Ingredient Diaries, Chapter 5: Pomegranate & Grape Seed
What is Pomegranate
The Pomegranate fruit has been used medicinally for thousands of years. This fruit is anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, and protective against diabetic complications. Pomegranate Extract is a concentrated version of pomegranate juice, containing a higher proportion of bioactive compounds compared to the original juice.
What is Grape Seed
Grape Seed Extract might be small in size, but it packs a serious punch when it comes to health. Sourced from the tiny seeds of grapes, this powerhouse ingredient is rich in antioxidants, flavonoids and resveratrol acid.
Health Benefits and Uses
Grape Seed Extract and Pomegranate Extract, both present tremendous health benefits:
- Rich in Antioxidants: Both ingredients contain high levels of antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals, reduce oxidative stress and support overall cellular health
- Support Heart Health: Both ingredients help lower blood pressure, improving blood circulation in the body. Moreover, they help reduce LDL cholesterol oxidation, which helps prevent plaque buildup in arteries
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Anti-inflammatory: The flavonoids and antioxidants in both ingredients may help reduce inflammation in the body which is linked to various health problems. Grape Seed Extract may also improve collagen levels, which is linked to joint pain, skin conditions and, chronic diseases
- Memory and Cognitive Function: Consumption of either ingredient can enhance cognitive function (both verbal and visual), protect the brain from oxidative damage, and support memory and focus especially as one gets older
- Anticarcinogenic Effects: Both ingredients have also been evaluated for their anticarcinogenic activity against numerous cancer types and shown potential to inhibit human breast, lung, gastric, oral squamous cell, liver, prostate, and pancreatic cell lines in lab settings
Pomegranate & Grape Seed in Shift
At Shift, we’re reimagining soda—from an unhealthy addiction to a wellness ritual. Every can is carefully crafted with functional ingredients that help you feel good and still taste great. We included these ingredients for their multi-fold benefits in overall health, anti-inflammation, and memory improvement.
References
Kandylis P, Kokkinomagoulos E. (2020), "Food Applications and Potential Health Benefits of Pomegranate and its Derivatives," https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7074153/#sec3-foods-09-00122
Katie Cameron, Lori M. King, PhD, "Health Benefits of Pomegranate," accessed on April 7, 2025, https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-pomegranates
"Pomegranate Extract," ScienceDirect.com, accessed April 7, 2025, https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/pomegranate-extract
Caroline Hill, MHumNutr, BSc (2023) "10 Benefits of Grape Seed Extract, Based on Science," https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/grape-seed-extract-benefits?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Bagchi D, et al. (2014), "Free radical scavenging, antioxidant and cancer chemoprevention by grape seed proanthocyanidin: an overview," https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24751946/