What happens to your blood pressure when you drink pomegranate juice every day?

Pomegranates are a nutritious fruit that contain compounds with powerful antioxidant properties and are thought to contribute to lowering blood pressure.

How does pomegranate juice help lower blood pressure?

Three prominent antioxidants in pomegranate, pedunculagin, punicalin, and gallagic acid, may affect blood pressure through three main mechanisms:

Drinking 300 ml of pomegranate juice daily reduces systolic blood pressure by an average of 6 mmHg

Photo: AI

Reduce oxidative stress : Antioxidants from pomegranates have the ability to neutralize free radicals in the body, helping to improve blood vessel function and contribute to lowering blood pressure.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors : The active ingredients in pomegranates can help blood vessels dilate by blocking ACE - the enzyme that causes blood vessels to constrict - thereby reducing blood pressure. This effect is quite similar to some blood pressure lowering drugs.

Increased nitric oxide (NO) production : Nitric oxide is a gas produced by the body that dilates blood vessel walls. Pedunculagin in pomegranate can stimulate the release of enzymes that promote NO synthesis, thereby helping to lower blood pressure when NO levels increase.

Effectiveness depends on dosage and subject

The blood pressure-lowering effects of pomegranate juice may depend on the dose. A 2023 review of studies found that drinking 300 ml of pomegranate juice daily reduced systolic blood pressure by an average of 6 mm Hg. Drinking a larger amount reduced diastolic blood pressure by an average of 3 mm Hg.

Additionally, according to a 2024 analysis, people with initial systolic blood pressure above 130 mmHg experienced greater reductions after consuming pomegranate juice.

However, through the results of many studies, it can be seen that the effectiveness of reducing blood pressure depends on the subject, not everyone has the same effect. Some studies show that after 2 months, the blood pressure lowering effect of pomegranate juice tends to decrease. Meanwhile, a 2017 review study noted that this effect is quite stable and long-lasting.

Are there any risks?

Pomegranate juice is generally safe for most people and provides many nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, potassium and magnesium.

Although pomegranate side effects are not common, some people may experience problems such as bloating, mild nausea, constipation, diarrhea (if taken in large amounts), allergies, etc.

Additionally, pomegranate juice contains quite a lot of natural sugar (about 26 grams of sugar per cup), so it may not be suitable for people who need to control their blood sugar. There are currently no records of significant drug interactions or risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women. However, people should still consult their doctor before using pomegranate as a form of medical treatment.

Pomegranates have long been used in traditional medicine.

AI Photo

How to make pomegranate juice at home

There are currently no official guidelines for using pomegranates to treat diseases. However, studies suggest that drinking about 1 cup (about 240-300 ml) of pomegranate juice per day can be beneficial in helping to lower blood pressure, according to Verywell Health (USA).

Here is how people can easily squeeze pomegranate juice at home:

• Cut the pomegranate in half.
• Split the pomegranate into segments and remove the seeds.
• Place the seeds in a blender and blend gently for 5-15 seconds, just enough to release the juice without crushing the seeds. Blending too much can make the liquid lumpy and difficult to drink.
• Filter the water through a sieve, use a spoon to gently press to get all the juice.

Once squeezed, you can drink it immediately or store it in the refrigerator. Homemade pomegranate juice should be used within 5 days.

Other health benefits of pomegranate

Pomegranates have long been used in traditional medicine. Today, many compounds in pomegranates are being studied for their potential to help treat and prevent various diseases.

Good for the heart : Punicalagin in pomegranate can prevent atherosclerosis, while helping stabilize atherosclerotic plaques, reducing the risk of plaque rupture causing heart attack or stroke.

Skin care : Anti-inflammatory substances in the ellagitannin group in pomegranates help wounds heal faster and slow down skin aging.

Oral health : Polyphenols in pomegranates have antibacterial properties, which can reduce plaque-causing bacteria and limit adhesion to tooth surfaces.

Diabetes support : Ellagitannin can inhibit starch-digesting enzymes, thereby helping to reduce the increase in blood sugar after meals, while also helping to reduce cravings.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/dieu-gi-xay-ra-voi-huet-ap-khi-ban-uong-nuoc-ep-luu-moi-ngay-185250721211817815.htm