Health Benefits of Pomegranate Vinegar (With Recipes)

Pomegranate Vinegar Benefits

In the book, The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, a story of betrayal and redemption set in troubled Afghanistan, the pomegranate tree is central to the two main characters' development.

Pomegranate trees and their fruits are so common in this part of Asia and the Middle East that they are depicted in many of the native literature, paintings, and stories.

It is mentioned in numerous texts, including the Torah, Bible, and Quran, highlighting its rich nutrient content. Just like dates, it plays a crucial role in many Middle Eastern dishes and is a common ingredient in their recipes, contributing to the overall nutritional benefits of these foods.

Many Ways to Eat Pomegranate

Most people will eat the fruit raw, but you can also take pomegranate in the form of juice, molasses, paste, tea, vinegar, and even in capsule form. Pomegranate vinegar?

Yes. You may be familiar with the health benefits of vinegar, especially apple cider vinegar. But not many are familiar with the health benefits of pomegranate vinegar.

As this article is for information only, please get your doctor's advice before taking pomegranate vinegar to treat any ailments that you may have. Check if it will interfere with the medication that you are now taking.

Health Benefits

This ruby-red vinegar with a fruity sweetness and crisp acidity is packed with many benefits and are as follows:

• Aid Digestive System: Pomegranate vinegar is rich in acetic acid that helps the digestive system. This is done by increasing the body's capacity to take up essential nutrients from the food that we eat. To benefit from this, add pomegranate vinegar to salads or take pomegranate vinegar as a drink (mix 1-2 tablespoons in a glass of water) before or after meals. This will help improve the absorption of essential minerals found in foods.
• Improve Body Performance: The easy absorption of vital minerals in the food that we eat will help us fight against diabetes, cancers, and osteoporosis. Since pomegranate vinegar aids in our digestive system, it plays a part in improving our health by letting our bodies perform better.

• Better absorption of calcium: People suffering from dairy product intolerance (lactose intolerance) will need alternative sources of calcium. This can be from spinach, broccoli, or garlic. If you add a drop of pomegranate vinegar to these foods, your body may absorb calcium more easily.
  
• Lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels: Just like eating apricot seeds, Pomegranate Vinegar can lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels. This indirectly helps reduce the chances of heart disease and strokes.
• Improve Memory and Mood Swings: Pomegranate fruit is rich in flavonoids, and antioxidants that control free radicals and help improve memory and any mood swings such as depression. Pomegranate vinegar's rich ruby-red color is an indication of the large presence of flavonoids and hence, its benefits.
• Clogged arteries and HIV: It is also claimed to be a remedy for clogged arteries, and hypertension, fight certain cancer cells, and maybe even be beneficial to HIV patients.

Where to Buy It

Pomegranate vinegar is very popular and commonly used by people from the Middle East, Turkey, Iran, and the Northern African countries such as Egypt, Libya, and Algeria.

So, you will find pomegranate vinegar in the Middle Eastern/ Arab sundry shops. You can also buy it at Health Food stores and in large supermarkets that stock international foods. Alternatively, you can buy pomegranate vinegar online.

How to Use It

There are several ways to enjoy the fruity sweetness and benefits of pomegranate vinegar. It can be taken:

• As a Drink: Mix 1–2 tablespoons of pomegranate vinegar into a glass of water. Drink first thing in the morning and last thing at night. If you find it difficult to drink, add a bit of honey to sweeten the taste. You can also have it before or during meals.
• As Salad Dressing: Use pomegranate vinegar as the only ingredient in your salad dressing or experiment with a few concoctions such as mixing pomegranate vinegar with olive oil, garlic, or mustard.
• In Cooking: Use pomegranate vinegar to replace other vinegar in your cooking such as in barbecue sauce, soups, and salsa. It can also be used as a seasoning for fish and chicken. Marinating meat with pomegranate vinegar will give a fruitier flavor to your cooking.
• In Pickling: If you pickle vegetables such as garlic, cucumber, and gherkins, use pomegranate vinegar instead of your usual vinegar.
• As a Dip: Add pomegranate vinegar to olive oil and use it as a dip.

Pomegranate Balsamic Vinegar

With the growing popularity of pomegranate vinegar, some companies are now selling their version of pomegranate balsamic vinegar.

Marketed mainly as salad dressing, you can also use it to glaze meat such as lamb and even duck. If you are adventurous, use it for grilling and stuffing.

With its sweet, sour, and tangy flavor, pomegranate balsamic vinegar combines well with garlic olive oil, lemon olive oil, or basil olive oil.

