Pomegranate is rich, delicious and juicy. Since ancient times, these fruits have been a symbol of health, fertility and rebirth. Its ruby red color is indicative of its immense nutritive value. Moreover, many ancient cultures have been using every part of the pomegranate for the varied health benefits they yield.
But is this simply a myth or based on reality? In this article, I’ll go over some of the real health benefits of pomegranates and help you see whether this is a fruit that you should include in your day to day diet plan or whether it should be avoided.
Health benefits of Pomegranates
Pomegranates contain many essential nutrients like antioxidants, citric acid, essential amino acids, iron and vitamins.
The antioxidant properties associated with pomegranates are so strong that they may be effective in protecting the body from fatal illnesses like cancers and cardiac diseases. Since antioxidants destroy free radicals floating in the blood, pomegranates could also be helpful in preventing Alzheimer’s. The antioxidant properties of pomegranates are famed for their beneficial impact on the skin. Pomegranates may delay premature aging and give healthy, glowing skin.
In ancient medicinal practices, pomegranates were used to treat a number of inflammatory conditions like sore throat and rheumatism. So effective are the anti-inflammatory properties of this fruit that it decreases the recurrence rates of prostate cancer following surgical removal or chemotherapy.
This property is also effective in keeping the joints healthy and free of inflammation. Even leprosy patients may gain from taking in the juice of the fruit. The juice of the fruit may be used to alleviate ulcers, urinary disorders, gastric fevers and asthmatic fevers.
The seeds of this fruit are packed with dietary fiber, yielding more than five grams of fiber for every half cup. The fiber content and the medicinal properties of the juice help reduce LDL cholesterol levels in the blood. Regular intake of the fruit could thus prevent the build up of plaque in the arteries. Thus, pomegranates keep the heart healthy.
Pomegranates relieve the effects of menopause. It is effective in keeping blood pressure levels stable. Pomegranates may also play a role in preventing prostrate cancer in men.
Pomegranate is also good for the memory. Pomegranates protect babies from brain damage at the time of birth.
There’s even been talk of a pomegranate diet. This is a plan which calls for drinking the juice of this fruit or eating the seeds as some highly effective way to lose pounds. I have seen no evidence to suggest that this fruit is such a powerful weight loss tool. At the most, it is simply very healthy.
How to eat
There are many creative ways to include pomegranates in the daily diet.
The berries may be eaten fresh when they are ripe.
A cool glass of pomegranate juice is filled with health benefits besides being delicious.
Pomegranate seeds may be added to fruit salads, green salads, cereals or syrups.
Pomegranates may be used to make cold soups.
They may be added to fruit smoothies to give a great taste.
Pomegranates may be added to frozen desserts like ice creams, kulfi, muffins and tarts.
In conclusion
Pomegranates are filled with nutrients that are beneficial for health. Since these fruits have the ability to keep so many ailments at bay, it makes sense to make it a part of our daily diet.
