Pomegranate Supplements

Pomegranate's numerous health-promoting benefits can now be obtained in the form of highly concentrated liquid and powdered extracts.

Pomegranate supplements allow you to maximize the antioxidant benefits of the fruit while avoiding the calories and sugar. Extracts are less expensive than consuming equal amounts of pure fruit juice, and the health benefits may increase depending on the source. Extracts that utilize pomegranate peel offer added benefits as the peel appears to have much higher levels of antioxidants than the fruit. However, there is one benefit that supplements can't offer. The crunchy seeds are a good source of fiber, and they help flush fats from the digestive tract.

There are may pomegranate supplements and related products on the market incuding liquid and powder concentrates, extracts, pomegrante peel and pomegranate seed oil.

Similar to pomegranate juice and extract, the oil from the seeds of the pomegranate provides a powerful anti-oxidant benefit, fighting free radicals that damage and age the skin. Pomegranate oil is also a potent source of punicic acid, an Omega 5 conjugated fatty acid, beneficial phytoestrogen, and a rare plant based source of CLA.

A study from the University of Michigan Medical School, published in the February 2006 Journal of Ethnopharmacology, supports the benefits of pomegranate seed oil as a skin treatment. In addition, a 2003 study by South Dakota State University showed that a topical application of pomegranate seed oil significantly decreased the incidence of skin cancer in mice that had been exposed to cancer causing chemicals.

Pomegranate seed oils are available in oil and capsule form. The oil may be used topically or taken orally under the guidance of a health care professional.

Numerous pomegranate extracts are commercially available, some of which are made from whole fruits, including the peel. Most extracts are available as capsules, but you can also buy pomegranate extract powder. Extracts are available in various blends and strengths. You should consult your physician before adding these to your diet.

Some extracts use the only the peel which is normally discarded in the juicing process. According to some Chinese researchers, pomegranate peel yields double the amount of antioxidants than the pulp, and has potential as a powerful health supplement. Pomegranate peelings have been prepared as tea for the treatment of diarrhea for centuries. In Arabia, pomegranate peelings are used for burns and to treat infected cuts or wounds. Soaked pomegranate peelings have been used for sore throats, stomach aches and indigestion.

Pomegranate peel can be purchased in dried form. When crushed, the peel can be used for culinary, cosmetic, or medicinal purposes. Pomegranate peel can also be found in powder and capsule form.

The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional. You should not use the information on this site for treatment of any health problem. As with any herbal or dietary supplement, talk to your doctor before adding pomegranate juice or pomegranate supplements to your regular diet.