Some studies suggest that pomegranates may help fight inflammation in the gut. There are also studies that demonstrate the anti-inflammatory potential of punicic acid from pomegranate seed oil against breast cancer cells. Here Debra Rose Wilson, PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, reviewde article written by Ann Pieangelo and Ana Gotter on what pomegranates can do for rheumatoid arthritis and relieves many of the symptoms:

“While there’s no cure for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), treatment can help:

• manage pain relief
• slow progression of the disease
• reduce inflammation

Inflammation plays a large role in worsening symptoms of RA, an aggressive form of arthritis. The disease is said to be in remission when inflammation is low or absent.

Research shows that different foods play a role in arthritis inflammation. Foods that are rich in nutrients, minerals, and antioxidants may help neutralize RA inflammation and alleviate symptoms. One of the foods most often recommended for symptom and inflammation reduction is pomegranate. Pomegranate is low in fat, cholesterol, and sodium, and it’s rich in nutrients, minerals, and antioxidants.

Read on to learn how pomegranate helps RA and alleviates its symptoms.

The pomegranate and RA connection

Studies show that pomegranate can reduce RA symptoms by:

• decreasing joint tenderness, swelling, and pain
• suppressing inflammation
• blocking production of cartilage-destroying enzyme
• alleviating the activity of RA

It’s suggested that pomegranate extract may block production of a cartilage-destroying enzyme. A small 2011 studyTrusted Source showed that pomegranate extract decreased joint tenderness in RA patients by 62 percent. Researchers credited the fruit’s antioxidant properties, concluding that pomegranates may help lessen symptoms in people who have RA.

A 2016 studyTrusted Source found that pomegranate extract can reduce biomarkers of the condition and oxidative stress. Participants who were given pomegranate extract twice a day experienced significantly less joint tenderness, swelling, and pain intensity than those in the placebo group.

How should you eat pomegranates?

Pomegranates can be consumed in several forms. Pomegranate is available as a:

• natural fruit
• juice
• extract
• powder

When shopping for pomegranate juice, read labels carefully. Products with added sugars aren’t healthy. Drinking 8 ounces of juice daily can be effective. You’ll want to look for juice that’s 100 percent pomegranate. Drink the juice in moderation if it’s still high in sugar.

If you take pomegranate extract, taking 10 milligrams a day can reduce some symptoms. Some people even take up to 250 mg a day.

Ask your doctor

Consult your doctor if you’re considering pomegranate supplements or extracts. It’s important to note that pomegranate juice may interact with some medications and make them less effective.

These medications include:

• ACE inhibitors
• blood pressure medication
• statins
• warfarin, for blood thinning

In general, pomegranate is considered safe. Research showsTrusted Source that there are no adverse effects in the studies.

If you have diabetes, you may need to take care to find 100 percent pomegranate juice. Most juices contain high levels of sugar and are without fiber.”

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Read More … Article Source: https://www.healthline.com/health/rheumatoid-arthritis/rheumatoid-arthritis-pomegranate#other-benefits