The juice of various fruits is now a part of health diet and have been proven to offer documented benefits. Certain fruits have pride of place as superior choices, offering a range of benefits that outdo the benefits of other fruits. For instance, pomegranate is considered as a powerhouse of phytochemicals that make it a popular choice among users for health benefits. With an history that traces back thousands of years, the juice of pomegranate needs very little introduction. Here is an in-depth look at this popular choice with interesting information on pomegranate juice side effects that requires caution among certain categories of users.
Overview of pomegranate juice
Before we look at the pomegranate juice side effects it is important to understand the health benefits of the juice. This is essential as it will help identify the category of users and the use cases of the juice. A better understanding of who is likely to end up with pomegranate juice side effects is possible only when the users and the reasons for its continued use are identified.
The first health benefit that merits attention is the abundant source of antioxidants in pomegranate that makes it a poplar choice among individuals who are health conscious. The presence of polyphenols gives the fruit its ripe red color, and these chemicals are the actual source of antioxidants that help combat free radicals. Additionally, antioxidants are responsible for protecting cells from damage, and reducing inflammation in the body. Antioxidants also help elderly patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and helps to prevent degradation of the patient’s memory.
Pomegranate juice is recommended for use by patients diagnosed with prostate cancer. While studies have recorded results that are indicate favorable, promising results, there is a need for additional in-depth studies to ascertain this claim. However, the juice is widely used, as it is unlikely to cause any undesirable or adverse reaction among patients. As a rich source of Vitamin C, the juice of pomegranate effectively meets a significant portion of the daily requirement of the essential nutrient of adults. A single glass of juice will help individuals meet most of the requirement, which will make it easier for meeting the recommended daily average of nutrients.
By virtue of its ability to reduce inflammation in the body, it is helpful in boosting the digestive process. This is especially true for patients diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel syndrome and Crohn’s disease. The anti-inflammatory properties of the fruit make it an ideal juice for patients with arthritis. Many conditions are attributed to the inflammation in the body, and subsequent damage to cartilage. By reducing inflammation, the juice helps in managing the condition in combination with other prescription medications and treatment regimens. It is also traditionally used in sections of society to help control diarrhea.
In addition to the above, the juice of pomegranate is regarded as the best choice for helping improve heart health. By virtue of the antioxidants and the ability to reduce inflammation, the arteries and the heart are better protected with the juice. By ensuring better blood flow and by preventing the thickening of arteries, and plaque build-up, the juice helps improve heart health. A word of caution is however, necessary at this juncture ; the juice and its properties may result in undesirable effects on medications that are prescribed for cholesterol and blood pressure. This is explained in details in subsequent sections dealing with pomegranate juice side effects.
The juice of pomegranate helps lower systolic pressure and this makes it a healthy choice for individuals with the condition. However, this is to be taken in moderate levels and with the specific consent or recommendation of the treating specialist. By virtue of its immunity boosting properties, the juice is effective in helping individuals fight infections. It is an abundant source of many essential nutrients, that help in improving bodily functions. This includes fertility and the sexual ability of individuals, by increasing testosterone levels in individuals. Fertility improvement is specifically attributed to the antioxidants that help fight the oxidative stress that is responsible for lower fertility rates.
Finally, the juice of pomegranate is effective in enhancing performance in sports, by helping individuals recover faster. The cycle of exercise results in oxidative damage and the rate with which individuals recover from this damage helps in boosting performance. As a result, pomegranate juice is known to be effective in helping athletes and individuals in sporting activities to recover faster after workouts and perform better during events. It is also known to lower blood sugar levels and reduce the resistance to insulin that is considered as one of the reasons for certain individuals to turn diabetic. Research is ongoing to conclusively establish the effects of the juice in helping individuals with diabetes. With the benefits listed in detail, it is time to dwell on pomegranate juice side effects.
Commonly reported pomegranate juice side effects
While the juice is healthy and will not typically create or result in adverse effects, it is necessary to know all about pomegranate juice side effects that affects certain categories of users. A possible undesirable effect could be allergic reactions to the fruit. Certain individuals are prone to specific food products, allergens, and animal dander. There is the possibility of individuals experiencing sensitivity to pomegranate. This could be indicated through easily observable symptoms such as running nose, difficulty in breathing and itching sensation.
