Khaberni - Like other fruits, pomegranate contains carbohydrates that turn into glucose (sugar) used by the body as an energy source. Some health experts claim that eating pomegranate on an empty stomach provides a boost of energy without a sharp rise in blood sugar, according to Very Well Health.
Eating pomegranate on an empty stomach
Health experts often promote the idea that eating fruit on an empty stomach offers special health benefits, but there is no evidence that this practice aids digestion or nutrient absorption.
According to Caroline Susie, a nutritionist and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in Dallas, to reap the benefits for heart health and antioxidants, the focus should be on including pomegranate in the diet regularly, adding that "regular consumption of pomegranate is more important than consuming it on an empty stomach."
Pomegranate juice and blood sugar
Nutrients can be obtained from pomegranate seeds and their juice, but only the seeds provide fiber. A cup of seeds contains 19 grams of sugar and 6 grams of fiber, while a cup of juice contains 34 grams of sugar and no fiber.
Due to the lack of fiber, drinking juice on an empty stomach can raise blood sugar levels faster than eating the seeds. Fiber helps slow down digestion and prevents sudden spikes in blood sugar levels. Protein has a similar effect by slowing the absorption of carbohydrates.
"If you're concerned about high blood sugar, choose seeds instead of juice, and pair them with proteins, such as Greek yogurt," Susie said.
Susie adds: "Pomegranate offers tremendous nutritional value. It doesn't matter when or how you consume it, whether added to yogurt or oatmeal, tossed in a salad, or even eaten upon waking up in the morning, there are numerous nutritional benefits," as follows:
1- Antioxidants
Pomegranate is often called a "superfood" because it contains antioxidants, such as polyphenols, that help protect against cancer and heart disease. Pomegranate contains three times the antioxidants found in green tea, a common source of antioxidants.
Recent randomized trial results showed that pomegranate extract helped reduce inflammation and blood pressure, partly due to the fruit's antioxidant content.
2- Reducing inflammation
Aging is associated with increased inflammation, which can also play a role in the development of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. Pomegranate can provide a cost-effective way to reduce inflammation associated with unhealthy aging.
Other studies have shown that pomegranate's anti-inflammatory effect can help people manage rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation throughout the body.
3- Boosting energy
The sugars found in pomegranate can provide a quick energy boost even if the fruit is not consumed on an empty stomach.
4- Supporting heart health
Eating pomegranate helps lower blood pressure. Consuming pomegranate seeds can also increase fiber intake, which also helps prevent heart disease. Susie added that eating pomegranate helps improve certain cardiovascular risk factors, such as inflammation markers, oxidative stress, and levels of good cholesterol.
