The Health Benefits of Pomegranate
In some cultures, pomegranates are considered the fruit of heaven on earth, and possibly even the original forbidden fruit in the garden of Eden. The health benefits of pomegranate are countless.
The pomegranate plant is scientifically known as Punica granatum, and every part of the plant- the flowers, bark, fruit juice, peel, and arils- have tested positively for antibacterial “activities.” While the skin is inedible, what lies beneath are up to 1,400 small seeds surrounded in a juicy, sweet coating, called arils.
Just one cup of arils contains a substantial amount of fiber, protein, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and potassium. Pomegranate juice is ubiquitous in Mediterranean countries, and this nutrient-dense super fruit is believed to possess medicinal properties that treat various health issues.
The Heavenly Health Benefits Of Pomegranate:
Strong medicinal properties
In particular, two unique components within the Pomegranate are densest with the fruit’s mighty health benefits.
Punicalagins: Punicalagins are fierce antioxidants located in the juice and the peel of a pomegranate. They contain three times more antioxidants than red wine and green tea. Pomegranate extract, supplements, and powders are commonly produced from the peel alone and are taken to detox the body of free radicals, reduce plaque in blood vessels, and lower cholesterol.
Punicic Acid: The primary fatty acid in the arils is punicic acid, an omega-5 polyunsaturated fatty acid that is also found to have cancer-fighting properties. Additionally, punicic acid promotes heart health, repairs skin damage, increases immunity and memory, promotes healthy hair and weight loss, and is a natural arthritis treatment. On top of all that, punicic acid is a natural aphrodisiac. Ooh, la la!
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Chronic inflammation is one of the main drivers of many serious diseases, such as lung disease, artery disease and stroke, diabetes type 2, Alzheimer’s disease, and even obesity. Pomegranates have strong anti-inflammatory effects thanks to punicalagin’s miracle-working antioxidants.
Helps lower blood pressure
High blood pressure is one of the main contributing factors for heart attacks and strokes. Studies show that drinking at least 150ml of pomegranate juice for two weeks daily results in a significant decrease in blood pressure. Similar studies have revealed that consuming pomegranate arils regularly drastically reduces systolic blood pressure, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and arterial plaque buildup.
Delicious ways to use Pomegranate
Pomegranates can be eaten for dessert, to add flavor to salad dressings, or to add a healthy touch to a favorite cocktail. There are innumerable ways to optimize your holiday recipes with healthy and sweet pomegranate. Take this delicious Apple Pomegranate Bread, for example.
Did we mention that pomegranates are natural aphrodisiacs? If that’s the kind of flavor you’re looking for, you might love this recipe too:
Pomegranate Margarita: Combine lemon, vodka, a pinch of cinnamon sugar, and freshly squeezed pomegranate arils for a margarita that requires no blender, just lots of love!
Texas boasts great conditions for pomegranate trees to grow, particularly in the south, central, and southeast Texas. With the RipeNearMe app, “urban foragers” can locate pomegranate trees growing nearby, or list their pomegranate trees for other urban foragers to enjoy. One can’t help but feel young when the ruby-colored juice stains their shirt. Perhaps pomegranates really do contain the elixir for eternal life!
