Pomegranates were a traditional remedy in Ayurveda for thousands of years. Their antibacterial properties were especially highly valued. Not only the fruits, but even the flowers, peels, arils, and bark of the plant are used by many. That said, it is important to note the side effects of pomegranates too.
Although pomegranates are generally considered safe, they may cause some adverse effects in a few individuals. These include drug interactions, low blood pressure, allergies, or even issues during pregnancy.
Read more to further understand the negative effects of pomegranates and how you can reduce the risk.
StyleCraze Trivia The word ‘pomegranate’ comes from the Latin words ‘pomum’ meaning apples and ‘granatum’ meaning seeded.
In This Article
Side Effects Of Pomegranates
1. May Cause Allergies
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This is the most serious of all side effects of pomegranates. Though rare, pomegranate allergies can be life-threatening. Please take the sign of any allergy seriously.
Symptoms of these allergies include itching, swelling, irritation in the throat, stomach pain, and hives. In severe cases, one may experience shortness of breath and difficulty in breathing, swelling of the throat and tongue, and anaphylactic shock (1).
In a study, a patient had developed swelling of the ears, erythema (reddening of the skin), and itching within 10 minutes of pomegranate ingestion. Further investigation found that she was allergic to apples and birch pollen as well (1).
Related: 14 Best Home Remedies For Skin Allergies | Causes And Symptoms
2. May Interact With Certain Drugs
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Pomegranate can interact with certain medications and cause undesirable side effects. These include the following (make sure you cross-check with your doctor):
- Medications changed and broken down by the liver, like amitriptyline (Elavil), desipramine (Norpramin), fluoxetine (Prozac), ondansetron (Zofran), tramadol (Ultram), rosuvastatin (Crestor), etc. (2).
- Medications for high blood pressure, like ACE inhibitors (Capoten, Vasotec, Prinivil, Altace, Zestril, etc.) and antihypertensive drugs (Diovan, Cozaar, Cardizem, Lasix, etc.). The juice may reduce blood pressure way too much, especially if someone is on antihypertensive drugs (3).
As per another report, pomegranate can inhibit the action of an enzyme important for drug metabolism (4).
If you are on any form of medication, please check with your doctor if you can consume pomegranate. This is especially important if you are taking medications for high blood pressure.
3. May Lower Blood Pressure Way Too Much
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Studies show that pomegranates can lower blood pressure levels (5). This is good news for most people. But individuals with low blood pressure or uncontrolled fluctuations in blood pressure levels must stay away from pomegranates.
This is one reason pomegranate may cause issues during surgery. Hence, stop pomegranate intake at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery. Since research is limited in this regard, it is important you speak to your doctor.
Related: 15 Simple & Natural Ways To Lower Your Blood Pressure At Home
4. May Cause Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR) During Pregnancy
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Though the juice could be safe, there is not enough research on the safety of other forms of pomegranate (like pomegranate extract). Hence, stick to the juice during pregnancy. Animal studies showed that pomegranate juice supplementation reduced fetal abdominal and head circumference (6).
If you have any history of allergic reactions, avoid pomegranate and consult your doctor or midwife.
5. May Cause Digestive Disorders
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There is insufficient information in this regard. The excessive consumption of pomegranate may cause many disorders, such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea in some people.
As per anecdotal evidence, excessive intake of this fruit may also irritate the gastrointestinal tract. However, there are no scientific studies to back this up.
These are some of the probable ill effects of pomegranates. In case you face any allergies after consuming pomegranates, here is what you can do.
Related: 15 Home Remedies For Indigestion, Relief Tips, & Foods To Take
What To Do If You Face Allergies
Stop eating the fruit and avail medical attention immediately. But until you visit the doctor, you can make use of some quick remedies.
If your symptoms involve a skin condition, do not rub or scratch the area. Also, don’t wash for long with soap or water as it will irritate the area further. Apply a skin lotion or ointment. This helps maintain skin moisture. Also, change to loose-fitting clothing.
In case of other severe reactions, please rush to the doctor right away. Look out for other symptoms like chest pain, drowsiness, confusion, fainting, and wheezing.
Stylecraze Says Alternatively, you may also apply aloe vera gel to soothe itching and redness caused by pomegranate. It has wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties (9).
Infographic – 5 Serious Side Effects Of Pomegranate
Pomegranate is a widely consumed fruit. It has been used as a traditional remedy in Ayurveda for its antibacterial properties. However, the fruit and its juice may cause many serious side effects. The infographic below focuses on the 5 must-know side effects of pomegranates everyone should be aware of. Scroll down and take a look.
Pomegranates are high in nutrients but low in calories. The many vitamins, minerals, and fiber benefit your health in many ways. However, excess consumption of pomegranates may cause some side effects. The fruit may cause allergies, interact with certain drugs, lower blood pressure levels way too much, and cause digestive disorders, chest pain, confusion, and drowsiness. Hence, take pomegranates in moderation to avoid these adverse effects. Consult your doctor in case of any medical emergencies.
