Pomegranate   - University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (2024)

FAQs

Is pomegranate juice good for your kidneys? ›

Is pomegranate juice good for your kidneys? Pomegranate juice can have a positive effect on blood pressure, which in turn might benefit kidney health. However, according to the National Kidney Foundation, some people with kidney disease may need to limit their intake of pomegranates.

Pomegranates have polyphenol compounds called punicalagins or ellagitannins. These antioxidants help prevent your artery walls from thickening and reduce the buildup of cholesterol and plaque. Pomegranate juice also has high amounts of plant pigments called anthocyanins and anthoxanthins, which support heart health.

The name pomegranate derives from medieval Latin pōmum "apple" and grānātum "seeded". Possibly stemming from the old French word for the fruit, pomme-grenade, the pomegranate was known in early English as "apple of Grenada"—a term which today survives only in heraldic blazons.

Consequently, the juice from pomegranates can replenish your body in the morning. Most of its nutrients are assimilated when the stomach is empty. Therefore, consuming the juice of pomegranates first thing in the morning on an empty stomach is preferable to any other time of day.

Look for 100% juice with no added sugar. If you have diabetes, ask your doctor before drinking fruit juices, including pomegranate. If you have diarrhea, do not drink pomegranate juice or take pomegranate extract. Pregnant women should not take pomegranate extract because it may contain fruit rind.

Pomegranate juice consumption for 3 years by patients with carotid artery stenosis reduces common carotid intima-media thickness, blood pressure and LDL oxidation.

Taking pomegranate juice along with medications for high blood pressure might cause your blood pressure to go too low. Some medications for high blood pressure include captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), ramipril (Altace), and others.

Pomegranate juice is highly acidic. Although acidic foods and beverages aren't inherently harmful, they may trigger heartburn and reflux in some people. Acidic juice may be particularly likely to trigger these conditions since it has no fiber.

Why do your juices have a high sugar content? The sugar listed comes from the naturally occurring pomegranate fruit sugars that give our juice its delicious taste. In fact, POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice is natural and does not contain any preservatives, colors, flavors, added sugar, or artificial sweeteners.

Inside each aril is a small seed. It's OK to eat the arils as a whole or stick with the juice and spit out the seeds. But don't eat the rind and white areas, called membranes, around the arils. Half of a cup of arils has 72 calories, 16 grams of carbohydrates and three grams of fiber.

What does the Bible say about pomegranates? ›

Pomegranates are a symbol of righteousness in Judaism. They are first mentioned in The Bible when they are brought back by the spies to evidence the fruitfulness of the Land of Cnaan (Numbers 13:23(. In Exodus (28:33–35) pomegranate designs are part of God's instructions for the making of priestly garments.

Though the white, pithy part is safe to eat, it's bitter and most people choose to discard it. The skin is technically edible as well but generally used in extract and powdered forms. Freeze the seeds. You can store leftover pomegranate seeds in your freezer for up to 12 months.

Using real pomegranates makes a real difference

At POM we obsessively review every step of the production process. We even designed our own proprietary pressing equipment in order to extract maximum flavor and nutrients. This is how we can guarantee pomegranate perfection in each bottle.

The insoluble fiber in the pomegranate helps to boost the gut health by acting as a prebiotic which eventually acts as a laxative and makes the transmission smoother. Although it is always suggested to eat whole fruits rather than drinking juice to avail maximum fiber and satiety.

Studies suggest the juice may help lower levels of harmful LDL cholesterol and reduce blood pressure. But as is true for all fruits, you're better off consuming the fruit itself (so you eat the fiber-rich seeds) rather than drinking juice. A half-cup of pomegranate arils contains just 72 calories.

Pomegranates have been shown to improve blood pressure, reduce oxidative stress, and improve cholesterol profiles. Cranberries, on the other hand, have been linked to improved blood vessel function and a lower risk of heart disease. Cranberries are well known for their beneficial effects on urinary tract health.