12/11/2018 / By Michelle Simmons
Pomegranate can help prevent complications linked to obesity, according to a study published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice.
A team of researchers in Iran and Australia conducted the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to determine the effect of pomegranate extract on plasma inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers, as well as serum metabolic profiles, in overweight and obese individuals.
Obesity has been linked to various health complications, such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, gallbladder disease, fatty liver disease, high cholesterol, sleep apnea and other breathing problems, arthritis, infertility, and certain cancers like breast, colon, and endometrial cancers.
To carry out the study, the research team recruited 48 obese and overweight individuals, then divided them into two groups: one treatment and one control group. Participants assigned to the treatment group consumed 1000 milligrams (mg) of pomegranate extract every day for a period of 30 days, while the control group received a placebo.
The research team measured the anthropometric parameters, dietary intake, plasma concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin-6, and hyper sensitive-C reactive protein, as well as levels of serum lipids, glucose, and insulin at the beginning and end of the intervention period.
The results of the pomegranate extract supplementation of 30 days led to a significant reduction in serum glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. In addition, it reduced plasma MDA, IL-6, and hyper sensitive-C reactive protein. Moreover, the treatment group exhibited an increase in the levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol increased after taking pomegranate extract. (Related: Pomegranate extract found to help mitigate the effects of a high fat diet; when combined with inulin, it also lowers cholesterol.)
With these findings, the researchers concluded that taking pomegranate extract for 30 days may help lower the risk of complications related to obesity.
A pomegranate fruit is round in shape and is covered in a hard, shiny red-yellow skin. When you split it in half, you will see its jewel-like inner seeds, which can be eaten raw or juiced. These pomegranate seeds are known as arils. Studies have shown that pomegranate provides many health benefits:
When selecting pomegranates, look for those that have shiny and unblemished skin, and those that feel heavy for their size. Typically, these pomegranates are the juiciest. For those who are using medications for high blood pressure and statins, be cautious when consuming pomegranate and its juice, as they may interact with these medications.
Read more news stories and studies on the health benefits of pomegranate by going to Superfoods.news.
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Tagged Under: alternative medicine, cholesterol, glucose, inflammation, insulin, natural cures, natural healing, natural medicine, natural remedies, obesity, obesity-related complications, overweight, pomegranate, pomegranate extract, supplements