Pomegranate Seed Oil Benefits
Pomegranate seed oil, extracted from the seeds of the pomegranate fruit, is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fatty acids. Whether you ingest the seeds or apply the oil on your skin, there are tons of benefits you can enjoy.
With its anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties, your skin will finally get that radiant glow you’ve been longing for. That’s not the only benefit you’ll get from using it, though.
In this article, we are going to take a look at some of the best pomegranate seed oil benefits.
5 Pomegranate Seed Oil Benefits
By using this oil on a regular basis, you can transform your skin. From joint pain relief to skin hydration, here are 5 of the best benefits of pomegranate seed oil:
1. Joint Pain and Skin Condition Help
Pomegranate seed oil has tons of Omega-6 fatty acids, palmitic acid, oleic acid, and punicic acid. Not only do these chemicals help with joint pain and swelling, but they’re also great for treating skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
It keeps your skin hydrated and makes sure that it retains moisture. It reduces redness, itchiness, and irritation, providing a soothing and calming effect.
For people who suffer from joint discomfort or arthritis, pomegranate seed oil provides a natural remedy to get rid of the pain and the inflammation.
2. Anti-Aging
Thanks to the punicic acid and a couple of other chemicals in pomegranate seed oil, it can increase collagen. Collagen is the chemical that’s responsible for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness. In other words, it gives your skin a youthful appearance and slows down signs of aging.
Punicic acid, in particular, improves elasticity by stimulating collagen production and reduces the appearance of wrinkles on your skin.
3. Nourishes Sunburns
The fatty acids found in pomegranate seed oil are capable of reversing skin damage caused by sunburn or dryness. It’s especially effective for people who have scarring or hyperpigmentation.
It promotes the production of keratinocytes, the skin cells responsible for forming a protective barrier against environmental stressors like UV radiation from the sun and harsh weather conditions, resulting in improved skin resilience and overall health. Enhanced collagen production also helps with cell regeneration which results in softer skin.
The oil also contains phytosterols, plant-derived compounds which are similar to cholesterol. These compounds help with skin recovery from conditions like acne scars, dark circles, or uneven pigmentation.
4. Moisturizes the Scalp
Using pomegranate seed oil on your hair will moisturize your scalp and combat dryness. It also strengthens the hair follicles, which can help reduce dandruff and scalp irritation. Its nourishing properties, thanks to the fatty acids, can improve your overall hair health and lead to stronger, thicker hair.
Regular use of pomegranate seed oil will give your hair a soft and shiny look, making sure that it maintains a healthy appearance.
Owing to the presence of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and antioxidant properties in pomegranate seed oil, it promotes blood flow to the scalp, which stimulates hair follicles and leads to healthy hair growth.
5. Boosts the Immune System
Research has shown that pomegranate seed oil can enhance the immune system and regulate lipid metabolism. Punicic acid has several therapeutic benefits. Apart from the properties we have mentioned above, it also shows anti-obesity, hypolipidemic, anti-nephrotoxic, and antidiabetic properties.
These properties contribute to weight management, cardiovascular health, kidney function, and blood sugar regulation. Note, however, that effectiveness of these benefits may vary depending on the health condition of the person.
Side Effects of Pomegranate Seed Oil
As with many things in life, pomegranate seed oil has its own set of disadvantages. Now that we have explored its benefits, let’s delve into some of its side-effects.
1. Allergic Reactions
Some people may experience allergic reactions to pomegranate seed oil. They may exhibit symptoms like itching, rash or swelling. If you already know you are allergic to pomegranates or similar fruits, then we don’t recommend using pomegranate seed oil.
2. Blood Sugar Levels
While it’s true that pomegranate seed oil can help regulate blood sugar levels in some people, it’s important that you monitor your blood sugar closely if you regularly use the oil as it can potentially cause fluctuations.
3. Skin Irritation
In some people, applying pomegranate seed oil topically may result in skin irritation. This is especially true for people who have sensitive skin. We recommend that you conduct a patch test before you begin to apply it to larger areas of your skin.
If you notice any adverse reactions, simply stop using it and consult a healthcare professional.
4. Digestive Issues
Consuming too much pomegranate seed oil may cause your stomach to be upset and result in other symptoms like nausea, diarrhea and abdominal cramping. We recommend that you start with small doses and gradually increase intake to make sure your stomach doesn’t get upset.
If you’re pregnant, then you should avoid using pomegranate seed oil altogether as its healing properties can have an adverse effect and cause complications.
5. Medication Interactions
If you’re taking medications, then you should speak to your doctor before you start using pomegranate seed oil. It can interact with certain medications and impact their effectiveness or lead to adverse effects.
Improve Your Skin With Pomegranate Seed Oil
As you can tell, pomegranate seed oil has tons of benefits for your skin. Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties can help with keeping your skin smooth and moisturized. You’ll never have to worry about dryness or skin irritation.
It also has various benefits for your hair. By applying it to your hair, you can protect your scalp from dryness while also strengthening your hair follicles.
If you’re allergic to pomegranates, then you should talk to your doctor before you use the oil. While it does have some side-effects, you can minimize them by not using too much of the oil and performing a patch test. Also, make sure to choose a pomegranate seed oil extracted in a manner that retains its benefits, like this oil from Wholesale Botanics.
Feature Photo by Marta Matyszczyk on Unsplash
