“Pomegranate has antioxidant, anti-viral, and anti-tumour properties. The juice of a single pomegranate has more than 40 percent of your daily requirement of vitamin C.”
Pomegranate is among the healthiest fruits on earth. It is often called the divine fruit, as it is the most talked-about fruit in theological books, finding mentions in ancient Greek, Hebrew, Buddhist, Islamic, and Christian writings. It also makes an appearance on royal and medical coats of arms. The fruit is loaded with a range of beneficial plant compounds that are hard to find in other fruits. Pomegranate juice has more than 100 phytochemicals, and no wonder this fruit has found use in medicine since time immemorial. Records dating as early as 1500 BCE describe its use for the treatment of tapeworm and other parasites.
Pomegranate has antioxidant, anti-viral, and anti-tumor properties. The juice of a single pomegranate has more than 40 percent of your daily requirement of vitamin C. In addition to vitamin C and vitamin E, pomegranate juice is a good source of folate, potassium, and vitamin K. It contains two plant compounds with powerful medicinal properties — punicalagin and punicic acid. It is rich in antioxidants, which help remove free radicals, prevent oxidative stress, protect cells from damage, and reduce inflammation. You will be surprised to know that the antioxidants present in pomegranates are almost three times higher than those in wine or green tea.
Here are some reasons why you should include pomegranate in your diet:
- Prevents Cancer: Researchers recently found that pomegranate juice may help stop the growth of prostate cancer cells. Similar studies have also confirmed its role in the prevention of various other kinds of cancers.
- Sharpens Memory: The high concentration of antioxidants in pomegranates helps stall the progress of Alzheimer’s disease and protect memory. Drinking 8 ounces of pomegranate juice daily may improve learning and memory, according to a recent study.
- Good for Your Gut: Pomegranate juice can reduce inflammation in the gut and improve digestion. It is beneficial for people with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and other inflammatory bowel diseases.
- Alleviates Arthritic Pain: Flavonols in pomegranate juice may help block the inflammation that contributes to osteoarthritis and cartilage damage. More studies are being done on its potential effects on osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other types of arthritis and joint inflammation.
- Healthy Heart: Pomegranate juice is touted as the most heart-healthy juice. Studies have shown that this juice improves blood flow and keeps the arteries from becoming stiff and thick. It may also slow the growth of plaque and the build-up of cholesterol in the arteries. Antioxidants present in pomegranate act as blood thinners. The seeds of pomegranate prevent blood platelets from forming clots and coagulating. Drinking pomegranate juice daily helps lower systolic blood pressure.
- Fights Infection: Between the vitamin C and other immune-boosting nutrients like vitamin E, pomegranate juice can prevent illness and fight off infection.
- Improves Fertility: Pomegranate juice’s concentration of antioxidants and ability to impact oxidative stress make it a potential fertility aid.
- Enhances Sports Performance: Pomegranate juice may help reduce soreness and improve strength recovery.
- Checks Sugar: 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.
- Hydrates Your Skin: According to dermatologists, pomegranate juice can help replenish dry, dull skin. Blend 3 tablespoons of pomegranate seeds, 1 cup of cooked oatmeal, 2 tablespoons of extra virgin organic olive oil, and 1 tablespoon of raw honey. Apply to your face, let it sit for about 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
- Promotes Hair Growth: Pomegranate is packed with antioxidants that make hair follicles stronger and improve blood circulation in the scalp—factors that help stimulate hair growth.
- Prevents Plaque Formation: A study revealed that hydro-alcoholic extract of pomegranate effectively lowered dental plaque formation due to microorganism build-up by almost 84 percent.
- Relieves Stress: 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.
