According to Dr. Ngo Duc Phuong, Director of the Institute of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine, pomegranates (also known as pomegranate trees, pomegranate trees, etc.) are not only grown for ornamental purposes but are also widely used in traditional medicine. The flowers, leaves, peel, and especially the fruit, can all be used as medicinal ingredients to support the treatment of various diseases.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, pomegranates have a sweet and sour taste, a warm nature, and affect the stomach and large intestine meridians, helping to generate fluids and quench thirst.
From a modern nutritional perspective, pomegranates are a fruit rich in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins. 100g of pomegranate contains approximately 83 calories, 1.67g of protein, 4g of fiber, 18.7g of carbohydrates, and many vitamins such as C, K, and folate.
One of the notable benefits of pomegranates is their ability to help control blood sugar levels.
With a glycemic index (GI) of around 35 and a low glycemic load, pomegranates help glucose to be absorbed slowly, limiting sudden spikes in blood sugar after meals.
The antioxidants in pomegranates also contribute to reducing insulin resistance, thereby increasing the ability to transport glucose into cells and stabilizing blood sugar. At the same time, this fruit also supports weight loss and reduces the risk of obesity, an important factor associated with diabetes.
Additionally, pomegranates are high in fiber, so they don't cause constipation. However, swallowing the seeds whole can increase the risk of intestinal obstruction, especially in people already suffering from constipation. Therefore, if you eat the seeds, chew them thoroughly or, ideally, juice them.
According to Dr. Phuong, pomegranates offer many other benefits besides supporting blood sugar levels. Pomegranate juice can lower blood cholesterol, increase blood flow in coronary arteries, and thus help prevent cardiovascular diseases.
Several recent studies have also shown that pomegranates contain compounds that may inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Animal experiments have shown that individuals who consumed pomegranate juice had slower tumor growth compared to those who did not.
Besides the fruit, pomegranate leaves and flowers can also be brewed into a tea in folk medicine to help lower blood sugar.
Although pomegranates are a healthy food, Dr. Phuong emphasized that they are not a "cure." People with diabetes need to combine a proper diet, exercise, and adherence to their doctor's treatment plan. Abuse or misuse can still have adverse effects on health.
Accordingly, people can consume about 174g of pomegranates or drink 125ml of pomegranate juice daily. This is a safe amount to help control blood sugar.
The best time to eat pomegranates is at breakfast or as a snack, about 1-2 hours before or after a main meal. People should avoid eating too many at once as this can cause a spike in blood sugar.