body and brain.
Recent studies on mice show that one benefit of pomegranate peel powder is protection against Alzheimer’s.[12] This is largely due to its ability to reduce inflammation, thanks to its many antioxidants.
In particular, the peels of pomegranate[13] are packed with antioxidants. Thus, pomegranate peel powder uses may include various neuroprotective effects.
May Support Digestion And Immune Health
There’s also some evidence indicating the power of pomegranate in aiding digestion. In particular, research suggests that pomegranate may promote gut lining healing.[14] In turn, this supports a healthy intestinal barrier, preventing pathogens from entering the bloodstream.
Ways To Use Pomegranate Powder
From regular ol’ pomegranate powder to pomegranate seed powder, almost every part of the pomegranate can enhance your health. And when it comes to consuming pomegranates, this is easy to do since there are so many different options.
You can add pomegranate powder to:
- Salad dressings.
- Baked goods.
- Smoothies.
- Soups.
- Marinades.
- Seasoning.
- Yogurt.
It can also be found in capsule form, making it easy to take alongside other vitamins or supplements.
Potential Risks To Keep In Mind
Pomegranate seeds are edible but can pose a choking hazard, especially for young children.
Pomegranate may also interact with some types of medication.[15] These include drugs used for high blood pressure. Those with kidney issues may want to consult with their doctor before consuming because pomegranates are also high in potassium.
A small number of people may also experience digestive symptoms,[16] such as diarrhea, from eating pomegranates. However, most don’t need to worry about this.
Not much is known about the health risks of consuming pomegranate extract supplements during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Pomegranate juice is considered safe.
Conclusion
There are many benefits to pomegranate seed powder. However, the peel made into powder might be even more beneficial. All in all, pomegranate powder has tons to offer.
And if you prefer, the fruit itself is also loaded with similar benefits. Add it to smoothies, use it to top off your yogurt parfaits, or make a daily glass of pomegranate juice. From neuroprotective effects to keeping your cardiovascular system functioning smoothly, this is one fruit worth snacking on!
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no set recommended time. Opt to follow the instructions on your specific pomegranate powder supplement. If you have any concerns about timing or drug interactions, discuss these with your doctor first.
Pomegranate powder contains very little sugar. Two teaspoons of the powder contain only one gram of sugar.
Due to the low sugar contents, pomegranate powder raising blood sugar shouldn’t be a concern.
There are few side effects of pomegranate powder. However, some individuals may have allergies or sensitivities, leading to digestive issues. Individuals taking medications for high blood pressure or kidney issues should also avoid pomegranate.
Pomegranate powder has many health benefits. It can support a healthy heart, aid in weight loss, enhance brain health, and support digestion and immunity. It may also improve sexual health, yet the studies are a bit mixed.
Pomegranate juice contains pomegranate powder and water. Thus, they are very similar, and pomegranate powder can easily be used to make pomegranate juice.
Absolutely, as long as you don’t have diabetes, pomegranate juice is safe to drink every day. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, discuss what juices are best for your diet before consuming them.
Yes, powdered pomegranate is a great source of antioxidants. These antioxidants can help lower inflammation and prevent various diseases and illnesses.