Pomegranate Extract May Help Increase Feelings of Fullness

Pomegranate contains punicalagins which are potent antioxidants. They also contain polyphenols, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. A recent study suggests that pomegranate extract may help increase satiety (feelings of fullness after a meal).

Participants in the study included 28 healthy adults. They were given a pomegranate extract containing 210 mg of punicalagins and 328 mg of total polyphenols or a placebo daily for 3 weeks. After the 3-week supplementation period, they consumed breakfast and lunch with 5 ounces of pomegranate juice or a placebo drink in a testing center.

Visual analog scales were used to assess feelings of hunger, satisfaction, and fullness.

Participants in the pomegranate group showed significantly lower levels of hunger and a desire to eat compared to the placebo group. They also consumed significantly lower amounts of food compared to the placebo group. In addition, they expressed significantly greater feelings of satisfaction and fullness.

The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Edinburgh. It was published online ahead of print on August 31, 2022 in the journal Nutrients.

Hibiscus and lemon verbena were found to increase feelings of fullness in a previous study.