Pomegranate Benefits and Side effects

Vitamin C is important for initiating the formation and maintenance of blood vessels, skin and bones. Pomegranate is a natural source of this vitamin. The juice of pomegranate can fulfill more than 40% of the daily requirement of vitamin C in the human body. But it breaks down during pasteurization, so it is advisable to consume homemade or fresh pomegranate juice to get the best benefits of the nutrient.

Chronic inflammation is one of the driving forces of many severe diseases including cancer, heart disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and Alzheimer's. 

Studies show that pomegranate is effective in coping with the inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. It was additionally reported that ellagic acid present in pomegranate is responsible for the anti-inflammatory properties of the fruit.

A 12-week study was conducted on 50 people suffering from type 2 diabetes. The study suggested that the consumption of a given amount of pomegranate juice every day can lower the interleukin 6 and inflammatory markers CRP. Pomegranate can be an amazing addition to the diet for reducing inflammation in diabetic patients.

Lab studies suggest that the punicic acid present in pomegranate exhibit a strong anti-inflammatory effect against some breast cancer cell lines.

(Read more: Inflammatory disease)

Pomegranates have known to be very effective for lowering blood sugar levels in the body. The flowers and seeds of the pomegranate fruit are especially effective for patients suffering from diabetes and hyperglycemia. Doctors across the globe are studying pomegranate seeds, flowers, extracts, and juice to understand their potential benefits for lowering blood sugar levels and their hypoglycemic properties.

Research shows that compounds in pomegranate have antidiabetic actions. Further, the sugar juice fractions were found to have unique antioxidant polyphenols such as tannins and anthocyanins, which could aid to control conditions in type 2 diabetes. Hence, there is evidence of the anti-diabetic activity of pomegranate fruit, although not conclusive.

(Read more: Diabetes care)

High blood pressure is a becoming common in every generation. It is generally linked to bad lifestyle habits and dietary patterns and is considered one of the driving forces behind strokes and heart attack. According to a study, consuming 5 ounces of pomegranate juice every day for a period of 2 weeks can help in significantly lowering the blood pressure. Another study found pomegranate juice significantly lowers the systolic blood pressure.

(Read more: High blood pressure)

Heart diseases have become the most common reason for premature death all over the world. Various factors like stress, lifestyle, high blood pressure and imbalanced cholesterol levels in the body are responsible for the prevalence of heart diseases.  Pomegranate has been found to be an excellent hypotensive agent (reduces blood pressure) this relieving the extra pressure on the heart.  Studies suggest that pomegranate contains a fatty acid called punicic acid which may help in protecting against heart disease.

in a clinical study, 51 people suffering from high cholesterol were given a certain amount of pomegranate seed oil for a period of 4 weeks. At the end of the designated period, a significant reduction in the triglyceride levels was noted in all the subjects along with an improved ratio of triglycerides and HDL. Another study observed a significant lowering in the bad cholesterol levels (LDL) in people suffering from type 2 diabetes and hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol) on ingestion of pomegranate juice. Pomegranate juice has been proven to inhibit the LDL cholesterol from oxidation which is responsible for causing atherosclerosis.

(Read more: Heart disease causes)

 Erectile dysfunction is associated with oxidative damage which can cause a reduction in blood flow towards the erectile tissue. Pomegranate juice is traditionally used for reducing the symptoms of erectile dysfunction. Animal studies suggest that pomegranate juice can increase the blood flow in the erectile tissue thereby helping achieve an erection.

In a clinical study, 53 men who were suffering from erectile dysfunction were given pomegranate juice daily. However, the study reported that pomegranate juice doesn't have any satisfactory effects in alleviating this problem.

Extensive research is still needed to understand the potency of pomegranate in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Pomegranate contains plant compounds which are helpful in fighting with harmful microorganisms. Studies suggest that pomegranates are useful for fighting common infectious yeast Candida albicans.  Pomegranate extracts along with copper have been found to possess some antimicrobial action against the methicillin-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus. The antibacterial effects of pomegranate extracts have also been demonstrated to be very useful in preventing some oral bacteria thus protecting the gums and teeth from diseases like periodontitis and gingivitis.

Studies suggest that there is some evidence associating pomegranate with memory improvement. A study with surgical patients indicated that pomegranate extract was able to prevent the memory deficit after a surgery. Another study indicates that pomegranate juice can improve the visual and verbal memory markers. Additionally, it is also been found to help in fighting the symptoms of Alzheimer's.

(Read more: Dementia treatment)

The anti-inflammatory properties of pomegranate can be very helpful in treating joint inflammation associated with arthritis. Laboratory studies suggest that the extract of pomegranate is helpful in blocking enzymes which may damage the joints in osteoarthritic people. In vivo studies also claim the anti-arthritic effects of pomegranate extracts. But very limited research has been conducted upon humans so far so it is best to talk to your doctor to know more about the anti-arthritic effects of pomegranate.

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One of the common types of cancer in men is prostate cancer. A laboratory study showed that the extract of pomegranate may prove to be useful in curbing cancer cells reproduction and even cause cell death in cancer cells. One of the blood markers for prostate cancer is prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Doubling of the levels of PSA in men over a short period of time indicates an increased risk of death due to prostate cancer.  According to a study, consuming 8 ounces of pomegranate juice can increase the doubling time for PSA from 15 months to 54 months, which is remarkable. Another study found a similar result using a kind of pomegranate extract.

In other studies, pomegranate extracts have been reported to inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells. However, the evidence stands limited only to laboratory studies. Further research is required before making any claims.

(Read more: Cancer types)