7 health benefits of pomegranate juice

While apple or cranberry takes centrestage when it comes to healthy juices, people tend to ignore the mighty pomegranate juice. If you love this ruby red fruit, you will love its juice as well. Plus, it is a potent blend of nutrients that offers multiple health benefits when consumed in moderation. In fact, it is considered one of the best fruits that offer medicinal benefits. Even studies have found that there are several benefits of pomegranate juice. Scroll down to know all about it!

Health Shots asked Swathi, a Consultant Dietitian 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 can 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 was also found that it can prevent the growth of cells and have anticarcinogenic effects.

Also Read: Add these 8 foods to your diet for its high antioxidant content

2. Promotes heart health

The expert says drinking pomegranate juice in moderation can help keep heart disease at bay. It contains polyphenolic compounds that help heart health. A 2017 Phytotherapy Research 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 may help reduce the risk of developing kidney stones and manage kidney health, she explains. Studies have found that an antioxidant-rich diet may 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 the blood pushing against your arteries rapidly, increasing your risk of heart disease. Pomegranate juice contains complex carbohydrates that help improve serum iron and reduce blood pressure levels, adds Swathi. Drinking it regularly might reduce the risk of developing hypertension.

Also Read: A dietitian recommends five foods to manage high blood pressure

5. Aids weight loss

Pomegranate is rich in fiber and is a low-calorie fruit, making it a good option for those trying to lose weight. It also contains polyphenols that can help boost metabolism and help the body lose fat. It also helps prevent and manage various diseases by keeping your weight in check, avers the expert.

6. Boosts immunity

Do you develop infections often? Do you fall sick frequently? 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 keep diseases at bay.

7. Improves fertility

Did you know pomegranates can stimulate a healthy sex drive and help the production of folic acid, required for conception? It also contains antioxidants that could help increase blood flow to the uterus and promote the uterine lining, important for a healthy pregnancy.

What’s the best time to drink pomegranate juice?

While you can drink pomegranate juice anytime you want, it is best to consume it in the morning. “Most of its nutrients are assimilated when the stomach is empty. Therefore, consuming the juice of pomegranate fruit in the morning on an empty stomach is preferable to any other time of day,” as per the expert.

Are there any side effects of drinking pomegranate juice?

While drinking pomegranate juice in moderation is good for health, over-consumption can lead to problems. Pregnant women should not consume pomegranate extract because it may contain fruit rind, which is not considered safe. People with diarrhoea should also avoid drinking pomegranate juice or pomegranate extract. People who consume ACE Inhibitors – drugs used to control high blood pressure, treat heart failure, and prevent kidney damage in people with diabetes – should also avoid it. While some research shows that pomegranate juice might have the same effects as ACE Inhibitors, they might make the drug too strong to handle.