You may have heard people classify pomegranates as a “superfood” or one of those do-it-all foods jam-packed with health benefits. All in all, the fruit deserves its coveted reputation. Pomegranates are an excellent, all-inclusive food with a wide range of health benefits, from reducing inflammation to fighting cancer.
Fresh fruits have their benefits, and you may wonder why not just eat tons of fresh pomegranates for the superfood benefits instead of the extract. After all, the whole fruit can be costly, its juice can be high in sugar, it’s hard to get a consistent dosage, and it’s a seasonal fruit. Fortunately, pomegranate extract offers an affordable solution if you want all the health benefits of this superfood fruit in a more convenient year-round form, without the high sugar or the exorbitant costs.
What is Pomegranate Extract?
Pomegranate trees are native to Iran and the Himalayas, and the fruit has an extended historical usage throughout the Mediterranean. (x) The fruit has served medicinal purposes for thousands of years. Ancient writings show pomegranate as a sacred fruit that promotes abundance, fertility and luck. (x) Pomegranate is also a common ingredient in traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine in many of their different remedies. (x) They’re rich in vitamins and antioxidants that reduce inflammation and potentially prevent cancer cells from developing. They may also help stop harmful fats from building up in arteries and may even lower blood pressure.
Pomegranate extract has all the benefits of the whole fruit condensed into a fine powder. Many extracts come from the seeds of the fruit, although the exact composition of the extract can vary. Because it’s in concentrated form, you’ll need a lot less of it to obtain all the health benefits.
Benefits of Pomegranate Extract
With an impressive list of nutrients jammed together, pomegranate extract has a wide range of benefits. Some include:
- Lowers High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a significant health issue and often leads to heart attacks and strokes.
Research has indicated that pomegranate may effectively lower blood pressure. It contains different antioxidants and bioactive polyphenols, which promotes cardiovascular health. A study found that those who drank pomegranate juice daily over the course of two weeks had significantly reduced blood pressure. (x)
Bioactive polyphenols like antioxidants inhibit oxidation that produces free radicals in your body that damages cells. (x)
More studies are necessary to follow up on these findings, but pomegranate extract appears to be an excellent choice for those seeking to lower their blood pressure.
- Helps Prevent Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis involves the buildup of fatty material in the arteries, which can cause life-threatening diseases.
Pomegranates contain many potent antioxidants that protect cholesterol from oxidation. This feature helps to diminish fatty buildup in the arteries. Pomegranate antioxidants also increase the activity of a molecule called PON1, which breaks down harmful fats and plaques in the arteries. (x)
Studies have shown that pomegranate juice reduces triglyceride levels, which may help prevent fatty deposits in arteries. Additional studies have confirmed the role that pomegranate antioxidants play in preventing the oxidation of cholesterol, which deters plaque formation. (x)
- Improves Cognition and Memory
Animal studies have shown that a compound in pomegranates called polyphenol may benefit cognition and memory, including Alzheimer’s disease. (x)
A study investigated the long-term effect of pomegranate juice on the memory of middle-aged and older adults. Over 12 months, the results showed that daily consumption of the fruit juice stabilized their ability to learn visual information. (x)
Another study determined through a battery of tests that middle-aged and older adults who drank 8 ounces of pomegranate juice a day improved their memory performance. The extensive research acknowledged the polyphenol components enhanced cerebral blood flow. (x)
These studies indicate that pomegranates could give your central nervous system a healthy boost.
- Erectile Dysfunction
The cardiovascular and antioxidant benefits of pomegranates may also help men with erectile dysfunction. Studies in rabbits have shown that pomegranate juice increases blood flow and increases erectile function. (x) While more research will allow us to see how these findings translate to humans, men who take pomegranate extract may see improved sexual health.
- Anti-Cancer
Research shows how high doses of pomegranate juice may help fight prostate cancer. (x) Some studies insist that it may help prevent the growth of breast cancer cells. (x) This research is still in its early stages, so more studies are necessary to substantiate these findings.
