What happens to your body when you take pomegranate supplements?

Pomegranate 

Pomegranate is one of the fruits richest in antioxidants (Pixbay).

Pomegranate supplements come in many forms, including capsules, powder, and juice containing extracts from the seeds, juice, peel, leaves, and flowers. They are rich in polyphenols, compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and may help treat various ailments.

How do pomegranate supplements support health?

According to Verywell Health, pomegranate supplements show promising potential in providing health benefits, including:

Helping to treat inflammation

Pomegranate contains flavonoids (plant compounds) with antioxidant properties. These compounds help indirectly inhibit markers of inflammation.

Lowering blood pressure

Pomegranate juice is believed to inhibit the activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), an enzyme that helps regulate blood pressure, which may help lower systolic blood pressure.

Supporting Healthy Cholesterol Levels

The antioxidants in pomegranate juice may help keep cholesterol in a less harmful form and may reduce plaque buildup in blood vessels.

Improving Blood Flow

Pomegranate contains dietary nitrates, molecules that convert to nitric oxide, which can help widen blood vessels, improve blood flow, and lower blood pressure.

Are There Side Effects?

Generally, pomegranate supplements don't appear to have harmful side effects, but some individuals may experience gastrointestinal sensitivities that could lead to diarrhea.

There is little evidence about whether drinking pomegranate juice or taking pomegranate extract is harmful during pregnancy or breastfeeding. You should consult your doctor before starting any pomegranate supplement to ensure it is safe for you.

Pomegranate Supplements May Interact with Some Medications

While some juices, such as grapefruit juice, can interact with medications like those prescribed for cholesterol, the risks are unclear regarding pomegranate and certain medications.

In a study on liver cells, pomegranate juice inhibited cytochrome P450, an enzyme essential for drug absorption. Furthermore, the American Heart Association warns that statin-based cholesterol medications and pomegranate can be a dangerous combination.