Korean Pomegranate Vinegar

Lately, Koreans have been actively marketing the virtues of vinegar drinks and using celebrities to market their respective brands.

There are several Korean brands that specialize in fruit vinegar. Among the most popular are pomegranate vinegar, persimmon vinegar, and raspberry vinegar. You can find them at most Korean grocery stores.

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Popsicles Fruit Vinegar

Another way to enjoy these fruit vinegar is to freeze them as ice cubes and add them to drinks or yogurt or freeze them as popsicles.

Salad Dressing Recipe With Mustard

Preparation

Beat together the pomegranate vinegar, molasses, honey, mustard, salt and pepper. Then slowly add in the olive oil until completely blended.

Salad Dressing Recipe With Garlic

Preparation

Whisk together all the ingredients until emulsified.

Homemade Pomegranate Vinegar Recipe

Before you decide to brew pomegranate vinegar yourself, let me caution you that the process is very sensitive and tends to spoil easily. For example, if part of the crushed seeds were to enter the juice, the fermentation would be spoiled.

Here is the recipe if you still want to give it a shot:

As a rough guide, you will need four kg (8.8 lb.) of pomegranate fruits to produce one liter (0.26 gallons) of pomegranate vinegar (after evaporation and filtration losses).

Preparation

• After peeling the fruits, juice them and place the liquid in a juice jar. Refrigerate for two days. This will allow all the crushed seeds to settle to the bottom.
• Filter the juice carefully, making sure the crushed seed does not enter the filtered part of the juice. Don't throw away these crushed seeds as they can be eaten and are a good source of fiber.
• After placing the filtered juice in a new juice jar, cover the jar with a cloth and fasten it properly with a rubber band. Store the jar in a dark room and allow the juice to ferment for 30 days.
• Next, filter it a second time and ferment the twice-filtered juice for another 60 days. At the end of this 90-day fermentation process, filter the vinegar one last time.
• Keep the filtered vinegar bottled, and store it in the refrigerator. It will be sharper and crisper during the next few days. Then, you can start using it.

FAQs on Pomegranate Vinegar

Peruse a few of the most FAQs on pomegranate vinegar below:

How Does Pomegranate Vinegar Taste?

It is slightly less acidic than apple cider or balsamic vinegar and has a sweeter and fruity taste. It is also more nutritionally dense.

Are There Any Pomegranate Vinegar Side Effects?

As with most vinegar, pomegranate vinegar if taken in small amounts is fine. It can be harmful if a large amount is taken and may lead to diarrhea, hurt your throat, reduce your potassium level, and damage your teeth.

Is It Safe to Drink Pomegranate Vinegar During Pregnancy?

Based on the comment from Dr. Jeff Livingston, an Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist as posted on HealthTap, it is safe. It actually has more benefits such as helping to cure morning sickness, lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, acting as a natural deodorizer, etc.

Can Pomegranate Vinegar Help You Lose Weight?

Based on a study by Korean researchers, drinking pomegranate vinegar helps reduce belly fat, hence aiding weight loss. It activates the enzyme AMPK which stimulates healthier metabolic status, which leads to less fat production.

References

• Pomegranate Juice Augments Memory and fMRI Activity in Middle-Aged and Older Adults with Mild Memory
  Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (eCAM) is an international peer-reviewed, Open Access journal that seeks to understand the sources and to encourage rigorous research in this new, yet ancient world of complementary and alternativ
• PubMed - NCBI
  Studies by Wang L and Martins-Green M on Pomegranate and its components as an alternative treatment for prostate cancer.
• NCBI Resources - US National Library of Medicine
  Studies by A Robert Neurath, Nathan Strick, Yun-Yao Li, and Asim K Debnath on pomegranate juice as an HIV-1 inhibitor.
• PubMed - NCBI
  Studies by Adhami VM and Khan N, Mukhtar H. on Cancer chemoprevention by pomegranate - laboratory and clinical evidence.
• The bioactivity of pomegranate: impact on health and disease. - PubMed - NCBI
  Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2011 Aug;51(7):626-34. doi: 10.1080/10408391003748100. Review
• The effects of pomegranate juice consumption on blood pressure and cardiovascular health. - PubMed -
  Studies by Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing
• Changes in physical properties and composition and antioxidant capacity of pomegranate
  Elsevier's Scopus, the largest abstract and citation database of peer-reviewed literature. Search and access research from the science, technology, medicine, social sciences and arts and humanities fields.
• Effect of Pomegranate Juice on Bone Calcium Content
  The study on the effects of pomegranate juice on bone calcium content and body weight of adult mice

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.

