Is Pomelo Fruit Good for Cholesterol?

December 22, 2025 •

4 min read

According to animal studies, concentrated pomelo extract has been shown to reduce LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels by up to 41%. The fruit, known for its sweet, mild flavor, is packed with nutrients that can contribute positively to cardiovascular health when included as part of a balanced diet.

Quick Summary

Pomelo contains beneficial antioxidants, fiber, and compounds like pectin that may help reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Human trials are limited, and a significant risk exists for those taking statin medications due to potential drug interactions.

Key Points

Rich in Antioxidants: Pomelo is high in vitamin C and flavonoids, which combat oxidative stress and may protect against arterial plaque buildup.
Source of Dietary Fiber: The fruit's fiber content, including pectin, helps bind to and remove cholesterol from the body, supporting digestive and heart health.
Potential for Lowering Cholesterol: Animal studies have shown that pomelo extract can significantly reduce LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, though human research is lacking.
Dangerous Statin Interaction: Pomelo contains furanocoumarins, which can dangerously increase the concentration of statin medications in the blood; consult a doctor if you take statins.
Beneficial for Blood Pressure: Its high potassium content helps regulate blood pressure, contributing to overall cardiovascular health.
Should Be Enjoyed Fresh: The benefits are associated with fresh pomelo. Processed versions, like dried or candied pomelo, often contain high levels of added sugar.

The Nutritional Profile of Pomelo

Pomelo is a large citrus fruit with a thick rind and sweet, mild-flavored flesh, often resembling a milder grapefruit. Beyond its refreshing taste, its robust nutritional makeup is what makes it a subject of interest for cardiovascular health. One whole pomelo can provide a significant portion of daily fiber and an impressive amount of vitamin C, a potent antioxidant. Additionally, it contains potassium, which is essential for regulating fluid balance and blood pressure. The fruit is also a source of flavonoids, such as naringenin and naringin, which have been studied for their potential health benefits, including their anti-inflammatory and cholesterol-lowering properties.

How Pomelo Might Influence Cholesterol Levels

Several components within pomelo contribute to its potential effects on cholesterol. These are largely related to its fiber and antioxidant content, though research is currently limited and mostly confined to animal and lab studies.

Dietary Fiber: Pomelo is a good source of fiber, particularly insoluble fiber. This type of fiber helps to regulate digestion and can bind to cholesterol in the digestive tract, preventing it from being absorbed into the bloodstream. Pectin, a soluble fiber found in pomelo, is specifically known for its ability to help remove bad cholesterol from the arteries.
Antioxidants: The high concentration of antioxidants, including vitamin C, naringenin, and lycopene, helps fight oxidative stress and reduces the oxidation of LDL cholesterol. Oxidized LDL is a major contributor to atherosclerosis, or the buildup of plaque in the arteries, so reducing its presence is crucial for heart health.
Animal Studies: A 21-day study conducted on rats found that concentrated pomelo extract reduced triglyceride levels by up to 21% and LDL cholesterol by up to 41%. While these findings are promising, it's important to remember that such results do not automatically translate to the same effects in humans. More research is needed to confirm these benefits for people.

Comparison of Pomelo and Grapefruit for Heart Health

Pomelo and grapefruit are closely related, but there are key differences, especially regarding their interaction with medication.


Feature	Pomelo	Grapefruit
Taste Profile	Mild and sweet, less bitter.	Often more tart and bitter.
Statin Interaction	Contains furanocoumarins, which can interfere with statin metabolism.	Also contains furanocoumarins, famously known to interact with statins.
Cholesterol Benefits	Contains fiber and antioxidants that may aid in lowering cholesterol (based on animal studies).	Contains fiber and compounds that can help manage cholesterol levels.
Research on Humans	Limited human data specifically on pomelo's cholesterol-lowering effects.	More well-documented research on its heart-health and drug interactions.
Nutritional Density	Rich in Vitamin C, copper, and potassium, with slightly fewer calories per gram.	Also nutrient-dense but with slightly more carbs per gram.

Important Considerations and Drug Interactions

While pomelo shows promise for heart health, there is a serious and well-documented risk of drug interactions, similar to its relative, grapefruit. Pomelos contain compounds called furanocoumarins that can inhibit an enzyme (CYP3A4) in the liver responsible for metabolizing certain medications. This can cause the drug to build up in the bloodstream to dangerous levels.

Statins and other medications: Anyone taking statin drugs for high cholesterol, such as atorvastatin (Lipitor), rosuvastatin (Crestor), or simvastatin (Zocor), should avoid pomelo and pomelo juice. Other drugs, including some calcium channel blockers, immunosuppressants, and antihistamines, can also be affected. It is crucial to consult a healthcare provider or pharmacist to discuss potential risks before incorporating pomelo into your diet, especially if you are on any medication.

How to Safely Incorporate Pomelo into Your Diet

For individuals not on contraindicated medications, pomelo can be a healthy and delicious part of a heart-conscious diet. It is best enjoyed fresh, as the dried or candied versions often contain high amounts of added sugar.

Suggestions for enjoying fresh pomelo:

Fresh snack: Peel the thick rind and enjoy the juicy, sweet segments on their own. The membranes between segments should be peeled off as well.
Salads: Add pomelo segments to a fresh green salad or a fruit salad for a burst of citrus flavor.
Juice and smoothies: Blend the fresh pulp into a smoothie or juice it for a refreshing drink.
Salsas: Use it as a sweet and tangy element in a homemade salsa to serve with grilled fish or chicken.

Conclusion

Pomelo is a highly nutritious fruit, rich in fiber, antioxidants, and potassium, all of which are beneficial for cardiovascular wellness. While promising animal studies suggest it can help lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, human research is still needed. Crucially, its potential to interfere with statin medications, much like grapefruit, poses a significant risk. If you are taking any prescription medication, particularly for cholesterol, it is essential to speak with your doctor before consuming pomelo to avoid potentially serious drug interactions. For those who are not on such medications, fresh pomelo can be a safe and delicious addition to a heart-healthy diet.

Heart-Health Benefits of Dietary Fiber

Frequently Asked Questions

While animal studies show promise in reducing cholesterol, more robust human research is needed to confirm the effects of pomelo fruit on cholesterol levels in people.

Both fruits have similar beneficial compounds, but no conclusive evidence suggests one is superior for cholesterol. The primary distinction for heart patients lies in the potent and well-documented drug interactions, which occur in both.

Pomelo contains dietary fiber, particularly pectin, and a high amount of antioxidants like naringenin and naringin. These compounds are believed to help reduce cholesterol absorption and decrease the oxidation of LDL cholesterol.

Pomelo is known to interact with statin medications used for cholesterol, as well as some blood pressure drugs and immunosuppressants, by inhibiting liver enzymes. Always check with a doctor or pharmacist about specific medications.

The peel of the pomelo contains potent antioxidants and has been used in traditional medicine, but most research focuses on extracts. The rind is also where the highest concentration of furanocoumarins, the compounds that interact with statins, is found.

In addition to potential cholesterol effects, pomelo's high potassium content helps regulate blood pressure, and its overall antioxidant profile reduces inflammation, promoting better circulation and heart muscle function.

The drug interaction risk is specific to consuming the fruit or juice. The only way to avoid the risk is to abstain from consuming pomelo if you are on medications that interact with grapefruit, and to confirm with your doctor first.