Introduction
Benefits
Precautions
Recommended dosage
How to use
FAQs
References
Author Details
Last updated
29 Aug 2022 | 04:38 PM (IST)
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Pomegranate
Pomegranate is a treasure of nutrients, known as “Dadima” in Ayurveda, that has been used for its numerous health benefits for centuries. It is popularly considered as a “blood purifier”.
Pomegranate juice, when taken on a regular basis, is helpful in relieving digestive problems like diarrhea. It is also beneficial for managing heart problems and high cholesterol as it helps keep the arteries unclogged due to its antioxidant property. Taking Pomegranate seeds or juice helps improve energy levels and increases sexual stamina in men. It might also be beneficial in managing arthritis as it possesses anti-inflammatory property.
Pomegranate seed or flower extract might be useful in managing dental problems due to its antibacterial property. Moreover, applying a paste of Pomegranate seed powder and water to the skin helps prevent sunburn.
A good home remedy involves applying a paste of Pomegranate leaves and coconut oil or water on the forehead and massaging for a few minutes to get relief from headache.
Sometimes drinking chilled Pomegranate juice might cause a runny nose[2-7][10][12][21][36-39].
Pomegranate juice, when taken on a regular basis, is helpful in relieving digestive problems like diarrhea. It is also beneficial for managing heart problems and high cholesterol as it helps keep the arteries unclogged due to its antioxidant property. Taking Pomegranate seeds or juice helps improve energy levels and increases sexual stamina in men. It might also be beneficial in managing arthritis as it possesses anti-inflammatory property.
Pomegranate seed or flower extract might be useful in managing dental problems due to its antibacterial property. Moreover, applying a paste of Pomegranate seed powder and water to the skin helps prevent sunburn.
A good home remedy involves applying a paste of Pomegranate leaves and coconut oil or water on the forehead and massaging for a few minutes to get relief from headache.
Sometimes drinking chilled Pomegranate juice might cause a runny nose[2-7][10][12][21][36-39].
What are the synonyms of Pomegranate?
Punica granatum, Kulekhara, Dadima, Dadama, Anar, Dalimba, Matalam, Dadimba, Madalai, Madalam, Danimma, Rumman, Dadimacchada, Lohitapuspa, Dantabija, Dalim, Dalimgach, Dadam phala, Dalimbe haonu, Madulam Pazham, Dadimbakaya[1]
What is the source of Pomegranate?
Plant Based
Benefits of Pomegranate
What are the benefits of Pomegranate for Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?
Modern Science View
Pomegranate might not help in case of COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). This is because the antioxidants and polyphenols in Pomegranate do not get absorbed and metabolized in people with COPD[7][28].
Ayurvedic View
The chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a chronic lung disease which causes difficulty in breathing. According to Ayurveda, COPD is due to an imbalance of all the three doshas (Kapha, Vata & Pitta). Regular intake of Pomegranate helps to reduce symptoms of COPD as it helps balance all the dosha and gives strength to the lungs.
Tips:
1. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon Pomegranate powder.
2. Swallow it with water or honey after taking lunch and dinner to get manage the symptoms of COPD.
Tips:
1. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon Pomegranate powder.
2. Swallow it with water or honey after taking lunch and dinner to get manage the symptoms of COPD.
What are the benefits of Pomegranate for Atherosclerosis (plaque deposition inside the arteries)?
Modern Science View
Pomegranate might help reduce the risk of atherosclerosis (clogged arteries). It prevents the buildup of excess fat leading to hardening of arterial walls. Pomegranate is a natural blood thinner and is rich in antioxidants. It lowers bad cholesterol (LDL) and increases good cholesterol (HDL). This also reduces the risk of plaque formation in the arteries[7][6][10].
Ayurvedic View
Atherosclerosis is a condition where plaque accumulates inside the arteries, causing them to harden and narrow. According to Ayurveda, this accumulation is an Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) disorder that affects the circulation of blood. This is because Ama is sticky in nature. It clogs the arteries leading to hardening of the arterial walls. Using Pomegranate juice or powder helps to reduce Ama due to its Deepan (appetizer) Pachan (digestive) properties.
