Health Benefits Of Pomegranates

Pomegranates are among the healthiest fruits on earth.

They contain a range of beneficial plant compounds, unrivaled by other foods.

Many studies have shown that they have incredible benefits for your body, and may lower the risk of all sorts of diseases . It is one of the healthiest fruits on earth. Pomegranate has many incredible health benefits for your body. It is called as a divine fruit because it is the most mentioned fruit in theological books. Pomegranate has anti-oxidant, anti-viral and anti-tumor properties and is 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 three times as many antioxidants as both wine or green tea. Consuming pomegranate also lowers the risk of all sorts of diseases. Following are the benefits of pomegranate:

1. Protects us from free radicals

Pomegranate is rich in anti-oxidants and thus protects our body from free radicals, which are responsible for premature ageing. Free radicals are formed by exposure to sun and due to harmful toxins in the environment.

2. It thins your blood

Antioxidants present in pomegranate act as a 'thinner for your blood'. The seeds of pomegranate prevent your blood platelets from forming clots and coagulating.

There are two types of blood clots, first is the good one which speeds the recovery during a cut or an injury and second is when there is any internal clot, like in heart, arteries or anywhere else inside the body. These type of clots are not good and can be fatal.

3. Prevention of atherosclerosis

With increasing age and the type of lifestyle we live, the walls of our arteries become harder due to cholesterol, resulting in blockages sometimes. The anti-oxidant property of pomegranate prevents bad cholesterol from oxidizing. So, eating pomegranates removes the excess fat and prevents the hardening of artery walls.

4. It acts like an oxygen mask

Pomegranate helps to pump the level of oxygen in our blood. Due to anti-oxidants present in pomegranate, it fights free radicals, reduces cholesterol and prevents blood clot. All this eventually helps blood to flow freely and thus improve the level of oxygen in your body.

5. It prevents arthritis

Pomegranate can reduce the damage of the cartilage by fighting the enzyme that does so. Pomegranate also has the ability to reduce inflammation.

6. Fights erectile dysfunction

Though it is not a wonder drug but yes pomegranate juice can slightly improve erectile dysfunction. And a lot of theories prove this as true.

7. Fights heart disease and prostate cancer

Two studies claim that pomegranate juice has the ability to fight prostate cancer. An experiment showed that pomegranate juice slowed the growth and even killed cultured cancer cells. And as we have already mentioned in the second point, pomegranate juice thins the blood and thus improves its condition which in turn prevents cardiovascular diseases.

8. Pomegranate is loaded with beneficial nutrients

A cup of pomegranate seed contains 24 grams of sugar and 144 calories. A cup of pomegranate seeds contain following nutrients:

• Fiber: 7 grams
• Protein: 3 grams
• Folate: 16 per cent of the RDA
• Potassium: 12 per cent of the RDA
• Vitamin C: 30 per cent of the RDA
• Vitamin K: 36 per cent of the RDA

9. It improves memory

A study was conducted where people who had a problem with their memory were given 237ml of pomegranate juice every day. After a certain period of time, a lot of improvement was seen in their verbal and visual memory. In fact, another experiment done on mice shows that pomegranate consumption can also prevent Alzheimer's. But the experiment is yet to be done on humans.

10.Blood Pressure

Punicic acid is one of the main constituents of pomegranate that help lower cholesterol, triglycerides and reduce blood pressure up to 5%. This reduction in systolic blood pressure can reduce the chances of stroke.

11. Helps in digestion

We all know fibre is good for digestion. But due to our lifestyle where we are inclined towards eating junk food, we miss the goodness of fibre in our vegetables and fruits. Adding pomegranate to your everyday diet can be one the best ways to include fibre in your daily routine. One pomegranate contains 45 per cent of your daily recommended intake of fibre.

12. Boosts immunity

Being rich in anti-inflammatory compounds, pomegranates are extremely healthy for those suffering from immune-related disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and osteroarthrits. They are also rich in vitamin C, which boosts antibody production and helps in the development of immunity. Pomegranates can thus help you maintain a healthy immune system and keep common illnesses and infections at bay.

