Can you eat too much pomegranate? Well, let’s find out.
The antibacterial properties of pomegranates (Punica granatum L.) date back thousands of years. For thousands of years, the Ayurvedic medical system prescribed them as a traditional cure.
There is antibacterial property in every component of the pomegranate plant, including the blossoms, bark, and fruit juice.
Even while pomegranates are typically considered safe and incredibly healthy, some people may have negative side effects. These include allergies, hypertension, medication interactions, and pregnancy-related complications. Pomegranate-related adverse effects will be discussed in more detail in this article.
Pomegranate’s Negative Effects
1. Allergies May Occur.
This is the most severe of the pomegranate’s negative effects. Pomegranate allergies may be life-threatening, despite their rarity. If you see any of these symptoms, you should take them very seriously.
Itching, swelling, throat discomfort, stomachache, and hives are all symptoms of these allergies. Swelling of the mouth and tongue, as well as anaphylactic shock, are all possible symptoms of anaphylaxis in its most severe forms.
Within 10 minutes of consuming pomegranate juice, a patient in one research had swelling of the ears, erythema (a reddening of the skin), and itching. She was also determined to be allergic to apples and birch pollen after further examination.
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2. Interacts with a Variety of Medications.
Certain drugs may interact with pomegranate, resulting in unwanted side effects. Drugs altered and broken down by the liver, as well as blood pressure medications, fall under this category.
If someone is using antihypertensive medication, the juice may have an adverse effect on their blood pressure.
Pomegranate has been reported to suppress the activity of an enzyme critical to the metabolism of pharmaceuticals in another study.
Consult your physician before consuming pomegranate if you are on any medication. For those on medicine for high blood pressure, this is critical.
3. Possibly Too Much of a Reduction in Blood Pressure
Pomegranates have been shown in studies to reduce blood pressure. For the most part, this is welcome news. Pomegranates should be avoided by those with low blood pressure or unstable blood pressure levels.
It’s possible that pomegranate might create complications during surgery because of this. Therefore, two weeks before to a planned operation, pomegranate consumption should be discontinued to prevent complications. Because there is so little study on the subject, you should consult with your physician.
4. In Pregnancy, FGR (Fetal Growth Restriction) May Occur
According to what we know so far, pomegranate juice may be safe, but other forms of pomegranate have not been well studied (like pomegranate extract). As a result, drinking just juice is advised throughout pregnancy. Pomegranate juice supplementation decreased fetal abdominal and head circumference in tests on animals.
Consult your doctor or midwife if you have a history of pomegranate allergies.
5. Digestive Disorders May Occur
There isn’t enough information out there on the subject. Pomegranate may induce nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, and diarrhea in some persons who eat it in excess.
Anecdotal data suggests that eating too much of this fruit might aggravate the digestive system. This, however, has not been proven scientifically.
What to Do If Allergic Reactions Occur
Don’t consume the fruit and seek medical help right away.