Health Benefits Of Pomegranate

The pomegranate’s health benefits have become quite popular lately but the advantages of this fruit have been known for centuries. Originally from the Middle East and Asia, the pomegranate fruit is also known by the name Granada or the Chinese apple. Historical evidence seems to suggest that it has been cultivated along with grapes and olives for at least 3000 years. In the ancient cultures of Egypt and Greece this fruit represented life and health.

This popular fruit has plenty of antioxidants which help to decelerate the aging process and to give you smooth skin without wrinkles. Today many people have turned to natural remedies as a way to complement conventional medication.

The pomegranate health benefits have received so much attention that some refer to the fruit as a miracle. Its benefits are not only useful for people of advanced age, but instead it can be consumed by people of all ages. This is because this sweet fruit has healing properties that can help anyone to improve their health. The pomegranate health benefits for men as concluded from various studies show that it may help prevent prostate cancer and decrease the risk of impotency. Furthermore, pomegranate juice may even be used as a treatment aid for prostate cancer as research shows that it could help to control the growth of prostate tumors. In addition to being healthy for men, there are several pomegranate health benefits for women. As per recent studies in Israel, it was found that pomegranate may be useful in the prevention of breast cancer. Also see nutritional benefits of pomegranate juice

Pomegranate Nutrition Facts

The high antioxidant content of this fruit is one of the most interesting pomegranate nutrition properties for health and well being. This is because antioxidants protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are a by-product of the body’s metabolism and can cause damage to the various organs in the body. This damage is very slight, but over time, the overall damage can be quite extensive. Free radical damage is associated with serious health problems such as cancer and autoimmune disease. Additional pomegranate nutrition facts show that this fruit is also a good source of potassium and is high in vitamin B and Vitamin C, and is a very good source of fiber. Pomegranates can be consumed on a regular basis as an excellent method of reducing cholesterol levels. They help prevent heart disease and keep your immune system in top notch conditions. The pomegranate nutrition benefits are highlighted by its low calorie content combined with its high nutritional value. Pomegranate juice is an excellent home remedy to increase blood circulation as it contains natural blood thinning agents. Research into pomegranate health benefits suggest that it may help to lower bad cholesterol levels while raising good cholesterol levels. It can alo help to reduce arterial plaque.

These pomegranate nutritional properties make it an excellent fruit for kids as well as adults. This fruit contains several hundred seeds within it and each seed is encapsulated in a soft pulp. The seeds are edible, but children who are not used to eating pomegranates may find it strange and refuse to eat it. In such a case, pomegranate juice would be a great option. Pomegranate juice is often processed to make other pomegranate products such as pomegranate molasses, pomegranate molasses, and pomegranate sauce. Pomegranate tea is easily available and is an excellent breakfast drink.

Most of these pomegranate juice products are processed and so the pomegranate nutritional properties value in each would differ. There are even pomegranate nutritional supplements that are available in the form of capsules and tablets. In order to preserve the pomegranate’s natural nutritional value, it would be best to consume fresh pomegranates or homemade pomegranate juice.

Nutrients In Pomegranate

The pomegranate fruit nutrients’ value in various processed products can differ according to the processing method. A pomegranate fruit weighing approximately 154g packs only 104.72 Calories. Its low sodium and high potassium content add to its appeal as a health fruit. Some of the pomegranate nutrients for 100 grams of deseeded pomegranate are given below.

Carbohydrates – 18.7 g
Dietary fiber – 4.0 g
Folate – mcg
Vitamin – 10 mg
Potassium – 236 mg

The nutrients in pomegranate juice that is bottled and sold in supermarkets differs greatly from homemade juice. Bottled pomegranate juice generally has a higher sugar and sodium content but lower quantities of the other minerals and vitamins.

Calories In Pomegranate

The calories in pomegranate seeds add up to only 9 per tablespoon whereas the calories in pomegranate juice score at 150 in an 8oz drink. Pomegranate juice in its pure form is a much healthier breakfast option than high caffeine beverages. Pomegranate juice is even used in martinis and cocktails. The calorie content in a pomegranate martini is only 265 per 4 oz. Pomegranate vodka calorie facts rank it higher than its unflavored counterpart in taste and lower in calories at just 69 calories per 4oz.

The calories in pomegranate applesauce are a measly 50 per serving and this fruit is a very popular ingredient in some types of cuisine. You can include pomegranate juice as part of a low-calorie salad dressing as there are just 40 calories in a pomegranate vinaigrette tablespoon.

Side Effects Of Pomegranate

Pomegranates may have several therapeutic properties but there are also certain side effects associated with this condition; although this is a very rare occurrence. Some are mild and are the natural response of the body to the excessive intake of this fruit. Consuming large amounts of this fruit within a short span can cause gastrointestinal distress and this will inevitably manifest as diarrhea and vomiting. It could also cause nausea and dizziness. The intensity of these symptoms may be very mild or very extreme and they can last for just a few minutes or they may affect the individual for hours.

In the form of an herbal supplement, the pomegranate’s effects on the body are inferior as compared to consuming the fresh fruit. Pregnant women or those who are breast feeding may be advised to refrain from all types of pomegranate supplements. There are also several side effects of pomegranate that are related to the consumption of the pomegranate peel. The dried peel of the pomegranate contains certain compounds that could aggravate certain types of cancer and so it is important that you do not consume any part of the peel. The root and the stem of the plant also contain compounds that are injurious to health. There are several pomegranate home remedies for tapeworms and if you are following any such treatment method you will need to restrict your intake of fats or oils.

There are also some pomegranate health risks with respect to drug interaction, especially if you take a pomegranate supplement and not the fruit. People who are on medications for blood pressure problems need to avoid these supplements as there could be a possible interaction with these drugs wherein it could cause blood pressure levels to fall drastically or work against trying to raise it.

Dangers of pomegranate juice lie in the fact that it can interact with certain types of medication. The occasional fruit is not likely to interact with medications but prolonged consumption or even a one-time excessive consumption of pomegranate supplements or pomegranate juice can cause a negative reaction. Discuss possible drug interactions with your doctor before you include any pomegranate product in your daily diet plan.

Submitted on January 16, 2014