According to a study, published in the Journal Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, pomegranate reduces the risk of complications linked to obesity. A team of researchers in Iran and Australia conducted the study, that determines the potential of pomegranate extract against obesity and complications related to it.
The researchers tested the pomegranate extract on plasma inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers, as well as serum metabolic profiles, in overweight and obese individuals. Obesity is a medical condition characterized by excess body fat that imposes negative effects on an individual’s health. Among the health complications related to obesity include are
- Type-II diabetes
- Heart diseases
- High blood pressure
- Increased stroke risk
- Gallbladder, fatty liver disease
- High cholesterol
- Sleep apnoea and other breathing problems
The results of the study showed that pomegranate extract supplementation caused a significant reduction in the levels of glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Moreover, it alleviated the plasma levels of MDA, IL-6, and hyper sensitive-C reactive protein. The treatment group also presented an increase in the levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol after consuming pomegranate extract.
These results led the researchers to conclude that taking pomegranate extract for 30 days may help lower the risk of complications related to obesity.
Health experts advise people, who are using medications for high blood pressure like statins, to consume pomegranates and their juice cautiously as it may interact with these medications.
Source: tophealthjournal.com