© 2011 Razlan Awal

Comments

Razlan Awal (author) from Malaysia on December 02, 2018:

Thank you Jonathan

Jonathan on November 26, 2018:

Great article!Thank you...

Razlan Awal (author) from Malaysia on February 06, 2018:

Tina, you are welcome.

Tina on February 06, 2018:

Thanks so much !

Razlan Awal (author) from Malaysia on February 04, 2018:

Hi Tina. I honestly can't tell you if there will any adverse effect if you take pomegranate-apple cider vinegar and menomood herbal tablets. But what I do know is that menomood has St. John's Wort and Black Cohosh. One of the side effect of St. John's Wort is constipation and the feeling of fullness in your stomach. Black Cohosh's side effect is also constipation. Both of these may be the cause of your constipation.

I suggest you stop taking menomood and seek doctor's help for your menopause problems.

Tina on February 04, 2018:

Hi can you please tell me if I can take pomegranate apple cider vinegar and menomood herbal tablets from holland and and Barrett as I am now constipated

Razlan Awal (author) from Malaysia on December 06, 2016:

Hi, Mario. That sounds great. You can earn some extra cash if you sell your pomegranate vinegar online, such as through amazon.com! Give it a try.

Mario on November 29, 2016:

I make Pomegranate Vinegar since 2009. I have a 5 gallon from this year's fruits from our trees.

Andrew Petrou from Brisbane on July 04, 2016:

Great Stuff

I am quite certain of this "reverse quantity" effect. It appears that there are still unknown facts about the content of pomegranate. It may be that some of the active ingredients are behaving in this way.

The amazing local Korean Deli here has a "black label" bottle of pom vinegar mixed with rice vinegar. The owners say the rice vinegar is more powerful than even pom vinegar (they also recommend small quantities mixed with water).

Razlan Awal (author) from Malaysia on July 04, 2016:

Hey Oztinato. Thanks for sharing this. I must do my research now on why this is so :-)

Andrew Petrou from Brisbane on June 28, 2016:

I use pom vinegar every day. I've found it is more potent if you use only a small amount mixed with water. Large amounts are less effective! Why this is I do not know.

Razlan Awal (author) from Malaysia on June 28, 2016:

I have gastric and I take dates vinegar, pomegranate vinegar and sometimes apple cider vinegar, and I have no problem.

H on June 05, 2016:

If the person has a hyper acidity can still drink pomigranate vinegar?

Razlan Awal (author) from Malaysia on November 18, 2014:

Oztinato

Pom Vinegar does lower your blood pressure and help reduce clogged arteries. Hence, blood can flow better to places that it has not reached before. As you had discovered it does wonders to your life, which we will not elaborate here. Enjoy your kaboom!

Andrew Petrou from Brisbane on November 17, 2014:

greatstuff

I am 60 and have been having a relationship with a 30 year old woman for five years thanks to pom juice. The pom vinegar is more than twice as powerful as quality juice!! kaboom!! We have a saying here "bigger than ben hur".

Pom is one of the few aphrodisiacs for people with high blood pressure. The other main aphrodisiacs are for people with low blood pressure.

I am just now finding out that the pom vinegar seems to be drastically lowering my blood pressure. I will be testing this over the next few weeks and getting back to you.

Razlan Awal (author) from Malaysia on November 17, 2014:

Oztinato, glad to get to know a lover of vinegar and esp. pomegranate vinegar. I too love this stuff, but lately had been taking the Dates Vinegar instead as it is cheaper! Keep us posted on your romance with pomegranate vinegar. Thanks for sharing.

Andrew Petrou from Brisbane on November 17, 2014:

The korean stuff is delicious but I will soon be guzzling Waldburg too.

To me it acts like a very powerful aphrodisiac. Seriously atomic!

Razlan Awal (author) from Malaysia on November 17, 2014:

Hi Oztinato. If you want to sip pomegranate vinegar straight, then try VOM FASS WALDBURG Balsam Pomegranate. It has been aged and it doesn't taste so acidic, but it is expensive.

Andrew Petrou from Brisbane on November 17, 2014:

Mazlan

Is it ok to sip a little pom vinegar straight? I love the stuff.

Razlan Awal (author) from Malaysia on April 07, 2014:

Hi Melissa

Are you referring to Pompeian Red Wine Pomegranate Vinegar? I am not familiar with this brand, but I believed it is infused with the goodness of pomegranate.

Vinegar that are made through the direct fermentation process using 100% pomegranate fruit will be the best, instead of the infused version.

