Seasonal Pomegranates: A Range of Health Benefits—and What to Watch Out For

Pomegranates, with their sweet-and-tart flavor, are now in season. Rich in polyphenols that help slow aging, pomegranates are especially popular among women. They are also packed with fiber, which promotes satiety and can support weight management, and they provide potassium, an essential mineral for proper muscle function. Drawing on sources including the U.S. women’s health magazine Women’s Health, here is a closer look at the health benefits of pomegranates and important precautions when consuming them.

Health Benefits

Anti-aging effects

In a study where extracts from pomegranate peel, the white inner membrane, and seeds were made into capsules and taken once daily, participants showed a significant reduction in markers associated with cellular damage. Cellular damage not only accelerates aging but also impairs the function of the brain, muscles, liver, and kidneys. The findings suggest that compounds in pomegranates may help block the processes that cause cellular damage.

Lowering blood pressure

Research indicates that drinking one glass of pomegranate juice daily can help lower blood pressure by reducing LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and improving blood flow within the arteries. In addition, a combination of antioxidants—such as polyphenols, tannins, and anthocyanins—work together to support overall heart health.

Protection against brain cell damage

Studies suggest that pomegranates may be beneficial for middle-aged and older adults experiencing memory decline, as they can improve short-term cognitive function. Their antioxidant compounds help protect brain cells from damage, supporting clearer and more efficient mental processing.

Relief from arthritis symptoms

Pomegranates may also help people suffering from arthritis. Research shows that they are rich in anti-inflammatory compounds, which can make it easier to reduce joint swelling and pain.

Improvement of intestinal inflammation

Digestive conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome or Crohn’s disease require medical treatment. However, for mild intestinal inflammation, pomegranates may offer supportive benefits.

Wrinkle prevention

Pomegranates are famously associated with legendary beauties such as China’s Yang Guifei and Egypt’s Cleopatra, both said to have consumed the fruit daily. Natural estrogen-like compounds in pomegranates are believed to help prevent wrinkles and maintain skin elasticity.

Prevention of testicular cancer recurrence

Studies have found that pomegranate juice may help prevent recurrence and metastasis in patients with testicular cancer. Other research suggests that ointments made from pomegranate peel can act as powerful natural antibiotics, reducing infections caused by viruses.

Improvement in erectile dysfunction

According to research, men with erectile dysfunction who drank 8 ounces (about 237 ml) of 100% pomegranate juice daily had a 50% higher likelihood of symptom improvement compared with those who did not.

Precautions

People with low blood pressure or chronic constipation should be cautious when consuming pomegranates. Because pomegranates can lower blood pressure, individuals with hypotension should consult a healthcare professional before consuming them regularly. In addition, the tannins in pomegranates absorb water in the body, so those with chronic constipation should avoid excessive intake.

Source: 코메디닷컴 (https://kormedi.com/)