There’s one superfood that does not get its due attention and that’s pomegranate! This nutrient-dense fruit with its bright vibrant seeds are full of juicy goodness with the right combination of sweetness and tartness, can be considered a superfood due to its high levels of antioxidants (anthocyanins, flavonoids, polyphenols), vitamins such as vitamin C and vitamin K, and also for its immunity-boosting and inflammation-fighting properties. However, recently, there has been some talk about how pomegranate can help with weight loss. So, does pomegranate really help with weight loss? Let’s find out:
Let’s start with the calorie count, there are just 83 calories in 100 gm of pomegranate seeds, but having a medium-sized pomegranate calories can go up to 234. The glycemic index of pomegranate is 53 which falls into the average range, which means it does not raise blood sugar too sharply. Also, the glycemic load is also in the medium range at 18, which means it is a diet-friendly fruit. Also read: “8 Best Antioxidant-Rich Fruits for Healthy Weight Loss.”
Next, we talk about anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are a group of flavonoids present in pomegranate juice along with tannins, which are bioactive compounds. Anthocyanins are compounds that can control metabolic syndrome and obesity by improving lipid metabolism, increasing calorie burn, suppressing food intake and inhibiting fat absorption. This category of antioxidants fight free radicals that cause cellular damage. Studies indicate that anthocyanin-rich foods not only lower the risk of metabolic diseases like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, but also reduce inflammation, oxidative stress, and slow down build-up of body fat, particularly around the belly. Reports show that pomegranate along with blood orange are fruits with the highest amount of anthocyanins in them. Additionally, since this fruit has a good amount of B vitamins, they help to boost metabolism as well, so does the presence of potassium. Also, when when you consume the fruit without juicing it out, you get enough fiber to boost further fat burning. Also read: “15 Foods That Slow Down Fat Accumulation in the Body.”
So, yes, pomegranate does help to boost weight loss, but relying solely on pomegranate or pomegranate juice will not melt all that extra fat. You need to be in a calorie deficit without compromising on nutrition, eating healthy food and deriving the energy and nutrients that are necessary for the fat-burning process. Subscribe to the Rati Beauty app to access weight loss diet plans.
Now that you know that pomegranate is a weight-loss friendly food, it can be enjoyed in various ways – pomegranate raita, pomegranate chutney, cucumber and pomegranate salad are a few options. You can also sprinkle it on poha, regular salads, Greek yogurt, fruit chat, and also to add sweetness to South Indian curd rice.
15 Foods That Slow Down Fat Accumulation in the Body
8 Best Antioxidant-Rich Fruits for Healthy Weight Loss
