Pomegranate is a fruit that comes from the pomegranate tree (Punica granatum). It is a smaller deciduous tree or shrub that grows between 8 and 5 meters tall. It produces bright green oblong-shaped leaves from twisted gray colored stems. It grows bright red, 5-petal flowers with some white varieties.1 The pomegranate fruit itself is a globular berry covered in a leathery skin that’s red-brown in color. Inside the pomegranate fruit are multiple cavities of pomegranate seeds covered in a pinkish shell. This is the edible part of the fruit.1 These seeds have a sweet yet tart flavor. They can be eaten raw or made into pomegranate juice.2
Pomegranate health benefits include being a high source of fiber, potassium, vitamin C and vitamin K. Pomegranate also contains folate, vitamin B6 and phosphorus.2 It is high in antioxidants called polyphenols, which is why pomegranate is considered by many to be a superfood.3 Some of the important pomegranate health benefits include:
Pomegranate uses include being a natural remedy to treat or prevent the following conditions:
There are no known pomegranate side effects when added to a normal, healthy diet. Some people may be allergic to pomegranate and shouldn’t consume it. Other pomegranate side effects include having possible negative interactions with blood thinning medications. If you have low blood pressure or are already on blood pressure medications, do not take pomegranate as it can further lower blood pressure levels.2