Pomegranates are among the healthiest fruits on earth which have been used for thousands of years as medicine. Pomegranate health benefits include cancer prevention, helps prevent arthritis and joint pain, lowers blood pressure, preventing bacterial infections, supports digestion and supply body with antioxidants and multiple vitamins.
Pomegranates are a good source of fiber, vitamins A, C, B and minerals such as calcium, potassium, and iron.
Two compounds in pomegranates – punicalagins and punicic acid – are responsible for most of the health benefits of pomegranate. Pomegranates also have an antioxidant activity 3 times higher than that of red wine and green tea.
Pomegranates Nutrition Facts:
Amount Per |
| Calories 233 |
% Daily Value* |
|
| Total Fat 3.3 g | 5% |
| Saturated fat 0.3 g | 1% |
| Polyunsaturated fat 0.2 g | |
| Monounsaturated fat 0.3 g | |
| Cholesterol 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium 8.5 mg | 0% |
| Potassium 665.5 mg | 19% |
| Total Carbohydrate 53 g | 17% |
| Dietary fiber 11 g | 44% |
| Sugar 39 g | |
| Protein 4.7 g | 9% |
| Vitamin A | 0% | Vitamin C | 48% |
| Calcium | 2% | Iron | 4% |
| Vitamin D | 0% | Vitamin B-6 | 10% |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0% | Magnesium | 8% |
Health Benefits Of Pomegranate:
1. Helps in Digestion
Improper digestion is the main cause of a lot of gut-related problems in the body. The fiber present in the pomegranates helps maintain a healthy gut. It has also been observed to reduce the chances of Crohn’s disease and the development of stomach ulcers. For a healthy gut, the best way is to eat it whole.
The high amount of dietary fiber, both soluble and insoluble in pomegranate juice helps to improve digestion and regulate bowel movement. Since it has no saturated fats or cholesterol, it is highly recommended for those aiming to lose weight.
While there are conflicting beliefs and research on whether pomegranate juice helps or worsens diarrhea, most doctors recommend avoiding it until you are feeling better and your symptoms have subsided.
2. Lower Blood Pressure
High blood pressure (hypertension) is one of the leading drivers of heart attacks and strokes. However, pomegranate juice and pulp is a natural way to manage blood pressure.
In one study, people with hypertension had a significant reduction in blood pressure after consuming 5 ounces (150 ml) of pomegranate juice daily for two weeks.
The juice reduces lesions and the inflammation of blood vessels in heart patients. It is a natural aspirin, which keeps the blood from coagulating and forming blood clots and also acts as a blood thinner allowing for an unrestricted flow of blood through the body.
3. Good for Heart
Pomegranate juice can have a great impact on health, particularly on the health of the heart. Cholesterol build up in the arteries is the main reason for most people suffering from heart conditions and are at risk of experiencing a heart attack or stroke eve. Pomegranate juice is comparatively higher in antioxidants, which helps clear the arteries of cholesterol and maintain heart health.
Pomegranate also lowers the risk of blockage in the arteries which can cause a restriction in the flow of blood to the heart and brain. It lowers the amount of bad cholesterol(LDL) that is retained in the body and increases the amount of good cholesterol(HDL).
Pomegranate may react negatively with blood pressure and cholesterol medications like statins. So make sure to talk with your doctor before indulging in taking a pomegranate extract supplement.
4. Cancer Prevention
Recently researchers found that Pomegranate juice may help stop the growth of prostate cancer cells. There are also studies that have discovered the presence of punicic acid in pomegranate, which is a type of omega-5 poly-saturated fatty acid. This targets breast cancer cells, killing them effectively.
Pomegranate juice eliminates free radicals from the body and inhibits the growth and development of cancer and other diseases. Its high contents of antioxidants stimulate the white blood cells to neutralize toxins in the body thereby promoting a strong and healthy immune system.
Daily intake of a glass of pomegranate juice can slow down the growth of cancerous cells in prostate cancer. Pomegranate appears to block aromatase, an enzyme that converts androgen to estrogen, a hormone which plays a crucial role in the development of breast cancer.
5. Arthritis and Joint Pain Prevention
Arthritis is a chronic illness caused by severe joint inflammation which is a common problem in Western countries. Pomegranates have antioxidants that help calm the body and reduce inflammation. Several tests have been carried out on animals, which show a significant decrease in collagen-induced arthritis. It is also a relief for rheumatoid arthritis.
Flavonols in pomegranate juice may help block the inflammation that contributes to osteoarthritis and cartilage damage. The juice is currently being studied for its potential effects on osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other types of arthritis and joint inflammation.
6. Helps In Healing Scars
Pomegranate helps in the regeneration of cells in the epidermal and dermal layers of the skin. Even the oil of pomegranate seeds is loaded with skin-friendly nutrients which are beneficial for the strengthening and regeneration of the epidermis.
It also protects the skin from sunburns and heals the damage caused to the skin due to constant exposure to the sun. Pomegranate has also the ability to hasten the process of healing of wounds.
7. Improves Your Skin Texture
Pomegranate helps in extending the life of fibroblasts which are responsible for the production of collagen and elastin that tighten the skin and prevent the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.
Collagen and elastin provide strength and support to the skin. Pomegranate is also very useful for lightening the skin tone. Drinking a glass of pomegranate juice daily gives a fair and glowing skin tone.
8. Prevents Hair Fall
When it comes to hair fall, the only solution is a proper diet with high proteins and nutrients food. We should eat foods containing omega6,9, calcium, magnesium, proteins, vitamins e,c,k and biotin, zinc, selenium.
Drinking pomegranate juice regularly strengthens the hair follicles and make hair grow faster, which in turn prevent hair fall.
Pomegranate extract is often used to treat hair loss. The pomegranate seed oil contains punicic acid which makes your hair strong, thick and healthy
9. Fight Bacterial and Fungal Infections
There are many microorganisms around us that we often fail to notice. These are responsible for infections such as candida and other viral infections and diseases.
Pomegranate seeds and pulp have antibacterial properties that help stop viruses and also be protective against infections and inflammation in your mouth. This includes conditions like gingivitis, periodontitis and denture stomatitis.
10. Prevents Anemia
Anemia is a condition caused by the deficiency of red blood cells in the body. Since pomegranate juice contains ample amount of iron, it helps in overcome the red blood cell deficiency in the body.
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Apart from the above health benefits, pomegranate is also beneficial to reduce soreness and improve strength recovery. It also decreases oxidative damage caused by exercise.