Pomegranates are packed with fiber. About 7 grams per fruit. That’s like eating a bowl of oatmeal, but way prettier. Fiber is your colon’s best friend. It bulks up stool and helps it slide out like a kid on a waterslide.
So, logically, pomegranates should relieve constipation, not cause it. But wait—there’s a catch. Most of that fiber is in the seeds (the crunchy part) and the white pith. If you’re only juicing the arils (the juicy red sacs) and spitting out the seeds, you’re missing the fiber train.
What About the Tannins?
Here’s the sneaky bit. Pomegranates contain tannins. These are plant compounds that can have a mild astringent effect. Think of drinking strong black tea—it can sometimes dry out your mouth or bind things up a little. Tannins can slow down digestion for some people.
But here’s the thing: the tannin levels in pomegranates are pretty low compared to tea or unripe bananas. You’d have to eat a mountain of pomegranates to feel a real plug. Like, an “I’ve given up on life and only eat pomegranates” kind of mountain.
