The fruit pomegranate grows on the tree by the name Punica grantum. This tree is native to Iran. However, now it grows in parts of the Mediterranean, Africa, Europe, and Asia. The pomegranate is used in folk medicine for thousands of years.
Moreover, laboratory tests show its antiviral, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties.
There is no such thing as a standard dose of pomegranate for medical purposes. However, the safe dose would be from 8 to 12 ounces on a daily basis.
But, in case someone has diabetes they need to consult a doctor before they decide to include this juice or any juice in their usual diet.
The Best Part of the Pomegranate for Diabetes
Undoubtedly this fruit is a combination of taste and health. The pomegranate seeds and also its peel contains many health benefits.
However, for those with diabetes, the best part of the pomegranate is its flower. The pomegranate flower can be extremely beneficial for them since it can help control blood sugar levels.
Pomegranate Flower
A 2008 review of “Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism” reports that practitioners of Unani and Ayurveda, 2 medical sciences of India, actually prescribe the flower of pomegranate to treat diabetes and improve blood glucose levels.
According to the authors of the review, there are specific compounds in the pomegranate flower. The name of these compounds is PPARs. Furthermore, they might be responsible for the effect on blood glucose levels.
The compounds PPARs are actually part when it comes to the regulation of the balance of blood glucose. These factors help regulate oxidation, inflammation, fatty acid uptake, vascular function, and glucose homeostasis.
Moreover, synthetic PPARs are usually used to treat different metabolic disorders; this includes hyperglycemia. The flowers are abundant in antioxidants, and they have photochemical reservoirs. This helps when it comes to lowering the complications related to diabetes.
Health Benefits of These Flowers
Uncontrolled diabetes might cause oxidative stress. That, in turn, might lead to damage to the brain cells, which might cause cognitive impairment.
However, the intake of these flowers, which are abundant in antioxidants, helps improve brain function and deal with oxidative stress.
According to a 2011 study, the combination of pomegranate flowers with antidiabetic drugs decreased oxidative stress and improved memory and learning performances in those with diabetes.
Furthermore, this study also came to the discovery that the flowers of the pomegranate might be clinically used to treat neuronal deficit in those with this chronic disease.
Should People Use Pomegranate Flowers?
Those with diabetes might use a combination of antidiabetic drugs and supplements from the flowers of the pomegranate in order to improve their cognitive function.
Furthermore, even people who are at risk of developing the disease should include pomegranate flowers in their diet in order to prevent it and its health complication.
But, in case, you are allergic to this fruit, or in case you notice any side effects, remember to seek medical help right away. Remember to consult a doctor before making any changes to the diabetes management plan.
