Pomegranate Juice for Fertility: Benefits and How It Helps

Are you thinking about expanding the family? You may want to consider trying a superfood like a pomegranate that can boost fertility in both men and women. The pomegranate is considered a symbol of fertility in many cultures. It contains several nutrients that improve reproductive health and fertility in both men and women. This article will shed light on pomegranate juice for fertility. 

Pomegranates are an excellent source of carbohydrates, dietary fibre, folate, vitamins C, E, K, B1, B2, B3, B5, and B6, and essential minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc. They also contain phytochemicals like polyphenols like punicalagins which boost immunity and prevent cancer.

How Does Pomegranate Improve Fertility in Women?

A very common question asked is: Is pomegranate good for fertility? The pomegranate juice – female fertility connection is well known as the juice of the pomegranate contains folic acid, and antioxidants that boost blood flow to the uterus, help in conception and prevent birth defects in the foetus (1). Here is how pomegranates boost fertility in women and improve reproductive health:

1. Contains Phytoestrogens

Pomegranate seeds contain plant estrogens that can prevent diseases of the reproductive system, such as uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and cancers of the uterus, ovaries, and breasts. Thus, pomegranates improve the overall reproductive health of women.

2. Contains Folic Acid

Folic acid is an important B vitamin that is necessary for conception and the prevention of congenital disabilities in the fetus. Pomegranates are an excellent source of folic acid.

3. Keeps the Uterus Healthy

Pomegranate increases blood flow to the uterus, thus helping to keep the uterine lining healthy. A healthy uterine lining is necessary for the embryo to implant itself successfully in the uterus. Thus, pomegranate also helps increase the chances of conception.

4. Contains Flavonoids and Antioxidants

Flavonoids and antioxidants in pomegranate boost immunity and prevent infection and disease. They also help prevent tissue damage and cancer. This helps the reproductive system remain healthy and fertile.

How Does Pomegranate Boost Fertility in Men?

Wondering how pomegranate benefits fertility? Pomegranate and male fertility are interlinked as regular consumption of pomegranates have been found to improve fertility in men. Here are how pomegranates boost fertility in men:

1. Improve Sperm Count Quality

Pomegranates contain nutrients like zinc that improve sperm count, quality, and mobility (2). Zinc is also important for improving the body’s immune response. All this helps in increasing the chances of conception.

2. Reduces Erectile Dysfunction

Pomegranate juice has been found to improve sexual performance and reduce erectile dysfunction in men. The juice stimulates the walls of the blood vessels to relax and widen, thus increasing blood flow. This helps men maintain an erection for a longer duration, thus improving sexual performance and reducing erectile dysfunction (3).

3. Promotes Prostate Health

Pomegranate contains natural anti-inflammatory compounds that prevent inflammation that causes an enlarged prostate. The prostate gland is important for reproductive health as it produces a fluid that nourishes and protects sperm. The polyphenols in pomegranate also reduce the risk of prostate cancer, thus improving reproductive health in men (4).

When to Start Drinking Pomegranate Juice for Fertility

For optimal fertility benefits, it’s recommended to start drinking pomegranate juice at least three months before trying to conceive, as this allows time for its antioxidants and nutrients to improve egg quality, enhance blood flow to the uterus, and reduce oxidative stress (5). 

How Long to Drink Pomegranate Juice for Fertility and the Recommended Amount

While research hasn’t established an exact timeline for pomegranate juice’s fertility effects, evidence suggests:

• Extended Consumption: Regular intake over multiple months may maximise potential advantages.
• Preconception Timing: Beginning supplementation at least three months prior to conception corresponds with ovarian follicle development cycles.

When it comes to the recommended amount, one should consume it in moderation. To ensure safe and effective use, follow these general recommendations:

• Suggested Serving: Most individuals can safely consume 8 oz (1 cup) of pomegranate juice daily.
• Concentrated Forms: If using syrups, extracts, or concentrates, adhere strictly to the product’s labelled instructions.
• Medical Guidance: Consult a healthcare professional for tailored recommendations, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

Things to Know Before Drinking Pomegranate Juice

Pomegranate juice offers numerous health benefits, but it’s important to understand how to consume it safely and effectively. Here are key considerations before adding it to your routine:

