The menopause is a natural stage in a woman’s life, marked by significant hormonal changes. The associated symptoms, such as hot flushes, irritability and fatigue, can affect quality of life. In this quest for natural solutions, pomegranate stands out as a promising remedy thanks to its antioxidant and hormonal properties. This article explores in depth why and how pomegranates can become your best ally.
What is the menopause?
The menopause is the definitive cessation of menstruation, generally between the ages of 45 and 55. This is due to a gradual reduction in female hormones, particularly oestrogen. These hormonal changes lead to symptoms such as :
- Hot flushes and night sweats.
- Reduced bone density.
- Mood, memory and sleep disorders.
- Joint pain
- An increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Faced with these challenges, natural solutions such as pomegranate offer an interesting alternative, particularly for women seeking to avoid the potential risks associated with conventional hormone therapy.
What are the benefits of pomegranate during the menopause?
The pomegranate (Punica granatum L.), renowned for its therapeutic properties, is proving to be a valuable ally for women going through the menopause.
This period, characterised by a reduction in oestrogen, can give rise to a variety of symptoms, such as hot flushes, fatigue, mood disorders and reduced bone density.
Thanks to its richness in phytoestrogens and powerful antioxidants, pomegranate provides natural support to alleviate these effects.
Pomegranate: natural hormonal support
Phytoestrogens, plant molecules similar to oestrogen, help regulate hormonal imbalances. They help to reduce symptoms such as hot flushes and irritability, while promoting greater hormonal stability. In addition, antioxidants, of which punicalagins are the most remarkable, neutralise free radicals and limit oxidative stress, which aggravates menopausal problems.
Scientific studies reinforce these observations. Regular consumption of pomegranate extracts has shown a significant reduction in hot flushes, accompanied by an improvement in the quality of life of menopausal women. In addition, the polyphenols present in pomegranates help to preserve bone health, by promoting mineral density, and offer lasting protection against certain hormone-dependent cancers, such as breast cancer and potentially uterine cancer. These properties make it a promising solution for reducing the risks associated with hormonal imbalances.
Preserving bone health with pomegranate
In addition to its effects on hormonal symptoms, pomegranate also stands out for its anti-inflammatory properties, which play a crucial role in relieving joint pain, common during the menopause. These inflammations, often linked to ageing and hormonal imbalance, can be reduced thanks to the polyphenols and antioxidants present in this fruit. These compounds reduce local inflammation and improve mobility, contributing to a better quality of life for menopausal women.
Finally, punicalagins, pomegranate’s key compounds, play a key role in improving insulin sensitivity, particularly for post-menopausal women at risk of pre-diabetes. These antioxidants promote better carbohydrate metabolism, helping to prevent metabolic imbalances and associated complications, such as type 2 diabetes. This metabolic support helps prevent menopause-related complications and promotes optimal overall health.
Beyond these benefits, pomegranates provide essential nutrients such as vitamins C and B, as well as potassium, which support cardiovascular health and boost overall energy.
How can you incorporate pomegranates into your diet?
To reap the benefits of pomegranates, here are a few practical suggestions:
- Eat the seeds fresh: Add them to your salads, yoghurts or smoothies for a tasty, nutritious touch.
- Drink pomegranate juice: Choose 100% natural juices with no added sugar to maximise the effects of the antioxidants.
- Pomegranate-based food supplements: Opt for standardised extracts rich in punicalagins. These antioxidant supplements are particularly effective in targeting menopausal symptoms.
💡 Tip: Half a pomegranate a day is enough to cover part of your antioxidant needs.
What’s more, consumption of pomegranate-based supplements shows a lasting protective effect, even after treatment is stopped. Studies have shown that the benefits on menopausal symptoms, such as hot flushes, persist for several weeks after you stop taking them regularly. This makes it a natural, effective long-term solution for the menopause, ideal for women seeking prolonged support during this period of hormonal transition.
Sources
- Adel-Mehraban MS, Tansaz M, Mohammadi M, Yavari M. Effects of pomegranate supplement on menopausal symptoms and quality of life in menopausal women: A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2022 Feb;46:101544. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2022.101544. Epub 2022 Feb 2. PMID: 35134697.
- Jang, J.Y.; Kim, D.; Im, E.; Kim, N.D. Therapeutic Potential of Pomegranate Extract for Women’s Reproductive Health and Breast Cancer. Life 2024, 14, 1264. https://doi.org/10.3390/life14101264
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