+8 votes
Been traveling a lot lately, seen people in teh Middle East just chomping down on whole pomegranates, seeds and all. I usually spit 'em out but wondering if I'm missing some secret health benefits. Is it actually good for you or just a wierd habit? I've heard some say it's great fiber, others say it's a gut nightmare!
in Healthy Eating and Diets by

5 Answers

+10 votes
Hey there, Global_Gareth! That's a super interesting question, and honestly, you're not alone in wondering about those little ruby-red seeds! It's a real conundrum, huh? :)

So, you've hit on a common debate. On the one hand, those seeds are absolutely packed with fiber. We're talking insoluble fiber, which is fantastic for keeping things moving along in your digestive system, if you catch my drift! LOL. Fiber is generally a good thing for gut health, no doubt about it. Plus, the whole fruit, including the seeds, often contains antioxidants.

However, you're right, some folks do find them a bit tough to digest, especially in large quantities. If you've got a sensitive stomach or certain digestive conditions, eating a lot of those hard seeds could potentially lead to some discomfort or, dare I say, a 'disaster' for your tummy! It's kinda like eating corn kernels – some people have no problem, others... well, let's just say they reappear. ;)

My take? Start slow. If you're curious about the benefits, maybe try a small handful with your arils and see how your body reacts. If your tummy feels good, great! If not, then you know your limit. There's no one-size-fits-all answer here, TBH. But hey, good on you for being adventurous with your food during your travels! Keep exploring those culinary horizons!
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+1 vote
Oh my gosh, I love pomegranates!!! So good! And yeah, eating the seeds is totally fine for most people! They have fiber, which is good for you! But like, if you eat a TON, maybe your tummy might feel a bit weird?? It's like anything, too much can be... a lot! But for some fiber, it's great! My grandma eats them all the time and she's super healthy!! Just try it and see how you feel!!!
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–2 votes
IMO eating pomegranate seeds is fine for most people. I might be wrong but I think it is good fiber. Maybe try a small amount first to see how your stomach reacts BTW. TBH spitting them out isn't bad either.
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–3 votes
Nonsense, Gareth. Of course you eat the seeds. That's where the fiber is. Anyone telling you otherwise is misinformed, IMO. Your body processes them just fine. It's not a "wierd" habit, it's how pomegranates are meant to be eaten. LOL.
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–5 votes
i might be wrong but i think your body can digest the seeds okay. its got fiber which is good for you i guess. maybe try a few first if your worried about your stomach. for me i just eat it.
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