Pomegranates: What are its health benefits?

Pomegranate is not a popular fruit like beetroot, plums, and berries among others in the country. You might have come across it in a supermarket, but because you probably have not heard about it, or have heard about it but have not eaten it, you decided to ignore it. The health benefits of pomegranates are innumerable and what makes them special is that apart from being healthy, pomegranates are delicious as well as an attractive. Pomegranates have anti-oxidant, anti-viral and anti-tumour properties and are said to be a good source of vitamins, especially Vitamin A, Vitamin C,  and Vitamin E, as well as folic acid. This amazing fruit consists of three times as many antioxidants as both wine or green tea.

Wondering what pomegranates are good for? Well, you will be amazed to see that they are so useful in maintaining effective and healthy blood circulation that several doctors suggest eating pomegranates to regain your strength after a long illness. Other health benefits include being a great cure for the heart related problems, stomach disorders, cancer, dental conditions, osteoarthritis, anemia and diabetes. Pomegranates have been traditionally used for clearing up the skin and reducing inflammation. Pomegranate’s juice can also be useful for the treatment of sore throats.

According to a research study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, since pomegranates are rich in antioxidants, they can prevent the oxidization of LDL cholesterol, also known as ‘bad’ cholesterol.

The amazing health benefits of pomegranates can be enjoyed by consuming them in several ways. You can take them in the form of juice or you can eat its seeds, syrup, paste, nectar or concentrate. Below are some important reasons as to why you should eat them and also some of its numerous health benefits. Just read through and be educated and don’t forget to pass it across to your loved ones or friends.  

Stomach Disorders

Pomegranate peel, bark and leaves are used to calm disorders of the stomach or the diarrhoea caused by any kind of digestive problems. Drinking tea made from the leaves of this fruit also helps in curing your digestive problems. Pomegranate juice is also used for handling problems like dysentery and cholera.

Heart Problems                  

Regular intake of it juice can maintain good flow of the blood in the body. Because of this property, it subsequently decreases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The antioxidant components that are contained in this fruit help to keep the bad cholesterol from gaining any significant presence and thus keeps the arteries clear of any clots. The clots are clear because pomegranates have the ability to make the blood thinner.

Cancer

Pomegranates contain high levels of antioxidants called flavonoids. These flavonoids are known to be effective in counteracting various cancer radials. People that face high risk of prostate and breast cancer should start drinking the juice of this fruit, as it will help them to reduce the risk of developing cancer. Regular consumption of pomegranates can reduce the PSA levels in the body and aid in the fight against existing cancer cells in the body.

Dental Care

One of the best benefits of pomegranates is that their juice, along with its antibacterial and antiviral properties, helps to reduce the effects of dental plaque and protects against various oral diseases.

Osteoarthritis

The fruit helps reduce illnesses of many forms, including atherosclerosis and osteoarthritis. The damages that are caused due to the thickening and hardening of the arterial walls and in the cartilage and joints can be cured by eating this fruit. Also, pomegranates are capable of preventing the creation of enzymes that are responsible for breaking down connective tissues within the body.

Anaemia

Healthy blood flow can be maintained in the body by consuming this fruit in any form. Pomegranate supplies iron to the blood, thus helping to reduce symptoms of anaemia, including exhaustion, dizziness, weakness, and hearing loss. 

Diabetes

For diabetic patients, drinking the juice can reduce the risk of various coronary diseases. Along with this, there is a reduction in the hardening of the arteries, which can inhibit the development of various heart diseases.

Other Benefits

Over time, more and more people have started to realize the importance of eating pomegranates. There are other benefits of eating this fruit as well, like reducing the possibility of having premature babies and avoiding low birth weight for new-born infants.

Pomegranates also reduce the possibility of developing Alzheimer’s disease among older generations. It helps to control aging problems like wrinkles as well, thus providing people with youthful and glowing skin. Other than this, it can help women overcome depression symptoms during her period, especially post-menopausal depression.

The advantages and health benefits of pomegranates are countless, so get your hands on some of these juicy fruits and start reaping the benefits!

By: Pupwaya Timothy Dibal