Tips:
1. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon Pomegranate powder.
2. Swallow it with water or honey after taking lunch and dinner to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.
Tips:
1. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon Pomegranate powder.
2. Swallow it with water or honey after taking lunch and dinner to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.
What are the benefits of Pomegranate for Coronary artery disease?
Modern Science View
Studies state that Pomegranate may reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Pomegranate is rich in punicic acid that lowers the level of triglycerides. It also contains antioxidants that lowers bad cholesterol (LDL) and increases good cholesterol (HDL)[7][6][10].
Ayurvedic View
High cholesterol is due to an imbalance of Pachak Agni (digestive fire). Impaired digestion at the tissue level produces excess waste products or Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion). This causes accumulation of bad cholesterol and blockage in the blood vessels. Pomegranate helps in controlling high cholesterol because of its property of balancing Agni. It reduces Ama and prevents the build-up of bad cholesterol.
Tips:
1. Put the Pomegranate seeds into the juicer or purchase the already prepared juice from the market.
2. Drink 1-2 cup preferably with breakfast to maintain a healthy heart.
Tips:
1. Put the Pomegranate seeds into the juicer or purchase the already prepared juice from the market.
2. Drink 1-2 cup preferably with breakfast to maintain a healthy heart.
What are the benefits of Pomegranate for Diabetes?
Modern Science View
Pomegranate contains polyphenols that reduce the glucose present in the blood. It also stimulates insulin-producing cells in the pancreas known as beta cells[10]. Pomegranate is also rich in antioxidants like gallic acids. They prevent cell damage that can cause diabetes-induced cardiovascular disease[7][11-13].
Ayurvedic View
Diabetes also known as Madhumeha is due to an aggravation of Vata and impaired digestion. Impaired digestion leads to an accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the pancreatic cells and impairs the function of insulin. Pomegranate helps remove Ama and controls aggravated Vata due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. This thus helps control high blood sugar level.
Tips:
1. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon Pomegranate powder.
2. Swallow it with water after taking lunch and dinner to maintain a normal blood sugar level.
Tips:
1. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon Pomegranate powder.
2. Swallow it with water after taking lunch and dinner to maintain a normal blood sugar level.
What are the benefits of Pomegranate for Diarrhea?
Modern Science View
Pomegranate is rich in tannic acid, flavonoids and alkaloids. These inhibit intestinal motility. They also promote reabsorption of water and salts thereby inhibiting the accumulation of fluids[15]. Pomegranate inhibits the growth of S.aureus and C. albicans that causes diarrhea due to its antimicrobial activity[7][16].
Ayurvedic View
Diarrhea known as Atisar in Ayurveda, improper food, impure water, toxins, mental stress and Agnimandya (weak digestive fire) are responsible for aggravating Vata. This aggravated Vata brings fluid in the intestine from various tissues from the body and mixes with the stool which leads to loose, watery motions or diarrhea. Intake of Pomegranate powder helps to control diarrhea because it has Kashaya (astringent) that retain fluid in the intestine and reduce the frequency of motion.
Tips:
1. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon Pomegranate powder.
2. Swallow it with water after taking some food to control diarrhea.
Tips:
1. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon Pomegranate powder.
2. Swallow it with water after taking some food to control diarrhea.
What are the benefits of Pomegranate for Erectile dysfunction?
Modern Science View
Pomegranate is rich in phytochemicals and antioxidants. It decreases inflammation and oxidative stress and increases the availability of nitric oxide in the blood. This increases the blood flow and relaxes the smooth muscles of the male genitals resulting in proper erectile function. Hypertension can also lead to the advancement of erectile dysfunction (ED). Pomegranate is rich in polyphenols and helps in managing high blood pressure. This can thus inhibit the progression of ED[7][6][19].
Ayurvedic View
Erectile dysfunction is a sexual problem in males in which erection cannot be maintained or the erection is not firm enough for sexual intercourse. In Ayurveda, this condition is known as Klaibya. Generally, vitiation of Vata dosha is responsible for Erectile dysfunction. Pomegranate helps manage erectile dysfunction and improve sexual performance. This is because of its Vajikarana (aphrodisiac) property.
