Pomegranate Tea

The fruity-flavored pomegranate tea is brewed from either the dried arils (seed pods) of the juicy pomegranate or the dried and crushed pomegranate flowers. Since pomegranate has a strong sweet and tart flavor, it’s often blended with black tea, green tea, white tea, and oolong tea. Drinking organic pomegranate tea or its variations helps in providing a host of health benefits.

History and origin

Back in the Stone Age, pomegranate was used for making jam while several Roman medical records have mentioned its effectiveness against a host of health disorders. Chinese herbalists would give the fruit to people with abdominal illnesses. During the Second World War, the tea was consumed for its vitamin C content.

Pomegranate tea health benefits: What is it good for

Diabetes control

In a research study conducted on diabetes-induced mice, the flower tea had been shown to prevent age-related insulin resistance besides lowering the blood glucose levels, and adipose tissue insulin resistance index in those with obesity issues. Although the study does not involve humans, the herbal decoction has been assumed to be useful for diabetes management.

Source of antioxidants

Apart from arils, the flowers of pomegranate also contain antioxidants that have the potential to fight against the free radicals responsible for causing cancer, premature skin aging, cardiac ailments, Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, and macular degeneration of eyes.

For atherosclerosis

Its consumption can have positive effects on the cardiovascular system as some research studies have found out that pomegranate flowers prevent the clogging of the arteries, and minimize the risk of blood vessel damage.

Anti-inflammatory properties

Regular intake of the tea can be beneficial for those with joint disorders, including osteoarthritis due to its ability to combat inflammation, thereby providing relief from the pain and discomfort, and additionally shielding the joint cartilages from damage.

For weight management

Incorporating pomegranate green tea in your weight loss diet might provide effective results since some of the active ingredients present in green tea as well as in pomegranate arils may help in burning the excess fats.

It is a preferred herbal drink for boosting the immune system, coping with depression, and regulating high blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels.

How to make pomegranate tea

As the pomegranate mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for almost a month, you can prepare a sufficient quantity and use it anytime for making the tea.

Ingredients

• Pomegranate seeds (arils) – 3½ cups
• Sugar- 1 cup

Procedure

• Crush the seeds properly in a bowl with a pestle
• Pour the sugar and mix well using a spoon.
• Transfer the mixture to a jar. (Place it in the refrigerator or use some for preparing tea)
• Add 1/4 cup of the pomegranate mixture into a cup.
• Pour hot water, stir, and drink.

You may refrigerate the tea and add some ice cubes along with a dash of lemon to enjoy a cup of refreshing pomegranate ice tea.

Safety and Precautions

Side effects

Like any other herbal tea, pomegranate tea when consumed in excess can cause a headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness, and therefore you need to limit its intake for staying healthy. In case, you are allergic to pomegranate, drinking the tea is not advisable.

During pregnancy

As its use by pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers has not been supported by any research study, it would be better avoiding the drink.

Where to buy

Besides pomegranate tea and tea bags, its other variations that also include blueberry pomegranate tea, blackberry pomegranate green tea, cranberry pomegranate tea, pomegranate chamomile tea, pomegranate cider tea can be availed from an herbal tea selling shop or an online store.