13. Lowers stress levels

Apart from reducing body's internal oxidative stress, pomegranates also help lower psychological stress that you go through in your personal and professional life. According to a study conducted by Queen Margaret University, people who drank pomegranate juice had lower levels of cortisol, a stress hormone that is increased under stressful situations.

14. Prevent plaque formation

You use mouth wash to improve your oral health, but much to your surprise pomegranate juice can be a better option than alcohol containing mouth washes. Certain compounds in pomegranate exhibit strong antiplaque effects.

A study showed that hydroalcoholic extract of pomegranate effectively lowered dental plaque formation due to microorganisms build up by almost 84 per cent.

Caution: Pomegranate juice is good for cardiovascular health but in rare cases, it may react with a patient's medication.

15. Treats Fertility Problems

Pomegranate juice's concentration of antioxidants and ability to impact oxidative stress make it a potential fertility aid. Oxidative stress has been shown to cause sperm dysfunction and decrease fertility in women.

The juice has also been shown to help reduce oxidative stress in the placenta. But researchers don't yet know the exact benefits this may provide. Drinking pomegranate juice can also increase testosterone levels in men and women, one of the main hormones behind sex drive.

16.Pomegranate Benefits For Weight Loss

Another pomegranate health benefits is that it is high in antioxidants. If taken daily, it can help you in controlling your body weight. You can take the fruit in your daily diet and lose those extra calories. The high fiber content will also make sure that people feel more satiated after its consumption.

17.Prevents Alzheimer’s Disease

One of the greatest health benefits of pomegranate is that if this fruit is taken daily, it can help in preventing Alzheimer’s disease . If the patient is already affected by this disease, then it can be slowed down with this fruit. It also improves the patient’s brain and helps to do daily activities properly and more actively.

18.Pomegranate Benefits For Skin

Serums made from this sour fruits’ seeds have been a favorite among many because of its non-greasy texture. It is also, as mentioned above, a very common ingredient in body products like facial creams, scrubbers, and massage oils. Don’t you want to know the unique quality these seeds hold? Listed below are the reasons behind the various benefits of pomegranates.

•  Maintains Skin Health

Collagen is the basic component of your skin which ensures that your skin remains soft, smooth and firm. Certain compounds present in pomegranates stop the enzymes from breaking down collagen, thus maintaining skin health. They also assist in the growth of fibroblasts, the cells that produce elastin and fiber to ensure that your skin remains smooth and supple. Furthermore, this fruit stimulates proliferation of keratinocytes, the cells that form the outermost layer of your skin. The increase in the number of these cells enables your skin to repair itself better.

•  Moisturizes Skin

Being rich in punicic acid, the oil derived from these seeds will moisturize your skin. 

• Aids In Cell Regeneration

Skin damage often leads to problems like pigmentation and age spots . Pomegranates are beneficial in this regard as they protect the epidermis (outer layer of the skin), and facilitate skin cell regeneration in the epidermis and dermis (inner layer). They aid in the production of naturally occurring antioxidants in your body that help in regeneration of skin cells. In this way, they help in increasing circulation and aiding in tissue repair and wound healing.

• Treats Acne

Acne is caused due to digestive problems or hormonal imbalance. Pomegranate, being a rich source of vitamin C, can regulate the production of sebum, an oily substance secreted by your skin which is the root cause of pimples. It also corrects digestive problems, thus promoting healthy blood circulation in the body. You can apply pomegranate juice on the areas affected by pimples. This will prevent acne and scars by generating tissues in the affected area.

• Beneficial For Dry Skin

The small molecular structure of pomegranate enables it to penetrate deeply into the skin, making it effective for treating dry skin. It has the ability to soothe dry, cracked and irritated skin as it contains punicic acid, an omega-5 fatty acid that hydrates skin and prevents moisture loss.

•  Beneficial For Oily/Combination Skin

Pomegranate oil is great for oily skin and is often used in skin care products meant for acne prone skin to combat breakouts, reduce scarring, and soothe minor irritations.