I am currently using the brand from Korean (see photo above). Not sure if you can buy this at Korean stores in your country. Sometimes I use the pomegranate vinegar imported from Turkey, which might be available in the Middle Eastern stores in your country.

Whichever brands that are available nearest to your place, buy the 100% pomegranate vinegar and not the infused or mixed with other vinegar/fruits versions.

Hope this helps.

Melissa on April 07, 2014:

Is there a particular brand of Pomegranate Vinegar? I found Pompeii Red Wine Pomegranate Vinegar at my local grocery store. Is this brand ok? Still full of the benefits? Or is there another brand I should buy?

Razlan Awal (author) from Malaysia on March 17, 2014:

Hi Uj, to answer your question, it should not be an issue, however, you may want to read the following articles published in the US National Library of Medicine (NCBI) for further clarification:

1. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC178520...

2. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC224594...

Uj on March 17, 2014:

can someone with history of gastric ulcer take it,since is very acidic

Razlan Awal (author) from Malaysia on February 12, 2014:

@nastarcia, For a start, take one teaspoon in a glass of water, once a day and slowly increase it to twice a day. Then, from one teaspoon, move up to one tablespoon. Hope you will gain from this.

@Casey White, thanks. Using pomegranate extract as part of the foot scrub regime is new to me. Thanks for sharing this info.

Crystal Finley from Tennessee on February 11, 2014:

I'm going to try pomegranate vinegar! thanks for sharing this wonderful hub!

Mike and Dorothy McKenney from United States on February 11, 2014:

Very well done. My daughter uses Pomegranate extract, along with many other extracts, in her sugar foot scrubs that she concocts in her kitchen.

suleiman on February 11, 2013:

very good notes for we researchers and learners that eat fruits. thank you

Razlan Awal (author) from Malaysia on June 06, 2012:

@livingpah2004 If you live in the US, you can buy pomegranate vinegar on-line and some companies do free delivery

Milli from USA on June 05, 2012:

We have all kinds of vinegar but pomegranate. I have to get this one. Very informative hub. Useful and Voted up!

Razlan Awal (author) from Malaysia on May 04, 2012:

Hi teaches12345, nice of you to drop by again. If you can't find pomegranate vinegar at your local specialty store/ Middle Eastern store, go on-line. You will find them.

Dianna Mendez on May 04, 2012:

I did not know that pomegranate vinegar existed as a remedy in stores. I will have to look into this as my husband needs to keep his arteries helthy. Thanks for sharing this valuable informaiton. Voted up.

Razlan Awal (author) from Malaysia on February 28, 2012:

Hi rosika. Thank you and I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed the article. If you intend to do your own pomegranate vinegar, be extra careful with the crushed seeds. If it enters the juice, the whole process may get spoilt. Good Luck and do let us know of your progress..make a hub!

rosika on February 27, 2012:

Really loved the information and am pleased to know about its benefit...I will try making pomegranate vinegar and will let you know! Thx! voted up!

Razlan Awal (author) from Malaysia on February 27, 2012:

Hi thumbi7, nice of you to drop by again. Thanks for the comment and thanks for sharing.

JR Krishna from India on February 27, 2012:

Pomegranates have many beneficial effecfts on health

Thanks for SHARING the Pomegranate vinegar recipe

Razlan Awal (author) from Malaysia on February 23, 2012:

Thanks Ariel. Hope you will join the HubPages community soon.

Ariel on February 22, 2012:

Hi I enjoyed reading this article, good information.

Razlan Awal (author) from Malaysia on January 25, 2012:

Hi travel_man1971, thanks for dropping by. Yes you should give it a try. The fresh fruits may not be on season or can be expensive, so I take the supplement and the vinegar.

Ireno Alcala from Bicol, Philippines on January 25, 2012:

This is really great stuff. I've seen pomegranate at the local market. I would like to give it a try by following your tips. Thanks for sharing!

Razlan Awal (author) from Malaysia on December 14, 2011:

@Alydar..thanks. Good to know that you will be making the pomegranate vinegar, be sure to take care in not getting the crushed seed into your filtered juice.

Alydar from Beaufort, SC on December 12, 2011:

This is new to me...I can't wait to try making my own pommegranite vinegar;) Great hub!

Razlan Awal (author) from Malaysia on December 07, 2011:

@tirelesstraveler: thanks for dropping by.If you have tried apple cider vinegar as part of your health routine, try pomegranate vinegar for a change..its sweeter but more acidic

Judy Specht from California on December 03, 2011:

Pomegranates are really good for you, but I never heard about vinegar until your hub. Great information