Is Pomegranate Good for Weight Loss? 

Pomegranate For Weight Loss: Does it Work?

Pomegranate: Benefits for Weight Loss

Here’s how pomegranates are apt for weight loss:

Low in Calories

One of the most attractive qualities of pomegranates is that they are low in calories. One average-sized pomegranate (282 g) contains 234 calories. Therefore, you can add them to your daily diet without worrying about your calorie count. To lose weight, it is essential that you are on a calorie deficit. Therefore it is important to add foods that are low in calories to your weight loss diet. In this case, pomegranates would be a perfect choice.

Packed with Nutrients

Pomegranates are a rich source of nutrients such as folate, vitamin K, vitamin E, vitamin B6, and potassium. These nutrients are essential for maintaining body weight as they help maintain a healthy metabolic rate, which would help your body burn more calories. Burning more calories than you consume is the key to losing weight. 

Rich in Fibre

Foods that are high in fibre, such as pomegranates, play an important role in weight loss. Fibre absorbs water and tends to swell up in your stomach and intestine. Thus, fibre-containing foods can keep you full for long periods and prevent the need for frequent snacking. This in turn helps in controlling your calorie intake and promotes weight loss. Fibre is also essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system. 

High in Antioxidants

Pomegranates are high in antioxidants. Antioxidants are compounds that protect your body from the damage caused by harmful free radicals. If your body is unable to process and eliminate free radicals efficiently, it can damage your cells and affect the functioning of your body. 

Antioxidants work by neutralising these free radicals and contributing to your overall health. They also have metabolism-boosting properties which help in weight loss. Including antioxidant-rich foods in your diet is therefore a smart way to shed weight and lose fat.

Contains Polyphenol Compounds

Pomegranates are known to be rich in polyphenols (mainly anthocyanins), which are known to be natural fat burners. Polyphenols are a group of biologically active compounds found in plants. These compounds contribute to your overall well being. 

They promote weight loss by boosting your metabolism and helping your body burn more calories. Therefore, a diet rich in polyphenols can aid in weight loss and reduce the accumulation of fat in the body. 

How to Use Pomegranate for Weight Loss?

There are various ways to incorporate pomegranate into your daily diet:

• Have half a cup of pomegranate arils as a snack in between meals.
• Add them to your salads with other fruits and vegetables.
• Sprinkle a handful of pomegranate seeds in your yoghurt.
• Add half a glass of pomegranate juice to your salad dressing to improve its nutrients and taste.

Which is the Best Time to Eat Pomegranate for Weight Loss?

You can have pomegranates at any time of the day. It is highly nutritious and low in calories, making it a perfect addition to your weight loss diet. However, consuming the fruit or its juice in the morning is considered more beneficial while trying to lose weight.

How Much Pomegranate Should I Eat in a Day for Weight Loss?

You can consume 250 to 300 grams of pomegranate (1 cup of arils) in a day. Consuming pomegranate juice is also an effective way to reap its health benefits. However, consuming the whole fruit is more beneficial as the fibre content in the juice is much lower.

Risks of Overconsumption of Pomegranate for Weight Loss

Though pomegranates are a great source of vitamins and minerals, consuming more than the recommended quantity in a day may result in unwanted side effects. Overconsumption may cause problems with digestion (such as gas or bloating). A very high intake of pomegranate seeds may also increase the risk of intestinal blockage with severe constipation.