- Benefits the Skin
Research shows the high polyphenolic concentrations in pomegranate extract help reduce the effects of ultraviolet radiation such as sunburns, edema, skin cancer and more in numerous in vivo and in vitro studies. (x)
Another study performed on 74 women, ages 30 – 45 years, over 12 weeks show orally taking the pomegranate extract enhanced their skin protection against ultraviolet radiation damage. (x)A study performed on 36 non-smoking, healthy women, ages 40 – 75, received a unique nutritional and phytonutrient blend that included pomegranate extract. After eight weeks, evidence showed a reduction in skin damage. The results were improvements in facial skin, elasticity, water loss, radiance, texture and overall appearance. (x) Such a study shows that supplementing with the proper nutrients and pomegranate extract is a definite boost to your body’s aging defense mechanisms.
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Side Effects of Pomegranate Extract
While pomegranate extract is a very safe supplement, there are a few side effects and the most common ones:
- Allergic Reaction
Allergic reactions are the most common side effect. If you experience any swelling, itchiness, runny nose or difficulty breathing, stop taking the supplement and seek medical attention immediately. Most allergic reactions will be reasonably mild, but contact your doctor if you have trouble breathing or if the swelling doesn’t subside.
- Low Blood Pressure
Because pomegranate extract may help lower your blood pressure, it can sometimes cause blood pressure to go too low. If your blood pressure drops while taking pomegranate extract, reduce the dosage or discontinue the supplement. Consult with your doctor before you resume.
- Itching
In addition to an immediate allergic reaction, pomegranate extract can cause itching that persists over time. If you notice that your skin becomes itchy after you take the extract, stop taking it and see if the itching decreases. If it doesn’t, speak to a doctor.
- Prescription Medication Interference
Studies show how pomegranates might interfere with certain prescription medications. They conflict by inhibiting molecules that break down the medicine. Without these molecules, the level of the medication in your body may escalate. (x)
If you are taking a prescription medication and plan on supplementing with pomegranate extract, speak to a doctor and ask about any possible drug interactions.
Where to Buy Pomegranate Extract Powder?
You can purchase pomegranate extract powder at BulkSupplements.com. The company is an industry-leading manufacturer and distributor of pure dietary supplements.
BulkSupplements.com is not just a consumer brand. It also supplies pure ingredients to other food and supplement brands to make their products. All products at BulkSupplements.com are manufactured and tested according to current and proper manufacturing practices.
Are you interested in trying pomegranate extract powder for your health, as described in this article? Contact BulkSupplements.com to place an order today.
Dosage for Pomegranate Extract
If you’re planning on taking pomegranate extract, you may wonder what dose you should take. It depends on the reason for taking the supplement.
A good deal of the research conducted on pomegranates uses pomegranate juice. And within these studies, you’ll find a lot of different doses used. If you plan to use pomegranate extract, the recommended dosage is 750 mg, similar to a few glasses of pomegranate juice.
Most people will tolerate a wide range of different doses of pomegranate extract. When you begin supplementing, consider taking a lower amount and seeing how your body responds. If you don’t have any side effects, increase your dose. Then, you can gradually increase your dosage over a couple of weeks.
You can take pomegranate extract alone, but many consumers prefer to take it with food, such as a smoothie. Some people even use the powder in their cooking such as salad dressings, fruit salads, cold pasta dishes and vegetable casseroles. (x)
Why Take Pomegranate Extract?
Pomegranate extract is one of the most nutrition-packed supplements you can find. It offers a powerful natural antioxidant punch that can help you lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation and possibly even fight tumor growth. (x) (x) (x) It may even have benefits for your mental health, boost cognition and enrich memory. Although these benefits may appeal most to the elderly, just about anyone can benefit from the boost it gives your central nervous system — a crucial role for pomegranates, regardless of age.
It’s one of the safest supplements out there as well, with very few common side effects. And it’s affordable if you’re looking for an all-around health boost that won’t cost you too much.
The Bottom Line
With a wide range of health benefits available for all ages, pomegranate powder is a potent natural supplement that you may want to try. Its antioxidant properties can help you fight inflammation, reduce plaque buildup in your arteries and fight tumor formation. Pomegranates may even have skin benefits.
Additionally, pomegranate supplements are affordable, making them an excellent choice for those that want all the benefits of pomegranates without the expense and hassle of buying fresh fruit.
If you’re looking for an all-around supplement to boost your heart and joint health, then pomegranate extract is an excellent addition to your supplement routine.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.