The most common undesirable effect is attributed to wrong use of the fruit. The root, the stem and the skin are not to be consumed, and its consumption or use in fruit juices could trigger side effects. While pomegranate juice side effects are relatively less, affecting only certain categories of users, it is essential to avoid consumption of excessive amounts of the juice. For instance, by virtue of its ability to bring down blood sugar levels, individuals are advised to seek medical guidance, when on prescription medication. For instance, individuals on medications to control diabetes will end up with considerably reduced blood sugar levels when both are taken together.
Similarly, individuals with low blood pressure levels or on medications to control blood pressure levels are advised to take the juice only with consent of the treating specialist. Excessive amounts can result in pomegranate juice side effects that include a reduction in blood pressure levels that may turn serious in nature.
While most individuals tend to consider allergies as a mild or moderate undesirable effect, it is to be borne in mind that certain allergies can manifest and turn into serious side effects. Some allergies can aggravate and are known to turn life threatening in nature of not controlled in time. However, it is necessary to add that not all allergies will end up as serious in nature. Allergies from pomegranates are a rare occurrence and limited to individuals who are sensitised or allergic to certain food products. As mentioned above, symptoms of allergies are easily discernible. Certain side effects are serious in nature and indicative of pomegranate juice side effects that could manifest into emergency situations. For instance, shortness of breath and any difficulty while breathing are to be regarded as possible serious effects. This could also be possible when the individual experiences swelling of the throat or the tongue. Any irritation in the throat is also to be monitored closely with suitable remedial actions or medications. Anaphylactic shock is another possible indication of serious side effects and individuals are cautioned to stay on guard and seek urgent medical intervention.
Pomegranate juice side effects : interactions with other medications
The juice may also end up causing interactions with other drugs or medications. This could include prescription medications, OTC formulations, herbal supplements and natural remedies. Interactions that result in pomegranate juice side effects are mainly as a result of complications from the mechanism of action or the properties of active ingredients. For instance, medications that are processed by the liver may interact with the juice of pomegranate. This includes medications such as rosuvastatin, tramadol and amitriptyline. Medications that are prescribed for treating high blood pressure may also end up with interactions. For instance, ACE inhibitors and various anti-hypertensive medications may interact with the juice of pomegranate. The desired outcomes of the medication may improve beyond the desired levels, resulting in ill health or serious health issues.
By virtue of the properties of pomegranate, the enzymes that are required for drug metabolism are likely to be impacted. As a result, this will impact the efficacy of drugs and the desired outcomes. Individuals on medications for various conditions are required to seek medical assistance to identify medications that may be affected when taken alongside pomegranate juice. Among pomegranate juice side effects that are regarded as serious, the possibility of fluctuating blood pressure levels ranks high. This could have an impact on surgical procedures. Individuals planning to undergo surgeries are typically advised to stay off pomegranate juice for a fortnight prior to the procedure. Studies regarding the impact are ongoing, and patients are advised to seek medical advice on this effect.
Various studies have indicated the possibility of an impact on the fetus. While the studies have been primarily conducted on animals, and not humans, it is safe to take adequate precautions. The best method is to avoid taking products that are extracted from the fruit. The juice of pomegranate will have considerably lesser adverse effects than products that are extracted from the fruit. Individuals can avoid some pomegranate juice side effects by choosing natural juice over extracts. Other commonly reported undesirable effects are mainly related to digestive issues faced by a section of patients with specific conditions. For instance, pain in the abdomen, diarrhea and vomiting are possibilities that may be experienced by patients when the juice is consumed in excessive quantities.
How to prevent pomegranate juice side effects?
The juice of pomegranate is relatively safe and will not trigger undesirable effects for a majority of individuals. Possibilities of pomegranate juice side effects exist among individuals who consume excessive quantities. Additionally, individuals with specific health conditions as mentioned above are susceptible to possible side effects. Identification of existing health conditions, and medications that could result in interactions will help in preventing possible side effects. This will also help in reducing the intensity of the effects, while also preventing the effects from turning serious in nature.
Education: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from New York University. Experience: 5 years of experience writing for physiotherapy and sports medicine blogs, providing expert insights on injury prevention and rehabilitation.
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