Pomegranate is one of the healthy fruit with numerous benefits. This versatile fruit contains many bioactive compounds used to treat various ailments. The excellent nutritional profile of this fruit makes it popular around the world.
Pomegranate has been a prominent medicinal constituent of several herbal medicines. In addition, pomegranate is not just great for your internal health but also benefits your skin.
Pomegranate is scientifically known as Punica granatum L, is an ancient fruit. There are varieties of pomegranate that grow around the year in different parts of the world, such as the Himalayas, South Asia, the Mediterranean, Asia, the United States, Arizona, and India.
Edible parts of pomegranate:
Not only pomegranate pulp but also various parts of the plant are useful for health wellness. For example, pomegranate peel contains the maximum amount of antioxidants compared to its other part. The majorly used parts of the pomegranate plant are :
- Pomegranate seeds- dried seeds of pomegranate are widely used in the preparation of anardana spice, chutney, & curry.
- Seeds oil-the essential vitamin and minerals present in its seed oil nourishes, regenerate,& heals skin by increasing cell renewal.
- Pomegranate peel- the peels of pomegranate contain high polyphenols which are a impotant ingridient of some dietary supplements and food preservatives.
Nutritional facts about pomegranate
Usually, pomegranate is consumed as a fresh fruit and juice. The delicious fruit possesses a wide range of antioxidants, predominantly polyphenols. Antioxidants have numerous beneficial impacts on our bodies.
Along with it, pomegranate contains abundant nutrients, which includes:
- Dietary fiber
- Carbohydrate
- Protein
- Folic acid
- Vitamin B, C, K, E
- Calcium
- Phosphorous
- Potassium
How much pomegranate do you need to eat every day?
Pomegranate is considered a safe fruit, one bowl is enough for a day or you can also have 200 ml juice daily.
However, some people may be sensitive to it, so if you experience swelling, itching, difficulty in urination, and breathing then you should consult with your doctor, before incorporating it into your diet daily.
How can pomegranate benefit your health?
Pomegranate juice surely relishes your taste bud, but do you know how healthy it is? Pomegranate is an incredibly nutritious fruit that offers multiple health benefits. Here are some health benefits of pomegranate.
Increases fertility and sexual performance
Its high antioxidant content potentially increases fertility in both men and women as it decreases oxidative stress from the body that improves hormones’ functionality. In women eating pomegranate daily may promote blood flow to the uterus and increase successful implantation chances. They are also a good source of folate and vitamin C which decreases inflammation and helps in fetal development.
May alleviate arthritis
Pomegranate contains a high amount of antioxidant that helps in removing free radicals from the body, which is responsible for inflammatory condition and many other diseases
Arthritis is a free radical-induced disease and in this, a person may suffer pain, inflammation, swelling, and itching. Pomegranate juice may reduce inflammation and blocks pain & swelling conditions that contribute to arthritis. Furthermore, pomegranate is also helpful in osteoporosis, cartilage, damage & rheumatoid arthritis condition.
Aids digestion
For digestive issues, pomegranate works as a tonic. Pomegranate is a good source of dietary fiber, which reduces constipation, it also facilitates digestive juice secretion. Thus, keeping digestive distress away. Thus, keeping digestive stress away. Moreover, pomegranate juice is also effective in inflammatory bowel disease and Crohn’s disease.
Improves heart health
Pomegranate decreases toxicity from the blood, increases the activity of HDL(high-density lipoprotein), improves blood flow, and removes plaque formation from arteries. In conclusion, a healthy blood flow decreases the risk of a heart attack. Simultaneously, it is also beneficial in maintaining blood pressure.
Prevent anemia
Pomegranate is extensively a important part of various systems of medicine. It is an excellent source of folate and iron which helps to improve blood count and effectively increases hemoglobin levels in the body.
Cancer prevention
Our body accumulates different types of toxins in the form of free radicals, which further damage cells and tissue and eventually give rise to different diseases. Chronic diseases and cancer are the results of toxins.
Therefore, you need to have antioxidant-rich food in your diet. Pomegranate is among one of the highest antioxidant-rich fruit which helps your body to fight against free radicals and prevents the risk of cancer.
For instance, pomegranate can reduce growth and the risk of prostate cancer.
Prevent skin damage
If you are looking for remedies for your skin condition, pomegranate juice may help. It contains vitamin C, vitamin E, and antioxidants including, phenolic acid & flavonoids, as they reduce breakout, improve skin inflammation, cleanse skin internally, and help you to get glowing skin.
When not to eat pomegranate?
In general, pomegranate is a safe fruit, but it can interfere with blood pressure. So, it is advised not to take it before surgery. Also, people with low BP should avoid it as BP may drop more.
In addition, pomegranate with some drugs may cause drug-food interaction. Medication like high BP, blood sugar, warfarin effectiveness may decrease or Increase.
How to include pomegranate in your diet?
From salads to smoothies, pomegranate could be a perfect ingredient. This vibrant fruit is best when paired with curd, tropical fruit, sweet fruit, and oats. However, Avoid mixing it with acidic fruits. A handful of pomegranate is best, but you can also use them for so much more than just juice.
Usually, the hydrating quality of juice increases when they are juiced. To make your dish more tasty and healthy, you can add or sprinkle seeds on your recipes, Such as pulao, fruit salad, pomegranate margarita, cocktail, apple tart, pomegranate smoothie, yogurt and many more.