Pomegranate tea: why consume it, how to prepare it and contraindications

Pomegranate has excellent antioxidant activity, among other properties that benefit health as a whole. The consumption of pomegranate tea can be even more advantageous, as it is possible to extract more intensely the benefits of the fruit in this form of consumption. Learn more about indications and preparation of this tea.

8 benefits of pomegranate tea

To enjoy the benefits of pomegranate, you can consume both the fresh fruit and its juice or teas made from its seeds or bark. Making tea from the pomegranate skin, however, is considered interesting due to the higher concentration of antioxidants present in this part of the fruit.

As advantages of consuming pomegranate tea, nutritionist Anna Carolina Diniz (CRN 16100966) highlights:

1. Antioxidant power: pomegranate is very rich in vitamin C and K, in addition to containing phytochemicals responsible for making it a fruit with high antioxidant power. Its antioxidant activity is similar to green tea and superior to that of grapes. It fights free radicals that are produced in the human body, improving the immune system as a whole.
2. Anti-inflammatory action: “Pomegranate has anti-inflammatory activity, preventing the degradation of collagen and articular cartilage, which makes it excellent for those who have arthritis and gout”, highlights Anna Carolina. It can also contribute by decreasing frequent headaches due to this property.
3. Ally of cardiovascular health: the pomegranate is also well known for its cardiometabolic activity. Anna Carolina explains: “Tea helps to control blood pressure in hypertensive people and reduces total and LDL cholesterol levels, helping to prevent atherosclerosis and heart attacks”.
4. Antidiabetic Action: Pomegranate is still known for its antidiabetic activity. “Studies have shown that the consumption of this fruit helps to reduce the impact of sugar after the first meal of the day”, explains the nutritionist.
5. Beauty ally: pomegranate tea can also be considered an ally for beauty care because, because pomegranate is very rich in antioxidants, it improves the appearance and elasticity of the skin, reducing wrinkles. “It also has protective effects against UV-A and UV-B radiation,” adds Anna Carolina.
6. Good intestinal functioning: studies also show that the polyphenols present in pomegranate help balance the intestinal microbiota, as they contribute to the increase of beneficial bacteria, thus preventing intestinal infection. And the pomegranate peel – used in the preparation of tea – can also have anti-diarrheal action, as highlighted by Anna Carolina.
7. Good oral health: pomegranate tea can also help prevent cavities, canker sores and gingivitis due to its antibacterial action in the mouth.
8. Fights sore throats: the anti-inflammatory action also makes pomegranate tea an ally to soothe sore throats. You can also use pomegranate tea to gargle.

It is worth mentioning that, to enjoy these benefits, tea must be taken regularly and associated with a healthy diet.

Contraindications

Despite being beneficial, pomegranate tea also has its contraindications. “The presence of alkaloids contraindicates the consumption of the fruit during pregnancy and lactation, as well as in young children”, highlights Anna Carolina.

“Consumption is also not advised in patients with a history of heart disease, renal failure and gastroduodenal ulcers”, adds the nutritionist.

Revenues

Check out below the main ways to prepare pomegranate tea:

1. Pomegranate tea (made with the seeds)

Ingredients

• pomegranate seeds
• 1 cup of boiling water

Preparation mode

1. With the pomegranate still closed, tap it with the back of a spoon to help loosen the seeds;
2. Open the pomegranate and separate its seeds;
3. Grind the seeds well, preferably with a mixer or processor;
4. Store in a closed container in a cool, dry place.
5. When making the tea, put 1 teaspoon of the crushed seeds in a cup;
6. Add 1 cup of boiling water over the seeds and cover the cup with a saucer;
7. Wait about 15 minutes and then consume the tea.

2. Pomegranate peel tea

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of pomegranate rind
• 500 ml of water

Preparation mode

1. Boil the water with the pomegranate peels inside;
2. When it starts to bubble, leave it on the fire for another 5 minutes;
3. Turn off the heat and cover, leaving for another 5 minutes;
4. Then strain and serve.

3. Pomegranate peel and oregano tea

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of pomegranate peel;
• 1 tablespoon of dried oregano;
• 300 ml of water.

Preparation mode

1. Place the pomegranate peel in a pan along with the water and bring to a boil;
2. When it starts to bubble, let it boil for another 5 minutes;
3. Turn off the heat and transfer the tea to a cup already with the oregano;
4. Cover the cup with a saucer and let it cool;
5. Then strain and drink.

Anna Carolina informs that it is not necessary to drink more than three cups of tea a day and comments that the consumption of fresh fruit juice also offers good results. She also knows the benefits of lettuce tea.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.