Pomegranate juice has loads of nutrients like vitamin C and minerals that are good for your health. However, there are side effects of too much pomegranate juice that can affect any conditions or diseases you may have.
Before I introduce any food to my children I always make sure I run it through their pediatrician first to see if it’s okay and how much I should give. So when I wanted to start making pomegranate juice for my kids I sought the advice of their doctor. To my surprise pomegranates have several side effects that I didn’t think such a delicious fruit would have. I was advised not to give them too much of it and carefully observe any reactions they might have.
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Pomegranate is a delicious red fruit that has many health benefits. Drinking pomegranate juice supplies your body with vitamins and minerals. It also contains antioxidants that protect your cells from damage which can lead to chronic illnesses. There are some side effects of too much pomegranate juice that are important to note before you start drinking the juice.
Side effects of too much pomegranate juice
May cause allergies
Some people may be allergic to pomegranate. If you have plant allergies you could be allergic to pomegranate. Some of the symptoms are a swollen face, rashes, hives, nausea, difficulty in breathing, red itchy eyes, pain when swallowing, and vomiting. To be on the safe side, it’s a good idea to drink pomegranate juice in moderation. Even the pesticides on the fruit can cause an allergic reaction, so make sure the fruit is cleaned properly before eating.
Cause digestive problems
Pomegranate is very beneficial to your stomach by maintaining a healthy digestive system with the help of its dietary fiber. It helps in bowel movement and makes it easy to remove waste material from your body. However, excess dietary fiber can cause diarrhea, constipation, stomach cramps, intestinal blockage, and intestinal gas.
Effect of enzymes
Excess drinking of pomegranate juice can affect the enzymes present in pomegranates preventing certain enzymes in your liver to function properly. It can also make things worse if you have a preexisting liver condition. Before taking pomegranate juice it’s good to consult your doctor to avoid making things worse.
Can lead to weight gain
Pomegranates have a lot of water and dietary fiber that is good if you want to shed a few pounds. On the flip side, if you drink too much pomegranate juice you consume a lot of calories which builds up leading to weight gain. If you’re on a diet you might consider reducing the quantity of pomegranate juice you consume so that it doesn’t interfere with your weight loss diet.
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Can lead to hypotension
Pomegranate juice contains potassium that is a good vasodilator which helps to relax your blood vessels helping blood to easily flow and lower your blood pressure. Pomegranate juice is effective in lowering your blood pressure but if taken in excess it can significantly lower your blood pressure to dangerous levels.
This can lead to hypotension which means your blood pressure is too low. You can experience symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, nausea, lightheadedness, blurred vision, and depression. If you’re already taking blood pressure medication it’s advisable not to drink pomegranate juice to avoid interfering with the medication.
Can affect your blood sugar levels
Pomegranates have a low glycemic load and very beneficial if you’re a diabetic. This means they slow down the rate at which sugars are released into your bloodstream. This is a good thing but it can also be a bad one. If you take too much pomegranate juice it can extremely lower your blood sugar levels leading to hypoglycemia. This can cause headaches, blurred vision, pale skin, rapid heartbeat, etc. If you’re on diabetic medication stay away from pomegranate juice. It’s also high in fructose which isn’t good for diabetics.
Now that you have these information, caution is recommended.
Pomegranate juice is good for your health but like everything else too much of pomegranate juice is poisonous. If drank in moderation, you can reap all the benefits that come with it. However, drank in excess it can lead to problems with your digestive system, lower your blood pressure levels to dangerous levels, and interfere with your weight loss diet. Excess pomegranate juice can also lower your blood sugar levels to a point of causing hypoglycemia which can worsen your condition.
FAQ
Can I drink pomegranate juice on an empty stomach?
If you have a preexisting condition like hypoglycemia or diabetes, it’s not a good idea to drink it on an empty stomach. However, you can eat the seeds its dietary fiber can slow down the absorption of sugars into your bloodstream.
How much pomegranate juice should you drink in a day?
There is no recommended amount for adults but 8-12 ounces per day is a safe and healthy quantity id good for most people. Make sure the juice you’re drinking is pure pomegranate juice that contains no added sugars.
Is pomegranate juice good for your kidneys?
Pomegranate juice has antioxidants that help reduce the risks of kidney patients developing problems with their heart. It helps to improve your cholesterol levels and improves your cardiovascular health.
Does pomegranate juice make you urinate more?
If you have a bacterial infection you’re advised to drink fluids that will flush it out. Pomegranate juice contains vitamin C and antioxidants that prevent bacteria from sticking on your urinary bladder walls, also boost your immunity to remove toxins for your body.
Can drinking pomegranate juice help lower my cholesterol?
It’s said that pomegranate juice can help to slow down or block the buildup of cholesterol in your arteries for people with a high risk of heart disease. Make sure the juice has no added sugars