Tips:
1. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon Pomegranate powder.
2. Swallow it with honey after taking lunch and dinner to manage Erectile dysfunction.
Tips:
1. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon Pomegranate powder.
2. Swallow it with honey after taking lunch and dinner to manage Erectile dysfunction.
What are the benefits of Pomegranate for Fungal infections of vagina?
Modern Science View
Pomegranate might help manage vaginal infections. This is due to its antiviral and antibacterial properties. It inhibits the growth of microorganisms such as C. albicans and T. vaginalis that cause vaginal infections[7][22][23].
What are the benefits of Pomegranate for Metabolic syndrome?
Modern Science View
Metabolic syndrome is a group of health conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity. Pomegranate reduces the risk of metabolic syndrome due to the presence of polyphenols[7][11][12][26][27].
What are the benefits of Pomegranate for Muscle building?
Modern Science View
Pomegranate might help manage muscle soreness post exercise. Pomegranate contains phytochemicals that have mild ergogenic (performance enhancement) effect. It enhances physical performance and boost strength[7][24][25].
What are the benefits of Pomegranate for Obesity?
Modern Science View
Pomegranate contains antioxidants, ellagic acid and tannic acid. It helps in managing obesity by inhibiting fat absorption in the intestines and suppressing appetite[7][12][14].
Ayurvedic View
An increase in weight is due to unhealthy food habits and lifestyle which leads to a weak digestive fire. This increases accumulation of Ama causing an imbalance in meda dhatu and resulting in obesity. Pomegranate juice is useful to control obesity as it helps improve metabolism and reduce Ama. This is due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. It balances Meda dhatu and thus reduces obesity.
Tips:
1. Put the Pomegranate seeds into the juicer or purchase the already prepared juice from the market.
2. Drink 1-2 cup preferably with breakfast to manage obesity.
Tips:
1. Put the Pomegranate seeds into the juicer or purchase the already prepared juice from the market.
2. Drink 1-2 cup preferably with breakfast to manage obesity.
What are the benefits of Pomegranate for Piles?
Modern Science View
Pomegranate is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory activity. It might help in controlling inflammation caused by hemorrhoids[7][6][20].
Ayurvedic View
Hemorrhoids are known as Arsh in Ayurveda which is caused by an unhealthy diet and a sedentary lifestyle. This leads to the impairment of all the three doshas, and mainly Vata dosha. An aggravated Vata causes a low digestive fire, leading to persistent constipation. This causes swelling of the veins in the rectum area that leads to hemorrhoids. Regular intake of Pomegranate is useful to manage hemorrhoids. This is because it helps promote Agni (digestive fire) which corrects constipation and reduce the inflammation in hemorrhoids.
Tips:
1. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon Pomegranate powder.
2. Swallow it with water after taking some food to manage hemorrhoids.
Tips:
1. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon Pomegranate powder.
2. Swallow it with water after taking some food to manage hemorrhoids.
What are the benefits of Pomegranate for Prostate cancer?
Modern Science View
Pomegranate contains polyphenolic antioxidants that inhibit the growth and destroy cancer cells. It also reduces inflammatory chemicals in the blood. This reduces inflammation and inhibits the advancement of cancer[7][17][18].
What are the benefits of Pomegranate for Rheumatoid arthritis?
Modern Science View
Pomegranate has anti-inflammatory activity. It inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory chemicals. This reduces swelling and stiffness of joints as well as joint damage. Pomegranate can thus be useful in the prevention of onset and severity of rheumatoid arthritis[7][12][21].
Ayurvedic View
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is known as Aamavata in Ayurveda. Amavata is a disease in which vitiation of Vata dosha and accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) takes place in the joints. This is due to a weak digestive fire. This Ama is carried to different locations through Vata but instead of being absorbed, it gets accumulated in the joints. Taking Pomegranate powder on a regular basis helps to control symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. It reduces Ama due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties and gives relief from the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
Tips:
1. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon Pomegranate powder.