• Potential Medication Interactions: May interact with blood pressure medications and blood thinners (like warfarin) due to its effects on circulation
• Sugar Content Considerations: Contains natural sugars (about 32g per cup), so moderation is key for diabetics
• Digestive Effects: High tannin content may cause constipation in some individuals
• Best Time to Drink: Avoid drinking on an empty stomach if prone to acidity

Healthy Pomegranate Recipes to Try While Trying to Conceive

Pomegranate juice fertility benefits are well known. Regularly consuming pomegranate seeds or juice has been found to improve fertility in both men and women. To include pomegranate in your daily diet, here are some recipes that you can try:

1. Pomegranate Lassi

Pomegranate Lassi is an Indian recipe which is both nutritious and tasty.

Ingredients

• Half a cup of pomegranate seeds
• A pinch of cardamom powder
• A cup of thick yoghurt
• Two tablespoons of honey
• A pinch of salt
• Half teaspoon rose water
• A few pistachios and pomegranate seeds for garnishing

How to Prepare

1. Grind the pomegranate seeds in a mixer and sieve the juice to remove the crushed seeds.
2. Put the pomegranate juice, yoghurt, cardamom powder, rose water, and honey in a bowl and blend them with a hand blender or whisk, until froth forms on top.
3. Pour this into glasses and garnish with a few pistachios and pomegranate seeds sprinkled on top.
4. Serve chilled.

2. Pomegranate and Chickpea Curry

 This is a healthy and nutritious recipe that can be eaten as a snack or a side-dish.

Ingredients

• 200 g dried chickpeas soaked overnight
• 100 g chana dal soaked overnight
• 2 chopped onions
• 2 tablespoons sunflower oil
• Quarter-inch grated ginger
• 2 crushed black cardamom
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3 cloves
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 chopped green chilli
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons crushed pomegranate powder
• 50 g pomegranate seeds
• A handful of chopped coriander

How to Prepare

1. Cover the chickpeas with water in a saucepan and bring to boil. Cook until they are tender. Drain and keep aside.
2. Heat oil in a heavy pan.
3. Add cumin seeds, onions, ginger, spices, garam masala, pomegranate powder, chilli, and salt. Cook for a few minutes.
4. Cook the chana dal in water until it is tender, drain and keep aside.
5. Add this to the pan along with the chickpeas and cook for a few more minutes until the ingredients are heated through and thoroughly mixed.
6. Once cooked, garnish with pomegranate seeds and coriander.

FAQs

1. Does pomegranate juice improve sperm DNA fragmentation in men?

Research suggests its high antioxidant content may help reduce oxidative damage to sperm DNA, which could enhance male fertility (6). However, more human studies are needed for conclusive evidence.

2. Should you avoid pomegranate juice during IVF cycles?

While it may support egg quality, some fertility specialists recommend avoiding it close to egg retrieval due to its potential blood-thinning effects. Always consult your IVF clinic first.

3. Does heating or pasteurising pomegranate juice reduce its fertility benefits?

High heat processing may degrade some antioxidants, so cold-pressed, unpasteurised juice (if safely sourced) is preferred for maximum potency.

This was all about pomegranate juice and fertility. Pomegranate is a nutritious superfood that is known to improve the reproductive health and fertility of both men and women. Including pomegranate in your regular diet has vast health benefits. It can fight cancer and ageing, improve fertility and immunity, and regulate blood pressure.

References/Resources:

1. National Library of Medicine – Inflammation, leukocytes and menstruation

2. National Library of Medicine – Effects of pomegranate juice consumption on sperm quality, spermatogenic cell density, antioxidant activity and testosterone level in male rats

3. National Library of Medicine – Pomegranate Extract Improves Maximal Performance of Trained Cyclists after an Exhausting Endurance Trial: A Randomised Controlled Trial

4. National Library of Medicine – Could Pomegranate Juice Help in the Control of Inflammatory Diseases?

5. National Library of Medicine – Effects of pomegranate extract on blood flow and vessel diameter after high-intensity exercise in young, healthy adults

6. National Library of Medicine – Reactive oxygen species and sperm DNA damage in infertile men presenting with low level leukocytospermia

Also Read: 

Home Remedies to Increase Fertility
Best Herbs to Boost Fertility
Ideal Foods to Boost Fertility
Super Effective Ways to be More Fertile
Vitamins and Minerals to Boost Fertility

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