•  Anti-aging Benefits

Pomegranates possess anti-ageing properties, thus rejuvenating your skin both internally and externally. Pomegranate juice is beneficial for the skin that is damaged due to sun exposure or aging. The oil from pomegranate seeds helps strengthen the epidermis thus reducing or delaying wrinkles. This fruit repairs skin damage to provide you with smooth and youthful skin and extends the life of the cells that are involved in the production of collagen and elastin. The collagen and elastin pump up your skin and render it elasticity, thus keeping it youthful and minimizing the occurrence of wrinkles .

•  Sun Protection

Pomegranates are a great way of countering the damaging effects of the sun. They contain a number of antioxidants that protect your skin against free radical damage. They also prevent skin cancer, relieve sunburn and reduce the signs of sun damage. It provides protection against skin cancer as it contains a large amount of ellagic acid, a polyphenol antioxidant which inhibits the growth of skin tumors.

• Treatment Of Skin Inflammation

Pomegranate extracts are comparable to any ointment in soothing skin inflammation. They contain polyphenols along with other compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties. The seeds of pomegranate contain excellent healing properties that promote rapid healing. Consuming pomegranates and applying its extracts or oil on the affected area ensures quick healing of your skin and fights infection. Moreover, it does not leave a scar or mark on the skin after healing.

• Heals Dry Skin & Cracks

Do you suffer from cracked or dry skin? Apply the pomegranate seed oil on a regular basis and you can kiss goodbye to those cracks.

•  Revitalizes Facial Skin

This emollient will also revitalize your facial skin and is also a great product to heal wounds.

• Treats Skin Infections

People suffering from inflammatory and other skin problems like eczema, psoriasis need not worry about a homemade remedy because here it is. Pomegranate seeds have really good anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. This, therefore, helps in relieving you of the mentioned skin infections.

19.Pomegranate Benefits For Hair

This delectable fruit is not likely to be effective in miraculously curing hair problems such as hair loss, dandruff, thinning hair, etc. But it does contain nutrients that can benefit your hair indirectly. For instance, hair loss is often caused due to anemia, which can be reduced by this fruit. Pomegranate improves circulation which might help in combating hair loss.

• Strengthens Hair Follicles

Drinking pomegranate juice helps in strengthening your hair follicles. Pomegranate extract is often used to treat hair loss. Pomegranate seed oil contains punicic acid which makes your hair strong, thick and healthy. It also improves circulation to the scalp, thus stimulating hair growth.

• Treatment Of Frizzy Hair

Pomegranate oil is often used in hot oil treatments or pre-shampoo soothing for frizzy and over processed hair for the purpose of conditioning kinky, curly and wavy hair. It detangles your hair and moisturizes the hair shaft, thus enhancing the appearance and feel of your hair. After knowing its numerous benefits, here are some tips and tidbits on how to get the maximum out of pomegranate fruit.

•  Adds Shine & Luster To Hair

One of the major advantages of pomegranate seeds is that the oil derived from this can be used as a carrier oil with other oils like jojoba oil or almond oil. So, are you dying for lengthy, soft, and shiny locks? Then here you go.

• Nourishes Hair

Pomegranate seeds have proved to not just hydrate your hair and give the nourishment it requires with vitamins and minerals, but also gives it that luster.

• Strengthens Dull Hair

Heat pomegranate oil till it becomes mildly hot and massage your hair with it. Wrap your hair with a towel and wait for about 30 minutes before you rinse it off with a shampoo or conditioner. Being rich in essential fatty acids and punicic acid, it will strengthen all the dull strands and give your hair a natural gloss.

20.Diabetes

Pomegranate was traditionally used as a remedy for diabetes in the Middle East and India. While much is still unknown about the effects of pomegranate on diabetes, it may help decrease insulin resistance and lower blood sugar.

21.Endurance and sports performance

Move over, tart cherry and beet juice. Pomegranate juice may be the new sport performance enhancer. The juice may help reduce soreness and improve strength recovery. It also decreases oxidative damage caused by exercise.