2. Swallow it with water after taking some food to control the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
Tips:
1. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon Pomegranate powder.
2. Swallow it with water after taking some food to control the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
How effective is Pomegranate?
Likely effective
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Insufficient evidence
Atherosclerosis (plaque deposition inside the arteries), Coronary artery disease, Diabetes, Diarrhea, Dysentery, Erectile dysfunction, Fungal infections of vagina, High cholesterol, Hypertension (high blood pressure), Menopausal symptoms, Metabolic syndrome, Muscle building, Obesity, Periodontitis, Piles, Prostate cancer, Rheumatoid arthritis, Sore throat, Worm infections
Precautions when using Pomegranate
Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
It is safe to consume Pomegranate juice during breastfeeding. However there is not enough reliable information about the safety of using other forms of Pomegranate, such as Pomegranate extract. So it is advisable to drink only the juice during breastfeeding.
Moderate Medicine Interaction
Modern Science View
Pomegranate may decrease cholesterol level. So it is advisable to monitor your blood cholesterol level while taking Pomegranate with anti-hyperlipidemic drugs[7].
Patients with heart disease
Modern Science View
Pomegranate may lower the blood pressure. So it is generally advised to monitor your blood pressure while taking Pomegranate along with anti hypertensive drugs[7].
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
It is safe to consume Pomegranate juice during pregnancy. However there is not enough reliable information about the safety of using other forms of Pomegranate, such as Pomegranate extract. So it is advisable to drink only the juice during pregnancy.
Side Effects
Modern Science View
1. Runny nose
2. Difficulty breathing[7].
2. Difficulty breathing[7].
Recommended Dosage of Pomegranate
- Pomegranate Seeds - 1-2 Pomegranate or as per your requirement.
 - Pomegranate Juice - 1-2 glass of Pomegranate juice or as per your taste .
 - Pomegranate Powder - ¼-1/2 teaspoon twice a day.
 - Pomegranate Capsule - 1-2 capsules twice a day.
 - Pomegranate Tablet - 1-2 tablets twice a day.
 
How to use Pomegranate
1. Pomegranate Fruit Seeds
a. Peel off the Pomegranate and take out its seed.
b. Eat them preferably in the breakfast or in the afternoon.
2. Pomegranate Juice
a. Put the Pomegranate seeds into the juicer or purchase the already prepared juice from the market.
b. Drink it preferably in the breakfast or in the afternoon.
3. Pomegranate Powder
a. Take ¼-½ teaspoon Pomegranate Powder.
b. Swallow it with water or honey after taking lunch and dinner.
a. Peel off the Pomegranate and take out its seed.
b. Eat them preferably in the breakfast or in the afternoon.
2. Pomegranate Juice
a. Put the Pomegranate seeds into the juicer or purchase the already prepared juice from the market.
b. Drink it preferably in the breakfast or in the afternoon.
3. Pomegranate Powder
a. Take ¼-½ teaspoon Pomegranate Powder.
b. Swallow it with water or honey after taking lunch and dinner.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Pomegranate is a rich source of chemical constituents such as anthocyanin, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, triterpenes and phytosterols[3].
Modern Science View
Usually, you can drink up to 1-2 glass full of Pomegranate juice in a day preferably in the breakfast. Caution should be taken if you have cough and cold as it can make it worse.
Modern Science View
The whole fruit of Pomegranate can be kept in the refrigerator for more than 2 months. However, the juice and fruit (peeled off) should not be kept in the refrigerator for more than 5 days. So, if you want to increase the shelf life of Pomegranate, keep its peel intact and store it in the refrigerator.
Modern Science View
1. Take 1 cup of Pomegranate peels and seeds.
2. Add ½ cup of curd to it and blend it to form a paste.
3. Apply this paste on the hair and scalp.
4. Let it sit for 3-4 hours.
5. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
6. Use this pack once a week for smooth dandruff free hair.
2. Add ½ cup of curd to it and blend it to form a paste.
3. Apply this paste on the hair and scalp.
4. Let it sit for 3-4 hours.
5. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
6. Use this pack once a week for smooth dandruff free hair.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.