We all know that fruits are nutritious and good for healthy living. They are packed with essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals required to strengthen your body towards diseases.

Well… today I would like to share with you some information and benefits of one such fruit which is none other than pomegranate.

A Little Pomegranate Science For You

Pomegranate is a nutrient packed fruit, rich in phytochemicals such as flavonoids and polyphenols. It has potent antioxidant activity that offers protection against heart diseases and cancer.

Pomegranate has been used as a source of traditional remedies in Ayurveda medicine for thousands of years.

The most abundant polyphenols in pomegranate are punicalagins, which are responsible for its antioxidant activity.

The bark of the tree and the rind (outer skin) of the pomegranate fruit are used as a remedy for dysentery, diarrhea and intestinal parasites. Pomegranate juice is considered as a tonic for throat and heart.

Let’s have a look at the various health benefits of pomegranate.

1. Pomegranate For Heart

Research studies suggest that pomegranate juice may be effective in reducing the risk of heart disease, by reducing LDL (low density lipoprotein) oxidation, macrophage oxidative status and foam cell formation.

In heart patients, pomegranate juice not only helps to improve blood flow in the cardiovascular system, but also helps to reduce high blood pressure and inflammation as well.

Some studies suggest that antioxidant compounds in pomegranate helps to reduce platelet aggregation and lowers blood pressure that may cause heart attack and stroke.

2. Pomegranate For Cancer

Scientists in University of California discovered that components in pomegranate juice inhibit the movement of cancer cells and weaken the attraction of malignant cells (cancerous cells) to a chemical signal that has been shown to promote metastasis (spreading of cancer from one organ to another).

Several studies suggested that pomegranate has anti-cancer effect and it helps to protects you from prostate cancer, breast cancer, leukemia, colon cancer and also prevent the vascular changes that promote tumor growth.

3. Pomegranate For Fertility

In some traditions, pomegranate symbolizes prosperity, fertility, abundance and marriage.

The antioxidants in pomegranate juice help to boost fertility by increasing blood flow to the uterus, promoting uterine lining and even boosting sperm quality in men.

Drinking pomegranate juice helps women in increasing their libido levels, thereby increasing the chances of getting pregnant and also helps to give birth to a healthy baby.

4. Pomegranate For Anemia

Pomegranate fruits are essential for nourishing the hemopoietic system (formation of blood cellular components) and are known as blood builder.

Pomegranate contains high amounts of iron, which increase hemoglobin levels in blood and helps to treat anemia.

5. Pomegranate Effect On Memory

Pomegranate juice may offer protection against Alzheimer’s disease by inhibiting oxidative stress that causes beta-amyloid deposits (deposits associated with brain cell death).

A research study suggested that pomegranate juice improves memory in middle-aged and older adults with mild memory complaints.

6. Pomegranate For Skin

Pomegranate benefits your skin by improving texture and helps to heal the scars. It also protects your from skin cancers.

Pomegranate juice helps to slow down the aging process by reducing free lines and wrinkles on the face caused by sun exposure. It also helps to prevent occurrences of dark spots and hyper pigmentation.

Some More Pomegranate Benefits 

Traditional Use: The astringent qualities of the rind, tree bark and flower juice are considered valuable in various purposes such as stopping gum bleeds, nose bleeds, toning skin (after blending with mustard oil), treating hemorrhoids and to firming-up sagging breasts.

As a Contraceptive: Ancient Indian Literature recorded that pomegranate has been used as a contraceptive by means of consuming rind or seeds, as well as by using the rind as a vaginal suppository.

Lower Blood Pressure: Pomegranate benefits the hypertensive patients by reducing the systolic blood pressure, inhibit serum angiotensin-converting enzyme, and helps to lower blood pressure.

Inhibit Viral Infections: Pomegranate juice consumption also helps to inhibit viral infections, and pomegranate extracts have antibacterial effects towards dental plaque.

Reduces Depression: A clinical study in lab animals have proved that phytochemical compounds in pomegranate juice may stimulate serotonin levels and estrogen receptors and also helps to improve symptoms of depression and increasing bone mass.

Improves Digestion: Pomegranate contains high amount of dietary fiber, which helps to improve digestion and regulate bowel movement.

Strengthen Hair: Regular intake of pomegranate juice also helps to strengthen the hair follicles, prevent hair fall and give the hair a healthy and lustrous appearance.

Arthritis: Pomegranate benefits the osteoarthritis patients by inhibiting the enzymes that are responsible for cartilage damage. It also helps to relieve symptoms of arthritis and bone inflammation.

Caution

Pomegranate may interact with some statin drugs used for cholesterol and high blood pressure, as well as some blood thinners.

So friends, make sure you add pomegranate fruit or juice to your regular diet to enjoy its numerous benefits.